We defy anyone who tries this jacket on to leave the shop without it. There are some jackets that just make you smile when you put them on. Rab’s fantastic Alpha Direct is one of them. This jacket is just so warm, so cosy and so lovely, it’s hard to take it off.

As well as being comfortable, this jacket is also massively versatile. It is designed to be a midlayer when it’s really cold, but also acts really well as an outer layer thanks to its water resistant material.

“We defy anyone who tries this jacket on to leave the shop without it.”

Part of its instant appeal is the amazing interior fabric, best described as “really fluffy”. It’s a version of Polartec’s Alpha, an insulating material that traps the heat and makes it really warm. But it’s also breathable and that was the starting point for the designers of this jacket: To balance the breathability and warmth.

A great insulated jacket strikes the balance between regulating temperature when you’re moving but also when you’re standing still. Alpha does this amazingly well.