ProView – Rab Flashpoint 2

The Flashpoint 2 jacket from Rab is a minimalistic rain jacket that packs a punch. The versatile protection that this super lightweight piece brings to the table makes it stand out in a class that can be hard to fill. I had the pleasure of taking this jacket for a test ride during a quick strike mission to Colorado.

Rab Flashpoint 2

Product Description: Using ultralight but durable 3L Pertex Shield waterproof fabric, the Flashpoint 2 Jacket has all the features you would expect from a waterproof, with the benefit of a tiny pack size. At just 185g including its stuffsack, this jacket can be clipped to a harness or bag so easily you won't notice it until you need it.

Offer price: MSRP: $300.00

Summary

I had been looking for a good jacket in this niche category for a while and finally found one that I thoroughly enjoy. The jacket is light enough to run in, yet strong enough to climb with. It can easily be stowed away without adding unnecessary weight and bulk. I worry, with how it fits me, the Flashpoint 2 could be a little long for the shorter and bulkier adventurer and that the sleeves could become irritating. I also worry about the durability of this jacket in the long term but in this category of garment there are no extremely durable options and this jacket will hold its own. I give this jacket a 5-star rating and am excited to keep utilizing it for most of my adventures!

Pros

• Versatile
• Lightweight

Cons

• Long term durability

• Shop on Rab

Photo: @Shawn.Cope

The biggest thing I look for in gear is versatility; can I utilize this piece of gear for a variety of uses? As a traveler, adventurer, and guide I look at gear through many different lenses. The Flashpoint 2 jacket accompanied me on my recent trip to Colorado and was utilized in an array of different arenas. Growing up in Colorado, I learned quickly that the only “normal” weather is sporadic and constantly changing, which proved to be true on my recent trip. I encountered light rain, strong winds, beautiful sunshine, light sleet, highs in the 80’s and lows in the 30’s. The jacket performed amazingly on a dreary afternoon run, added protection during a windy yet warm and sunny afternoon of climbing and protected me as I landed my first fish of 2018. It wore well going from train to plane and looked fashionable at the brewery.

Photo: @Shawn.Cope

Photo: @Shawn.Cope

Finding tops that fit me well is nearly impossible. Being 6’5” and ranging from 205 and 220 pounds, it is rare to find a jacket that fits my body yet is long enough for my height and roomy enough for my shoulders. The first thing I noticed when putting on the jacket was how well it fit. The jacket was long enough in torso and had sleeves that actually reached my wrists all while not limiting in the shoulders. At a size Large, this jacket fits me very well and could potentially be sized as a Tall.

Photo: @Shawn.Cope

While excelling in the outdoor adventure arena, the Flashpoint 2 also held its own in outdoor fashion. With a slimmer fit and clean cut, it can be worn on a windy stroll downtown and fashionable enough to take to the casual luncheon.

Photo: @LukeKoppa

Being an ultralight jacket, I thought it came with the necessary features. Two large external pockets, helmet compatible hood with two drawstring, ½ hem drawstring, light stuff sack, adjustable cuffs, and reflective branding kept this jacket light while having the necessities.

According to Rab, the jacket weighs 185g and I found it to pack up to the size of your favorite beer.

Photo: @LukeKoppa

The Flashpoint 2 moved very well performing the jobs it is designed for. I was able to coil rope, belay, and throw rope easily. The breathability, mobility, water and wind protection defended me from the elements without the worry of overheating in fast-paced missions. I felt comfortable running during a drizzle with temps in the mid 40’s.

Photo: @Shawn.Cope

Keeping in mind that this is a lightweight minimalist rain jacket, I thought it was very durable. The Rab website claims to use “Super light 3L Pertex Shield® fabric,” saying that it “offers high levels of wind and water protection with excellent breathability for fast moving outdoor athletes.” I would agree with this statement and add that this jacket is designed for fast missions that need protection without bulk or added weight.

I had been looking for a good jacket in this niche category for a while and finally found one that I thoroughly enjoy. The jacket is light enough to run in, yet strong enough to climb with. It can easily be stowed away without adding unnecessary weight and bulk. I worry, with how it fits me, the Flashpoint 2 could be a little long for the shorter and bulkier adventurer and that the sleeves could become irritating. I also worry about the durability of this jacket in the long term but in this category of garment there are no extremely durable options and this jacket will hold its own. I give this jacket a 5-star rating and am excited to keep utilizing it for most of my adventures!

Photo: @LukeKoppa

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Nelson VanTassel has guided for 3 years in a variety of different fields. Working as an outdoor instructor at Colorado State University and a guide for RMR Backcountry most of his time is spent guiding and instructing backpacking trips but he has spent a lot of time leading multi-day backcountry ski trips and multi-day kayak trips. During his winters he now works as a ski patroller in Montana and when he’s not getting paid to play, Nelson is probably backcountry skiing, running, canyoneering, fly fishing, or traveling.