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Waterproof warmth for proper winter conditions
Rab says:
Crafted for everyday outdoor use throughout the coldest months, this waterproof down jacket combines Pertex® Shield fabric and 700FP down to keep you warm and dry in wild weather. With a re-engineered construction, it's now more repairable than ever.
Our Verdict
The Women’s Valiance combines 191g of 700FP hydrophobic down with a fully waterproof 40D Pertex Shield outer, making it a much more protective option than a conventional down jacket. For 2026, Rab has also doubled the waterproof and breathability ratings to 20,000mm and 20,000g/m²/24hrs.
At 798g (UK 12), it is still a substantial jacket. I like the close-fitting neck baffle and soft internal cuffs, which help seal in warmth, while the dropped hem adds useful coverage across the lower back.
For me, it feels like a proper cold-weather waterproof with built-in insulation, rather than a down jacket that simply offers a bit of extra weather protection.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 2-layer Pertex® Shield for added protection in unpredictable weather
- Stitch-through baffle construction for increased down loft and optimised heat retention
- 2-point hood, perfect for less extreme conditions or when every gram matters
- Close-fitting neck baffle to seal in the warmth and reduce draught
- YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zip with insulated zip baffle
- 2 YKK® zipped hand pockets
- 1 internal zipped pocket
- Internal soft stretch cuffs seal in the warmth
- Dual-sided rear adjustment and dropped hem improves warmth on lower back
Specifications
- XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 735g
- Small (UK 10) weighs: 751g
- Medium (UK 12) weighs: 798g
- Large (UK 14) weighs: 839g
- HH: 20,000mm
- MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
- Fit: Regular
- Centre back length (Size 10): 74.5cm
Material & Construction
- 40D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer construction waterproof technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (104g/m²)
- Main Insulation: 700FP recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish (191g/6.7oz, Size 10)
- 100% Polyamide Woven Laminated Insulated Jacket Womens
Help & advice:
- Rab Down Jacket Warmth Guide
- How to Wash and Care for Your Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag
- Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
- Time-Saver Guide to PFC Free
- About Rab
- Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
- MVTR Breathability
- Hydrostatic Head
- Down Quality
- All About Down
- Hydrophobic Down
- Responsible Down Standard
- Ethical Down
- Rab Sustainability and Responsibility
- What is PERTEX Shield?
