“I'm a big fan of Rab products, particularly their clothing, and already own a number of Rab jackets and vests for different occasions and environments. I've been considering buying this jacket for a year or more, as I wanted the waterproof properties in combination with the down insulation. The Valiance is one of only two or three quality jackets on the market that offer this combination. I've just returned from a European Winter and this jacket has surpassed my expectations. At around zero degrees C all I needed underneath this was a t-shirt or thin fleece layer. It hasn't been challenged by much rain yet, but I have another Rab jacket that uses the same outer fabric, so I have no concerns. Insulation around the cuffs and hood, where water ingress is potentially more likely, is artificial which makes sense. Don't expect this to pack down anywhere near as small as their other down jackets, and it doesn't come with a stuff sack (or pocket) for this reason, but it's still lightweight and compresses reasonable well. If it helps with sizing, I am slim build, 185cm tall, 32" waist, 42" chest, and the large fits me perfectly. Great service from Tom's Outdoors as usual, and the sale price was far better than I could get elsewhere online, or in Europe, including the UK.”
