Rab are at the forefront of practical, technically advanced outdoors gear, and in the Valiance Jacket they’ve released one of the most impressive and effective heavy-duty winter options on the market right now.

It’s a jacket that’s not completely unlike a down sleeping bag with arms on each side. It’s that snug. And it’s also completely waterproof as well – something you don’t see very often with down jackets.

The outer shell is made from a durable Pertex Shield which uses a PU laminate along with taped seams to provide full rain protection. Underneath there’s a high-quality 800 fill power goose down which has a Nikwax hydrophobic treatment. This means that if by some chance any moisture is able to get through the waterproof outer shell, there’ll be no loft lost, and the jacket will keep on insulating.

“Rab have become renowned over the past 30+ years for making outdoor gear at the top end of the market, and the Rab Valiance is a shining example of their credentials.”

This down doesn’t extend into the helmet however. Instead, Rab have opted to use a synthetic insulation, which interestingly, is called Pyrotec.

The hood itself is helmet compatible and it has a useful wire-stiffened peak also. Other features worth noting are the Velcro adjustable cuffs, and the handwarmer pockets that have YKK zip closures. These pockets are both easily big enough for any of the usual essentials, so you won’t have problems with storage or access to your pockets even if you’ve got heavy duty gloves on your hands.

The Valiance comes with a stuff sack as well, so you can compress it down and tuck it neatly away in your backpack when you’re not using it.