Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket vs The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket
The Rab Microlight Alpine is the better buy for most shoppers: it costs $221.25 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, versus $322.50 at Backcountry.com for the Breithorn. The Breithorn has the warmer, higher-spec fill (800 vs 700) and a slimmer alpine cut, so it earns its price only for climbers who want maximum warmth per ounce. For general cold-weather wear, the Rab saves about $100 and adds a hood.
Today the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket costs $79.75 less at its best price.
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Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Choose the Rab Microlight Alpine if you want a hooded, packable down jacket at a lower price and don't need summit-grade warmth.
- Hood adds warmth for the head and neck at no extra cost.
- About $100 cheaper than the Breithorn.
- Longer body length (29.13 in) covers more of the hips.
- Hydrophobic down dries faster if it gets damp.
- Pertex Quantum shell is wind resistant and breathable.
What separates them
| Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket | The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fill power | 700-fill RDS-certified hydrophobic down | 800-fill ProDown with water repellency |
| Claimed weight | 456 g (15.09 oz) | 425 g (15 oz) |
| Hood | Adjustable pack-away hood included | No hood |
| Center back length | 29.13 in | 27.25 in |
| Fit | Regular | Slim |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | Chest and hand pockets, stows in left hand pocket |
| Cuffs | Standard | Stretch-knit cuffs |
| Price | $221.25 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 |
Price history
- Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket: lowest $205.17 on Nov 4 at ScandinavianOutdoor.com.
- The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket: lowest $301.00 on Nov 4 at Steep & Cheap.
Prices at every store
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
- Telemark PyreneesNew
In stock
$246.10+ $27.46 shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - ScandinavianOutdoor.comNew
In stock
$205.17+ $72.00 shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - ! OutdoorXL.comNew
In stock
$249.95+ $67.95 shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$221.25Free shippingObserved at 10:04 AM
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket
- Steep & CheapNew
In stock
$301.00Free shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - Backcountry.comNew
Availability unknown
$322.50Free shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - REINew
Availability unknown
$430.00Free shippingObserved at 10:04 AM - DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew
Availability unknown
$430.00+ $9.99 shippingObserved at 10:04 AM
Specs compared
| Spec | Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket | The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | 700-fill RDS-certified down, Grangers hydrophob… | 800 fill ProDown™ with water repellency |
| Center Back Length | 29.13in | 27.25'' |
| Fit | regular | Slim fit |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | Chest pocket and hand pockets with exposed, wat… |
| Fill Power | 700 | — |
| Outer Fabric | Pertex® Quantum | — |
| Down Treatment | hydrophobic | — |
| Fill Weight | 5.3oz | — |
| Claimed Weight | 15.09oz | — |
| Hood | adjustable, pack-away |
What reviewers say
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Owners rate the Microlight Alpine as a reliable, packable down layer for cold and wet mountain days. Most praise the warmth-to-weight ratio and the hydrophobic down, while some find the fit trim and the shell thin for rough use.
- Warm for its weight
- Down stays dry in damp weather
- Packs small into a pack
- Hood and pockets work well with a harness
- Fit is snug through the chest and shoulders
- Shell fabric feels delicate
- Not warm enough for standing around in winter
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket
Owners of the Breithorn line generally rate it highly as a warm, packable alpine layer. Complaints center on the slim cut and the price.
Questions and answers
- Which is warmer, the Rab Microlight Alpine or the Breithorn?
- The Breithorn is warmer for its weight because of its 800-fill down. The Rab uses 700-fill down but has a hood and a longer body, which helps overall warmth in everyday cold.
- Is the Breithorn worth the extra $100?
- Only if you climb or move fast and want the best warmth-to-weight in a slim cut. For town and trail use, the Rab at $221.25 covers more of you for less money.
- Which one has a hood?
- The Rab Microlight Alpine has an adjustable pack-away hood. The Breithorn has no hood.
- Which packs down smaller?
- The Breithorn stows in its left hand pocket and weighs 425 g. The Rab weighs 456 g and packs into its own pocket or stuff sack.
- Which fits better under a climbing shell?
- The Breithorn's slim fit and stretch-knit cuffs layer cleanly under a shell. The Rab's regular fit leaves more room for a midlayer but is bulkier underneath.
- Do both handle wet weather?
- Both use water-repellent down and a DWR-treated shell, so light rain and snow are fine. Neither is a waterproof jacket; wear a shell in steady rain.