Gear Review
Western Mountaineering Flash Down Jacket - Men's
No better sweater
By Tom Gordon
Ranked #24 - Men's Down Jackets
October 25, 2010
You need to know right off the bat that I'm the sales rep in the Rockies for Western Mountaineering. I'm unabashed about extolling the virtues of Western down bags, jackets, pants and booties.
I've owned many down sweaters in the course of my work in this business. This is the best I've ever used. It's lighter, more compact, warmer and more comfortable than any other. Here is my experience: The jacket with stuff sack weighs 9oz. on my postal scale. The fit is generous with a very comfortable hood design. Don't look for fashion here. You won't find it. Instead, decide if you're looking for the lightest, most compressible, warmest down sweater on the market. If it is, you'll keep it in your pack at all times like I do, waiting for the next opportunity to put it to the test. You'll love it too!
View Details: Western Mountaineering Flash Down Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Change me.
6 Comments Last Reply: March 28, 2011 By: Dave
To bri3655325 - WM is a fantastic company to work with. They back up their products, which are generally significantly better craftsmanship. Go their website (www.westernmountaineering.com) to find a local dealer or give them a call (408) 287-8944.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I purchased one of these jackets at retail price from Bent Gate Mountaineering in Golden, CO after trying it on in the store. Please note, this is very unusual for me... Even after determining my need for a product and researching the heck out of my options, I'm still very hesitant to part with money -- especially on the order of $hundreds. I would like to reiterate what dollivera stated above: one of the things that drew me to this jacket over many others was the lack of some big, tacky logo emblazoned across the front. To me it shows that WM values a quality, functional product over brand-name recognition. Oh and by the way, the jacket is incredibly... I'm not a big dude and the small fits perfect... slim enough to prevent any gaps to let cold air in, but long enough in the sleeves/torso so that I don't feel like I should have sized up. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product -- please, don't change a thing :)
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
"Don't look for fashion here." I don't know about that. I have a pretty good fashion sense, but of course wear more "rugged" clothing that wouldn't be considered "fashionable" by the elites. I haven't tried it yet but from the photos it appears to be the best looking looking down jacket/sweater I have ever seen - that's including overpriced fashion brands such as Moncler. I like that there appears to be no visible logo except for the small one on the zipper and side pocket. Please keep doing that. Too many outdoor clothing companies put big logos all over their clothes, and some people may like that, so I am glad that at least one company is making simple understated clothing that doesn't force their customers to be walking billboards.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Tom, My wife and I own several WM bags and believe there are no better on the planet. I was delighted when she bought the Hooded Flash for me last Winter. I love it. However, the fabric has had several runs/pulls in it. I know I'm being picky, but, it drives me crazy each time I find one. We can't remember where she bought it from. Will WM help?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
hey tom, i,ve got a question too; would the 85grams of down in this jacket be comparable in warmth to a jacket with 140grams of 750 loft, eg rab microlight alpine, cheers
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Hey Tom (and anyone else who might weigh in) I'm wondering what the advantages of going with the Flash XR over the Flash would be. I know the shell is a different material, the pockets are zippered, and the hood is adjustable. I guess my biggest question is concerning water-resistance. I've read that the Proloft material is more resistant on the XR, but water still penetrates where it is sewn. So, is it worth it? I tried on the Flash, and the non-adjustable hood was bothersome as I couldn't see when I turned my head. I currently have the Patagonia Hooded Down Sweater. Would the Flash or Flash XR be a worth-while upgrade? Thanks!
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes