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Rab Kinetic 2.0 Review

A genre-bending layer that offers excellent water resistance in a relatively breathable package
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Rab Kinetic 2.0 Review
Credit: Zach Lovell
Price:  $260 List
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Manufacturer:   Rab
By Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter  ⋅  Nov 12, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 14
  • Weather Protection - 30% 9.0
  • Breathability - 30% 7.5
  • Mobility - 25% 7.5
  • Weight - 10% 8.3
  • Versatility - 5% 7.5

Our Verdict

The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is a softshell jacket that offers excellent wet weather protection while maintaining the breathability and mobility needed for outdoor adventure sports. Throughout testing, we were impressed with the latest and greatest version of the Kinetic, improving upon past versions' fabric breathability. Typically, there must be a tradeoff between water resistance and breathability, but this option breaks the rules, proving you can sometimes have it all. We did experience some minor fabric bunching around the abdomen and wrists, but it didn't get in the way of our activities. We wish Rab had included a chest pocket on the Kinetic 2.0, but overall, this is an incredible softshell for water protection and ventilation. Just don't forget the hardshell if you're expecting significant precipitation. Check out how it compares to the competition in our article on the best softshell jackets.
REASONS TO BUY
Great water resistance
Effective mobility
Decent breathability for its weather resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks a chest pocket
Some fabric bunching
Small hood
What's the difference between the Kinetic 2.0 and Kinetic Alpine 2.0?
We've tested both models. The Kinetic 2.0 is around three ounces lighter than the Kinetic Alpine 2.0, which is a shell designed for mountain adventures that are featured in our rain jacket review. The Kinetic 2.0 is also stretchier, and its hood is designed to go underneath a helmet, while the Alpine 2.0's hood fits over a helmet. The Alpine 2.0 has a 2-way zipper and reinforced fabric on high-use areas like shoulders and arms, while the Kinetic 2.0 does not. Both jackets can be used on adventurous pursuits, but consider your needs when shopping to decide which might be better for you.

Compare to Similar Products

 
rab kinetic 2.0
This Product
Rab Kinetic 2.0
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Wet Weather
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Softshell Jacket
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Cold Weather
Best Buy Award
Best Buy on a Tight Budget
Price $260.00 at Amazon
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$300 List
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Bottom Line This softshell jacket is both water-resistant and breathable, a rare combination in the world of weather-protective garmentsAn all-around softshell jacket that is at home in the mountains but looks good in town as wellA well-made, lightweight softshell that prioritizes breathability above all elseA heavier-weight softshell that offers a surprising amount of breathability, given its warmthA casual softshell jacket that offers warmth at a very accessible price
Rating Categories Rab Kinetic 2.0 Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Rab Borealis Patagonia R2 TechFa... Amazon Essentials W...
Weather Protection (30%)
9.0
9.0
5.0
9.5
5.0
Breathability (30%)
7.5
8.5
9.5
6.5
5.5
Mobility (25%)
7.5
7.5
9.0
8.0
6.0
Weight (10%)
8.3
6.9
8.8
6.9
5.3
Versatility (5%)
7.5
8.5
8.0
6.5
5.5
Specs Rab Kinetic 2.0 Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Rab Borealis Patagonia R2 TechFa... Amazon Essentials W...
Measured Weight (Size) 11.6 oz (medium) 17.3 oz (small) 9.7 oz (medium) 17.5 oz (medium) 24.1 oz (medium)
Number of Pockets 2 exterior hand zip 2 exterior hand zip, 1 interior chest zip 2 exterior chest zip 2 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip, 2 interior drop-in 1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip
Breathability Test (In-Use Absorption) 30 sq in 26 sq in 18 sq in 35 sq in 47 sq in
Warmth Test 29.25 min 26.01 min 21.55 min 30.25 min 43.82 min
Water Retention Test (1-Min Soak) 10 sq in 39 sq in 340 sq in 4 sq in 332 sq in
Drying Test 4.22 min 7.97 min 6.08 min 36.17 min 41.17 min
Fabric Weight Class Midweight Midweight Lightweight Heavyweight Heavyweight
Material Proflex: recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer Wee Burly (56% nylon, 34% polyester, 10% elastane) with Arc'teryx Nu DWR treatment Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6, 15% elastane) with DWR 7.9-oz 92% recycled polyester/8% spandex stretch double weave with DWR finish 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Insulated No No No Yes Yes
Hood Yes, under helmet with rear hood adjustment Yes, helmet compatible, adjustable StormHood Yes, under helmet with Lycra binding Yes, under helmet with elastic binding No
Unique Features Breathable water resistance, relaxed fit, adjustability Athletic slim fit, large over-helmet hood, all-arounder performance Chest pockets become ventilation, packs inside chest pocket Fleece-lined inner, tailored under-helmet hood Top-tier heat retention
Layering Capabilities Can be layered over or under other layers Best worn under other layers Can be layered over or under other layers Can be layered over or under other layers Can be layered over or under other layers
Adjustable Cuffs (Material) Yes (Velcro cuffs) No (stretch cuffs) No (fixed elastic cuffs) No (fixed elastic cuffs) Yes (Velcro cuffs)
Available Sizes S - 2XL XS - 2XL XS - 2XL XS - 2XL XS - 5XL

Our Analysis and Test Results

We spent weeks in this jacket across multiple mountain ranges to assess its fit, comfort, and performance. We climbed athletic rock routes in cool spring conditions and backpacked through afternoon thunderstorms to see how it would hold up. We also tested it thoroughly in our at-home shower tests to collect in-depth data on its waterproofing. The Kinetic 2.0 is a well-rounded jacket that boasts excellent breathability when considering what it delivers for weather protection.

Performance Comparison


rab kinetic 2.0 - we pushed the kinetic 2.0 for weeks on end, from multi-day alpine...
We pushed the Kinetic 2.0 for weeks on end, from multi-day alpine climbing trips to day hikes.
Credit: Zach Lovell

Weather Protection


We weighed weather protection at 30% of the total score for every softshell jacket we tested. On the Kinetic 2.0, we tested this metric in a couple of ways. First, we wore it for several weeks in the field, using it on everything from multi-day backpacking trips to rock climbing afternoons. Second, we stood under a shower for a full minute to asses the water protection it delivered. At the one-minute mark, we measured the surface area of any wet spots that appeared on the layer we wore underneath. We also sized up how long it took to dry. How? We soaked a one-foot by one-foot section of the Kinetic and then set about drying it with a hair dryer on the no-heat setting. We then took careful note of the time required to return the soaked section to its dry state. Finally, we looked at the jacket's heat retention by measuring the time it took for a water bottle filled with boiling water to dip below 170 degrees Fahrenheit while tucked inside the Kinetic 2.0. After all tests were complete, this softshell came in at the top of the lineup for weather protection.


Rab's Proflex fabric is very water resistant, has taped seams, and keeps water out for a much longer time than most of the lineup, although the fabric wets out quicker than a hardshell with a 3-layer waterproof fabric such as Gore-Tex. Adjustable cuff closures seal out cold drafts around wrists and allow for gloves. The Kinetic is also equipped with a hood featuring a stretchy elastic gasket that gives it an extra effective seal and a single-point rear adjustment — this is an improvement over the Kinetic 1.0, which only featured a small velcro tab for adjusting the hood sizing. This hood is designed to be used underneath a helmet, which is less ideal for weather protection, especially considering this garment focuses on water resistance. Overall, this is the Kinetic 2.0's strongest metric and should be heavily considered if you're seeking a softshell that offers decent protection from the elements.

This option did very well in our shower and field testing relative to weather protection.
Credit: Zach Lovell

Breathability


Breathability is one of the most significant reasons to wear a softshell over other types of jackets, so we gave this metric 30% of the total score of the Kinetic 2.0. We tested this metric firstly by spending weeks in the field enjoying high-output activities and taking detailed notes on breathability along the way. To be more objective, we then performed a 45-minute cardio circuit with each layer, after which we measured the surface area of the underlayer's sweat spots. When considering the Kinetic's weather resistance, it scored well in this metric.


We have long joked about hardshell jackets being advertised as “waterproof/breathable” because, in reality, you can typically only choose one. Not so with the Rab Kinetic 2.0. While the water resistance offered by the Proflex is not of the same level as what you might get out of a dedicated hardshell, the breathability that you get is quite good. It helps that this jacket is thin and unlined, so moisture can more easily pass through the fabric's membrane. Worn over a light baselayer, even during aerobic activity, we did not overheat.

rab kinetic 2.0 - we had no issues with the kinetic 2.0's breathability while on long...
We had no issues with the Kinetic 2.0's breathability while on long alpine climbs.
Credit: Zach Lovell

The light texturing inside the jacket provides softness such that during exercise, you don't get the clammy feeling that often accompanies a hardshell outer layer. Some users have complained about the lack of pit zips, which are quite a common feature on hardshell jackets to provide an escape for heat and perspiration. However, we found that the Kinetic 2.0 breathed well enough on its own. If unzipping the front zipper by several inches did not do the trick to dump heat, then we were probably moving too fast for a softshell jacket to keep up anyway, and a lighter-weight layer like a windshirt might be more appropriate.

Mobility


We gave mobility 25% of the total score of the Kinetic 2.0. We examined each softshell's mobility by spending several weeks in the field, noting any restriction in movement or excess fabric bunching. We also performed the exact same movements in each jacket, specifically noting where tightness was experienced and how much waistline lift there was. This jacket did very well in this metric.


One of the things that always makes true hardshell jackets feel clumsy and uncomfortable is their diminished mobility. Even when they are supposedly stretch-woven, it still feels like you have to make sure the sizing allows for freedom of movement since you probably won't gain much from the stretch of the fabric alone. That is what makes the Rab Kinetic 2.0 so appealing. You get the benefit of waterproof fabric but don't have to give up the flexibility that a softshell offers. We could not tell the difference in mobility between a similar midweight softshell jacket and this one when it came to running, jumping, hiking, climbing, reaching, or stretching.

We didn't experience any movement restrictions with the Rab Kinetic 2.0.
Credit: Zach Lovell

Weight


We gave weight 10% of the total score of the Kinetic 2.0. We simply weighed each option and compared our findings. This jacket came in towards the top, meaning it weighed less than most — darn impressive, given its excellent performance otherwise.


With a verified weight of 11.05 ounces in a men's size medium, the Rab Kinetic 2.0 offers excellent performance for its weight. Sure, there are jackets that we have reviewed here that shave several ounces off, but for its weather protection alone, we cannot argue with the fact that Rab has made a top-tier hybrid jacket at a previously unheard-of weight.

rab kinetic 2.0 - at 11.05 oz (the retainer strap we used weighs .05 oz) the rab...
At 11.05 oz (the retainer strap we used weighs .05 oz) The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is very lightweight when considering its weather protection.
Credit: Zach Lovell

Versatility


We gave versatility 5% of the total score of the Kinetic 2.0. We tested this metric by examining the variety of potential uses of each softshell and also trying to layer under or over each option. This model scored fairly well in this metric.


Considering the Rab Kinetic 2.0 is like getting two jackets in one, with one offering excellent wet weather protection and the other giving you top-notch mobility and breathability for high-output activities, we feel like this is quite a versatile jacket. It didn't offer as much breathability as some other options, making it less ideal for warm-weather activities, but it delivered well in all other metrics for a standout final package.

rab kinetic 2.0 - designed to be worn under the helmet, some might not like the small...
Designed to be worn under the helmet, some might not like the small size of the hood - we didn't.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Should You Buy the Rab Kinetic 2.0?


We feel that this jacket is not just good, but a great value. You get a softshell jacket with better water resistance than the competition. For the price, we heartily recommend it. Hybrid products can often leave us wanting, and sacrifices are made to give more attention to one aspect of the combination than the other. But once in a blue moon, something like the Rab Kinetic 2.0 comes along and delivers on both promises, being both water resistant and breathable.

What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?


If weight and packability are a priority, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer is lighter and packs smaller than the Kinetic 2.0, though it isn't as weather resistant. If you're looking for a water-resistant layer that's better for breathability, the Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody is worth taking a look at.

Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter