Review: Rab Flashpoint Jacket This performance and lightness are amazing!

Wear

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Rab , Gear Reviews , Rainwear

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

table of contents

The most demanding users create ultra-high performance rainwear with no flaws
Detailed Review
Summary: Who is this recommended for?

The most demanding users create ultra-high performance rainwear with no flaws

Rab is a British outdoor wear manufacturer founded by its founder, Rab Carrington, a former top alpinist, who is dedicated to creating the most practical and superior products for mountaineers in the world's most challenging locations. The makers themselves are, so to speak, the most demanding users, and their relentless dedication to developing new technology and high-performance gear, sometimes regardless of price, is worthy of respect

The Flashpoint Jacket is an ultra-lightweight rainwear that boasts high waterproof and breathable performance while remaining incredibly light. Its performance is so impressive that when I first heard about it, I wondered if GORE-TEX, which has long reigned as the king of breathable and waterproof materials, was about to lose ground. So, let's get straight into the review

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Detailed Review

Item name (price)

Rab Flashpoint Jacket

Front and back (photo shows 2015 model)

front

Back

Main specifications and evaluation

For a thorough comparison of recommended rainwear, including Flash Point, see "Comparative Test: Ultra-lightweight Rainwear for Hiking and Running [2016 Edition]"

evaluation
Waterproof (20 points)	17
Breathability (20 points)	16
Comfort (10 points)	7
Mobility (10 points)	7
Weight (15 points)	13
Storage capacity (15 points)	13
Durability (5 points)	3
Usability (5 points)	3
Overall score	79
Specifications
material	Pertex ShieldⓇ + 3-layer fabric
Layer	3 layers
Color variations	Zinc Koi
weight	195g(S)
pocket	1 (chest)
pit zip	none
Food	Helmet compatible
Storage method	stuff sack

This is amazing!

Incredibly light and packable

First of all, no one is surprised by its weight of 195g. The 3-layer waterproof and breathable Pertex Shield+ membrane is sandwiched between ultra-thin outer and inner fabrics, making it so light and thin that you'll forget you're even wearing it. Perhaps to ensure sufficient breathability and weight reduction, parts such as pit zips (underarm ventilation) have been reduced to the bare minimum. Until 2015, I personally considered the standard for "lightweight rainwear" to be under 300g, but with the arrival of this product, I think we may soon see a time when under 200g will be the norm.

the volume reduction effect of being made from such is also dramatic (see photo below).

Even with this, the bag still has some room to spare, and it feels like it holds the same amount as one apple

Excellent waterproof and breathable performance

In reality, there are waterproof jackets that weigh around 100g, but what's truly surprising is that it excellent waterproof and breathable performance . The published specifications are a water resistance of 20,000mm (a sufficient level for normal rainwear), and although the breathability is not disclosed, I don't think it's that different from the previous model, which had 45,000g/m2/24hrs. In fact, throughout my testing this summer, I continued to feel comfortable and dry even in the rain .

I was particularly surprised at how well the water-repellent properties lasted after repeated exposure to rain (the photo shows the 2015 model)

And let's not forget that this is a three-layer fabric with a protective membrane lining that feels smooth against the skin. It's amazing how no corners have been cut to create this

The hood and pockets are neatly placed

No effort has been spared even in the most essential parts of rainwear. The only pocket is large enough, and the hood is large enough that it doesn't feel cramped even when worn over a helmet. Adjustment drawcords are securely attached to the left and right sides and the back of the head.

There is plenty of room in the pocket to store a map

The hood has ample space under the chin, is easy to adjust, and provides excellent protection from the rain

The lightweight waterproof zipper has a flap inside, a drawstring at the hem , and Velcro at the cuffs to prevent rainwater from getting in.

The hem drawstring is located on the left side

Velcro on the sleeves for lightweight design

This is not so good

price

As I've written many times before, the performance is completely flawless, to be honest. It might be said that it would be more comfortable if it had pit zips, but the fabric is so amazing that I honestly don't have any complaints about the breathability. It would be a shame to lose this minimalist design. So, if I had to say, the price is a bit prohibitive. However, I think it's worth the performance

Summary: Who is this recommended for?

With unparalleled breathability and lightness, this waterproof outerwear is ideal for alpine climbing where you want to reduce weight as much as possible, mountain races where you need to beat the time in more demanding conditions, and fast trekking. Of course, it's also great for regular hiking and trekking. One thing to note is that because it's so thin and light, you shouldn't expect it to provide the same kind of cold protection as thick rainwear.

As an aside, WL Gore & Associates, the developer of GORE-TEX, recently announced (as of September 2015) that it would invest over 2 billion yen over the next five years in the development of a new waterproof and breathable material. The days when GORE-TEX reigned supreme are now a thing of the past. The competition to develop the next generation of waterproof and breathable membranes is expected to intensify, so this is an area to keep an eye on

FLASHPOINT JACKET

Rab

46,440 yen

185g

Pertex Shield+ (3 layers)