UKC

Rab photon hoodie versus Generator Alpine

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 Scarab 02 Jul 2010
Looking for a synthetic belay jacket for alps and scottis winter and cant see much of a difference between the RAB Generator Alpine and the Photon Hoodie.

http://www.rab.uk.com/clothing/primaloft/photon_hoodie---87/
http://www.rab.uk.com/clothing/primaloft/generator_alpine---148/

Both are the exact same weight and have the exact same amount of primaloft.

One is primaloft sport and one is primaloft one. The differences are minimal IMHO.

Any opinions on the difference?
 TobyA 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Scarab: UKC explains everything you need to know: http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=2685
 TobyA 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Scarab: I dug out the email from Neil at RAB when I asked him exactly that question. He wrote:
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The Photon / Generator Alpine contrast is as follows:

Generator Alpine: Pertex Endurance (coated) shell, 100g Primaloft 1 (silicon treated water resist primaloft) insulation, helmet compatible hood.

Photon Jacket: Petex Microlight shell (ie not coated), 133g Primaloft Sport insulation, standard hood.

Thus the Gen Alp is more of a lightweight belay jacket with water resist outer shell and siliconised primaloft, whereas the Photon is slightly warmer, not as water resistant, but more breathable if you were actually moving around in it.

The Photon is also better priced at £110 as opposed to the Gen Alp at £140. Basically I would use the Gen Alp on the Ben and the Photon knocking around on Grit.
********************************************

I would add that I found the Photon hood goes very well over a helmet and I'm perfectly happy using it as a belay jacket.
 Solaris 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Scarab:

It might be worth checking out the Montane Prism.
OP Scarab 02 Jul 2010
Toby you made my day!

Gen alpine it is, I shall say that I have both in my hand as we speak. The photon hoodie felt warmer and the hood was helmet comp too!

Brilliant
In reply to Solaris:

I've had Montane Prism for couple of years, hood doesn't fit over helmet, for warmth versus bulk, would rather use Puffball vest or similar.

Wouldn't recommend Prism for duvet, by any standards!!!

Stuart
 Lhod 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Scarab:

I was pondering over the same choice a few months ago, though I ended up finding the old version photon hoodie reduced to £65 so went for that. It has been outstanding so far, very warm, fits over a helmet well, no problems with light rain.

I was also heavily considering the ME fitzroy jacket (http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/clothing/insulation/fitzroy_ja... which seems very similar to the GA - very much worth a look, though I think it's a shade more expensive.

 Solaris 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Stuart the postie:
I'm thinking of the "new" Prism. I find it fine with a helmet and a vest wouldn't be warm enough for me as a belay jacket. As it is, the Prism is OK for the alps in summer but I'd want something with more insulation for a long wait in Scottish winter. But each to their own.
Removed User 02 Jul 2010
In reply to Scarab:

I use the photon hoodie in both Alps and Scotland. Lovely kit, lightweight and warm 'enough'. Usually...

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