I always reach for the Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket for spring walks - it combines warmth and shower proofing without making me sweat

If you're planning on getting outdoors more now that the days are longer, a good down jacket is a must-have to protect you against the chill, and the Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket is my absolute favourite. It has easily earned a top spot among the best down jackets for women, thanks to its stylish protection.

As an avid hiker and outdoors writer, I've tested more than my fair share of down jackets over the years. Whether I'm just popping out for a woodland stroll in my best walking shoes, heading for a summit with my walking poles, or even taking a weekend trip, I always have a down jacket packed as a priority.

The Microlight Alpine is usually the first one I reach for, thanks to its reliable protection against the elements, versatility and its undeniable good looks. I've taken this jacket all over the world, from the Swiss Alps and Yosemite to the Himalayas, and worn it in every season - and I can't find anything not to love.

Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket review

Specifications

• Size range: 6 - 20
• Fit: Regular/athletic
• Materials: Pertex Quantum shell with 700 fill power recycled hydrophobic down
• Hood: Yes
• Pockets: Two hand pockets, one chest pocket, all zipped

How does the Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket look and feel?

Not all down jackets fill me with joy, especially those of the big and bulky variety, but when I first got this jacket a year ago, I think I fell slightly in love with it.

It's on the lighter side for a down jacket, so it doesn't make me look like the Michelin Man, and the cut is quite flattering without making it difficult to wear over a fleece if it's really cold out. And even though I've tested it out in lots of mountain environments, I wear it around town all the time too.

It's got a slightly dropped tail, which keeps my bum warm and is more flattering, plus a drawcord to cinch it tighter, though I find it fits well enough that I don't need it.

The collar has a nice soft chin guard to protect my skin when it’s fully zipped, and elasticated cuffs seal out cold drafts even when I'm wearing gloves. The raglan-style sleeves help with movement, so even when it's all zipped up and cinched, I can easily get my backpack on or reach up to help my stepdaughter clamber down from a tree.

It's got two deep zipped hand warmer pockets plus an extra chest pocket for my phone, which is a feature I use all the time and means I don't need to carry a backpack if I'm just going for a short stroll. Finally, it's made using 90% recycled content for a lighter footprint on the planet, which is really important to me.

What is the Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket like to wear?

This jacket might have had me at hello because it's so good-looking, but I can honestly say I’ve put it through its paces, and it performs as well as it postures.

If you're in the market for a down jacket, the key thing you want is warmth, and thanks to high-quality down and the longer back panel, it's delivered that for me everywhere from exposed summits in the Scottish Highlands to the ski slopes of Colorado.

The shell material is also windproof, which adds to its cosy capabilities, but I've found that once I start moving, I don't get too sweaty while wearing it in cooler weather.

Typically, the main argument against down for wetter climates is that it doesn’t keep you warm once it gets wet, which can make it a poor choice in the UK. Rab has cleverly offset that issue by using a water-resistant down and making the outer fabric water-repellent.

I'm not saying this jacket should take the place of an actual rain jacket for your weekend walks, but if you do find yourself caught in a light shower, you'll stay warm and dry.

I really love the peaked hood, which means I don't always have to wear a hat, as it keeps the rain off my face.

The only hair I can find to split is that this jacket does leak a little down from time to time, but that’s par for the course with down products and in no way would stop me from buying it again.

The w&h verdict

If you want a really good down jacket that can actually protect you against the elements, but isn't bulky and looks really nice on, well, that's a tall order. I can honestly say that this one fits the bill.