Gear Review
Western Mountaineering Flash Down Jacket - Men's
Flash 3 years old. Answers one year late!
By Tom Gordon
Ranked #24 - Men's Down Jackets
October 21, 2011
So sorry that I've not addressed your questions for such a long time. Let me attempt to do that now as objectively as I can.
The Rab Microlite Alpine is a vastly different animal. It has a W/B outer shell and weighs in at 21 oz. vs. 9 oz. here. The Flash sweater is intended as an outer layer for moderate days and should undoubtedly be layered under a W/B shell when skiing trees or when the wind is howling. Yes, the lightweight fabric will snag on tree branches when cruising by in the steeps. The combination of 850 minimum fill power down and lightweight, completely breathable fabric causes it's comfort range to be extremely versitile. From 65 degrees F to 20 F, I typically feel like I'm at room temp while wearing my Flash. Adding a waterproof/breathable layer to the outer fabric increases its durability (still risky in the trees) and it makes it warmer but will also narrow it's comfort range. Warmer temps will more readily cause overheating. I have both the Flash XR and the regular Flash. Probably if I lived in the Pacific NW, I'd wear my XR more. Here in Colorado, I don't even carry fleece in the backcountry anymore. This jacket with a lightweight Gore layer on top and 1-2 thin wool layers underneath is the most I've ever needed on our coldest -10 degree days. Hailing from Minnesota, these Colorado temps are admittedly pretty moderate.
For the record, the Flash XR is plenty water resistant for any wet weather I've encountered short of a downpour.
I've uploaded a photo of my Flash after 3 years of use. If I'd skied trees with it unprotected, it would have patches all over it. Having said that, I've not babied it either. It is either in my pack or thrown in the back of my car or stuffed into the tankbag of my motorbike whenever the temps are anticipated below 40.
Regarding its durability, as Yvon Chouinard so aptly put it: (paraphrasing) Having the best gear is no replacement for knowing how to use it.
Use this jacket wisely (not over-protectively!) and it will last a very, very long time. It will also become your most used jacket as it has become mine.
View Details: Western Mountaineering Flash Down Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: February 28, 2012 By: Kate Williamson
Thomas, I am not Tom, but I do work with him. For backcountry skiing, I personally like having the hooded down sweater and a non-hooded baselayer. One less hood to work around. However, in your situation, here are some things to consider. While the Flash's hood is just as smooshable as the rest of the jacket, you still feel it if it is under your jacket--but I find it an additional awkwardness when the hood is out of the jacket. Now add your baselayer hood to it as well! Another note, the down hood does not fit over a helmet (of course) and if you have the baselayer hood under your helmet, the down hood might be too much. Also, the Flight is a touch more durable if you ever use your sweater as a regular jacket--and I don't know a single Coloradan who doesn't.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tom, like you I'm also a Colorado based back country skier. I'm trying to decide if the Flash or the Flight (heavier but no hood) would be best for me. I almost always wear a hooded baselayer that fits nicely under my helmet. Of course my W/B shell has a hood. I'm wondering if a hood on my down sweater is one hood too many.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes