It packs down nicely into its own stuff sack, which is really nice and small: I can easily hold it in my hand.
Looking forward to putting this jacket to the test.
RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
Forum rules
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.
Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.
Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg
10 posts
• Page 1 of 1
RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by Aushiker » Mon 22 Aug, 2016 11:31 pm
My new rain jacket arrived today, a RAB Flashpoint which weighs in on my scales at 218 grams for the large size which is within specification [Ultralight Outdoor Gear is far more honest about weights than RAB is]. The jacket looks well made, has some nice features to allow for adjusting for the hood, waist and cuffs and has a nice feel to it. A couple of possible negatives are: The hood does not pack away but then I suspect I will be using it if I have the jacket on. It is also claimed to be helmet compatible. The other negative is it is not long at the back which is more of an issue I suspect for bicycle riding than bushwalking/running my other uses of the jacket.
It packs down nicely into its own stuff sack, which is really nice and small: I can easily hold it in my hand.
Looking forward to putting this jacket to the test.
It packs down nicely into its own stuff sack, which is really nice and small: I can easily hold it in my hand.
Looking forward to putting this jacket to the test.
Andrew
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by [Jack]son » Wed 24 Aug, 2016 7:49 am
Looks great! Maybe I was too fast in my purchase of an OR Helium II. The hood adjustability on this looks great.
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by Aushiker » Wed 24 Aug, 2016 3:18 pm
[Jack]son wrote:Looks great! Maybe I was too fast in my purchase of an OR Helium II. The hood adjustability on this looks great.
A Outdoor Research Helium II was on my short list but the hood on RAB Flashpoint being helmet friendly tipped the balance. I am sure your Helium II will be a great jacket anyway.
Andrew
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by wayno » Wed 24 Aug, 2016 3:36 pm
great if you are OK with a 7 denier face fabric... its shopping bag thin...
from the land of the long white clouds...
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by Aushiker » Wed 24 Aug, 2016 8:18 pm
wayno wrote:great if you are OK with a 7 denier face fabric... its shopping bag thin...
For my planned main usage I have no issues with the material, at least so far but it has yet to be worn in bucketing down rain.
Of course it may not be suitable for everyone but then that can said of any jacket; I have no desire to ride or run in my Mountain Designs Gore-tex ...
Andrew
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by joshbrad » Wed 21 Sep, 2016 10:35 pm
I have the same jacket, used it through melbourne winter commuting by bike, fabric held up fine, DWR still going strong. Did manage to rip a small hole in the elbow on a climbing trip by rubbing too hard against some rough granite. But apart from that, jacket still looks new. Hood works fine with and without a helmet in my experience.
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by roysta » Tue 27 Sep, 2016 8:57 pm
[Jack]son wrote:Looks great! Maybe I was too fast in my purchase of an OR Helium II. The hood adjustability on this looks great.
I wouldn't worry too much, the Helium is pretty good.
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by biggbird » Mon 13 Mar, 2017 8:47 pm
Hey Aushiker, any further update on your experience with the Flashpoint? Currently looking for a new raincoat and this one seems to be well reviewed and significantly lighter than any of my current jackets. Particularly curious about the durability of the fabric, especially with relation to pack wear.
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by Aushiker » Tue 14 Mar, 2017 2:45 pm
biggbird wrote:Hey Aushiker, any further update on your experience with the Flashpoint? Currently looking for a new raincoat and this one seems to be well reviewed and significantly lighter than any of my current jackets. Particularly curious about the durability of the fabric, especially with relation to pack wear.
No I am sorry. It has been summer here so less rain and given the heat I don't tend to go bikepacking/bushwalking during the summer. Hopefully will see more action in the next few months.
Andrew
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Re: RAB Flashpoint - First Impressions
by biggbird » Mon 27 Mar, 2017 6:21 pm
Awesome, will look forward to hearing about it after it gets a bit more use 
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