Rab Nexus Jacket Review

Overview

The Rab Nexus Jacket is a thin, stretchy full-zip fleece built from Thermic™ G fabric, aimed at hikers, climbers and scramblers who want a midlayer that can also work as a standalone top. At 320 g it is light for a full-zip fleece with zippered pockets, and it moves heat better than it traps it. The trade-off is a slim cut and short body that owners say needs attention when choosing a size.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	320 g (11.3 oz)
Fabric	Thermic™ G stretch fleece, 94% recycled polyester / 6% elastane
Fabric weight	178 gsm
Fit	Regular (owners describe it as slim to athletic)
Zipper	YKK® VISLON® full-zip
Pockets	2 zipped, mesh-lined hand pockets
Category	Mid layer

Performance

Warmth and breathability. At 178 gsm, the Nexus is a light fleece, and it behaves like one. Owners describe a jacket that feels featherweight in the hand but warms up quickly once it’s on. One UK retailer’s reviewer calls it a go-to trail fleece because it vents quickly under exertion while still holding a useful amount of warmth. Thermic™ G’s grid-style face moves moisture off the skin, and owners report that it dries fast, which matters on a sweaty climb or after a wet scramble.

Temperature range. Buyers agree on the broad outline. In the 40–60°F range, one Backcountry reviewer wears it as a primary layer. Below that, its thin build suits it to sitting under a shell. A separate owner who bought it as a lighter alternative to a Patagonia R1 calls it a good midlayer from roughly 5 to 35°F. That owner still adds more insulation over it on the coldest days before putting on a shell. Another buyer picked it up as an extra layer for a Kilimanjaro trip and reported that it stayed warm in very cold northeastern weather. That’s a fair summary: a three-season fleece that stretches into winter when stacked.

Mobility. The 6% elastane gives the fabric real give. A reviewer who tested the hooded version of the Nexus said it accommodates larger arms and chests without binding, and it layers under a hardshell without bunching. Pack straps and harnesses are not a problem for a fabric this thin.

Fit and length. This is where owners push back. Rab labels the cut regular, but buyers consistently call it slim, and the advice repeated across reviews is to size up if between sizes. One owner who wears a Medium at 5’9½” and 191 lb calls the fit “very athletic” but says it works well. Length is the other complaint. The listed center back length is 27.2 inches, and a 6-footer-plus buyer says even 30 inches would make it more versatile. If a hiker is long in the torso, the hem will ride up under a pack belt.

Pockets and zip. The YKK VISLON zip runs smoothly, and a UK tester notes it stays easy to work with gloves on. The two zipped hand pockets are a useful extra on a fleece this light, but one owner found them placed higher than ideal. The same owner flagged that the mesh-lined construction looks better suited to venting than carrying, and warned that sharp items like keys could pierce it. It’s a minor concern that comes up only once, but it means anything pointy shouldn’t ride in those pockets.

Durability. The Nexus line has a reputation for holding up. The related Nexus Pull-On drew a note about some pilling after 18 months of heavy use, which is typical for a light fleece and worth expecting here too. Buyers also say the jacket is easy to wear for days at a time, and the quick-drying face means it handles a trip’s worth of spills and sweat.

Price. One reviewer’s only real complaint, aside from the pocket quirk, was cost. The jacket is a frequent sale item at US retailers, and reviewers who bought it on sale rate it much more kindly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 320 g with a full zip and two zipped pockets
• Stretchy, quick-drying Thermic™ G fabric that vents well on climbs
• Works as a standalone top in mild weather and layers cleanly under a shell
• Smooth YKK VISLON zip
• Made from recycled polyester

Cons

• Slim cut despite the “regular” label; owners advise sizing up between sizes
• Short body, with a listed back length of 27.2 inches
• Mesh-lined pockets sit high and aren’t ideal for sharp items
• Too thin to be the only insulation in cold weather
• Full price is steep for a light fleece; it’s better value on sale

Who Should Buy This

The Nexus suits hikers, scramblers and climbers who run warm and want one fleece for shoulder-season days and for stacking under a shell in winter. It’s a good pick for anyone who values breathability and a low weight over bulk. Taller or longer-torsoed people, or anyone who wants a relaxed fit for layering over a base layer plus a mid-weight shirt, should try it on first or size up. Cold-sleeping, cold-hiking people who want a warmer standalone jacket should look at a heavier fleece or a synthetic insulated jacket instead.

Verdict

The Rab Nexus Jacket does the job of a light fleece well: it’s breathable, stretchy and warm for its weight. Buy it on sale if the slim cut and 27-inch back suit your frame. Skip it if you need length, a roomy fit, or serious warmth on its own.