We’ve read the reviews across the web for the RAB Xenon X Insulated Jacket and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 87 (out of 100) 
User Rating: 4.4 stars
Expert Rating: 4.3 stars
Number of Ratings Reviewed: 71

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

• Very warm and pretty lightweight.
• Packs down small.
• Less stitching than the Nano Puff which means it is more durable and warmer.
• Hood looks funny but is nice and snug and warm.
• Outer layer is durable and doesn’t tear easily.

Expert Reviews

• This jacket epitomizes fast and light.
• Minimal stitching allows for greater loft from the insulation.
• Best wind resistance of jackets in this class.
• One of the warmest jackets in this class.
• Incredible weight-to-warmth ratio.
• Easy to pack into itself.
• Other than high energy activities that require a lot of breathability, this jacket does it all.
• Incredibly cozy to wear.
• Well thought-out zipper placement.
• Pockets have soft insulation all around the inside.
• The size of the jacket stuffed into its own pocket actually allows it to be a decent backpacking pillow.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

• Rab customer service is poor compared to Patagonia or Arcteryx.
• It has a weird fit.
• The zipper is on the opposite side from what most Americans are used to.
• Doesn’t breath as well as some competitors.
• Arm holes (at the shoulder) are too small.
• Colors aren’t true to their names.

Expert Reviews

• Doesn’t breathe very well.
• Brighter colors have a bit of a shiny look to them.
• The zipper being on the other side is annoying.

Summary:

The RAB Xenon X Insulated Jacket is warm, weather resistant, and comfortable. It trades a lack of breathability for superior insulation. This jacket is a terrific mid-layer option that can even fill-in occasionally as an outer layer.

Multimedia:

Note: User rankings were reviewed across the web and expert rankings were reviewed on outdoorgearlab, backpackers.