Backside Line
The REI Flash Stretch (males’s / girls’s) is an accessibly priced jacket that mixes the pliability of a softshell with the climate resistance of a hardshell. Its stretchy cloth permits for unrestricted movement, whether or not you’re mountaineering, working, or exploring town. Climate-resistant development protects towards mild rain and wind, whereas breathable materials retains you comfy throughout high-energy actions. The Flash Stretch is one other nice choice that seems on our checklist of the greatest rain jackets.
A barely bigger match permits the Flash Stretch to be worn with layers beneath, making it superb for colder temperatures. Nonetheless, this may occasionally imply that it is advisable to dimension down for a extra athletic match. Zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket situated below the storm flap present safe storage for small necessities, and elastic cuffs with a drawcord hem assist seal out drafts. It’s additionally comparatively packable, folding small to slot in a backpack or journey bag, making it superb for on-the-go adventures.
How We Examined
Examined in Alaska’s rain, sleet, and snow, this jacket has undergone rigorous area testing on a number of moist journeys. We take a look at all our rain jackets to the purpose of failure to see how lengthy it takes for them to moist via and in what circumstances they excel.
Fast Specs
REI Flash Stretch
Excessive Worth Rain Jacket
CleverHiker Ranking:
77.3/100
Worth:
$169
Listed Weight:
1 lb. 1 oz. / 14.5 oz.(males’s / girls’s)
Professionals
- Sturdy supplies
- Wonderful stretch
- Excessive-quality development
- Straightforward to layer
- Deep pockets
- Chest zipper
- Lengthy pit zips
- Excessive zippers suitable with harness
Cons
- Dishevelled / outsized match
- Quick visor on hood
- Lengthy sleeves
- Heavy / cumbersome for prolonged journeys
Consolation & Mobility
The REI Flash Stretch stands out for its softshell-like development. This elastic polyester combines spandex to present it its namesake stretchiness. We liked this for energetic outings with plenty of reaches and massive actions whereas clambering over boulders and thru the comb. The four-way development is a superb function to boost consolation and mobility.
Nonetheless, we did discover the match of this jacket to be boxy and huge and we needed to dimension down. The arms are wider and billowy so it’s best for a broader torso.
Climate Resistance
The climate resistance leaves some room for enchancment. Although the nonfluorinated sturdy water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the floor, the Hydrowall 2.5-layer shell lacks the safety of a extra strong shell.
Utilizing this jacket in heavy rain in coastal Alaska, the Flash Stretch rapidly transitions from beading moisture to absorbing it. This was evident via darkish stripes within the materials the place water was seeping in. Whereas this jacket isn’t our best choice for taking into the backcountry in inclement climate, it’s town-to-trail prepared for shorter publicity to precipitation.
Air flow
This jacket’s roomier match, mixed with heavier weight make it not your best option for high-output actions the place you can be producing extra physique warmth and sweat. The material of the jacket is thicker than others in our lineup. Whereas the jacket does come outfitted with pit zips, they don’t open very far or extensive, which limits the jacket’s air flow. Whereas the Flash Stretch isn’t our best choice for cardio adventures, it’s an incredible colder-weather choice for its elevated heat.
Sturdiness
Thus far throughout our area assessments consisting of hikes, bike rides, and even some winter sports activities like backcountry ice skating, the Flash Stretch has held up nicely with no obvious shortcomings in its materials sturdiness. It’s extra strong and well-made than others we examined. The stretchy shell has withstood repeated bruising from boulders and branches with no signal of wear and tear.
Weight
This is among the heavier rain jackets we now have examined. With a weight of seventeen ounces, nearly thrice heavier than our lightest jacket reviewed, it isn’t your best option for a backcountry journey the place each ounce issues. This elevated bulk is because of the thicker materials and boxier reduce. This isn’t essentially the most packable jacket however at its worth level, it’s completely satisfactory for a daypack or shorter outing.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Flash Stretch?
The REI Flash Stretch is the right jacket for somebody who needs the consolation and mobility of a smooth shell with the climate resistance of a rain jacket. Accessibly priced, this could be an incredible alternative for the extra budget-conscious day hiker.
Nonetheless, this lower cost comes with some concessions. We discovered that the Flash Stretch may be very roomy, particularly within the physique and arms. It is going to match broader torsos higher and is available in a wide range of sizes. It additionally isn’t climate immune to the diploma of different jackets examined. Ok for mild publicity to moisture, this isn’t our best choice for heavy rain. Regardless of this, the Flash Stretch stays a flexible piece for town-to-trail use and is trendy coming in lots of colorways for various kinds.
What Different Rain Jackets Ought to You Take into account?
If you need extra choices, try our gear information of one of the best rain jackets.
REI Rainier Evaluate: One other versatile and inexpensive providing from REI, the Rainier is cheaper than the Flash Stretch and provides comparable climate resistance.
Marmot Precip Eco Evaluate: With comparable options because the Flash Stretch however extra packable, the Precip Eco is one other budget-priced rain jacket made with environmentally pleasant supplies.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Evaluate: For those who love a stretchy, softshell-feeling rain jacket, the Stretch Ozonic is one other nice alternative.
