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2008 Patagonia Light Smoke Flash | Reviewed On: February 19, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Jackets>>Mid Weight>>Patagonia Light Smoke FlashPRODUCT SUMMARY
By The Boundary Hunter
THE GOOD
VERSATILITY: When ascending, your unwanted body warmth can escape easily trough the pit zips or exterior pocket vents while the inner mesh lining works as a sponge by pulling moisture off. For the downhill, be sure to nestle in to the detachable hood, fleece collar, and if you're lucky, you might actually need to tighten the powder skirt.
ADJUSTABILITY: The adjustable elastic waist, hood and powder skirt ensure that the Light Smoke Flash will fit all shapes and sizes comfortably. The welded seams give the jacket a flexible stretchy feel allowing true unrestrained flexibility.
HOOD SIZE: The hood is a great size if you're wearing a helmet (but can be a bit large in just a beanie).
ECO FRIENDLY: Recycled polyester used to reinforce the tops of the shoulders and under arms keeps the moisture out while adding superior durability.
THE BAD
ACCESSIBILITY: The two chest pockets are only accessible from the outside. It would be nice to open the audio pocket from the interior as well.
FIT: This jacket is pretty bulky for a softshell. Although it fits me great, I lent it to a friend one day and he complained that it was too wide and short (even though the sleeves perfect).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The light smoke flash jacket is a technical softshell that will keep you warm inbounds but allow you to breath while hiking uphill. It's got plenty of room and the fabric stretches nicely. Although it's not waterproof, the DWR coating is water resistant enough to keep you dry in all but torrential downpours.
By The Boundary Hunter
THE GOOD
VERSATILITY: When ascending, your unwanted body warmth can escape easily trough the pit zips or exterior pocket vents while the inner mesh lining works as a sponge by pulling moisture off. For the downhill, be sure to nestle in to the detachable hood, fleece collar, and if you're lucky, you might actually need to tighten the powder skirt.
ADJUSTABILITY: The adjustable elastic waist, hood and powder skirt ensure that the Light Smoke Flash will fit all shapes and sizes comfortably. The welded seams give the jacket a flexible stretchy feel allowing true unrestrained flexibility.
HOOD SIZE: The hood is a great size if you're wearing a helmet (but can be a bit large in just a beanie).
ECO FRIENDLY: Recycled polyester used to reinforce the tops of the shoulders and under arms keeps the moisture out while adding superior durability.
THE BAD
ACCESSIBILITY: The two chest pockets are only accessible from the outside. It would be nice to open the audio pocket from the interior as well.
FIT: This jacket is pretty bulky for a softshell. Although it fits me great, I lent it to a friend one day and he complained that it was too wide and short (even though the sleeves perfect).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The light smoke flash jacket is a technical softshell that will keep you warm inbounds but allow you to breath while hiking uphill. It's got plenty of room and the fabric stretches nicely. Although it's not waterproof, the DWR coating is water resistant enough to keep you dry in all but torrential downpours.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
| VALUE | 4/5, a bit pricey, but worth it if you need moisture control |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 5/5 |
| STRETCHY SEAMS AND ADJUSTABLE WAIST/POWDER SKIRT WILL ENSURE PROPER FIT. | Mitten Test |
| 5/5 | thanks to zipper lanyards, it was no issue. |
| WATER RESISTANCE | 4/5, especially with a Nikwax Techwash |
| CHIN COVERAGE | 5/5 |
| MICROFLEECE | Functionality |
| 5/5 | Integrating pockets designed for skins among others make this jacket extremely practical. |
Gear Reviews>>Jackets>>Mid Weight>>Patagonia Light Smoke Flash
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $300.00 |
|---|---|
| MATERIALS | 50D Stretch-woven polyester, DWR finish |
| WEIGHT | 34oz (964g) |
| AVAILABLE SIZES | S-XL |
| WATERPROOF | Water Resistant |
| BREATHABLE | Yes |
| VENTILATION | Pit zips, side pockets |
| SEAM TAPED? | Stretchy welded seams |
| INSULATION | None |
| POCKETS | Two chest, two torso, one internal mesh and one internal zipper stash |
| HOOD? | Yes, detachable |
| BEST USE | Backcountry skiing, Slackcountry |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
ROVE TECH SWEAT ER | Solid | $129.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
AMA DABLAM DOWN JACKET | Solid | $180.00 |
 |
COMPR ESSOR | Solid | $189.99 |
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Swiss Miss wrote on 02/19/09 at 07:15:05 am pst:
I have the older women's version of this coat. It was heavier and pre-pitzips so you won't see me wearing it in the backcountry much, but I love it for the little bit of resort skiing I do. I wore it in the rain at Steamboat for a couple days and I stayed dry! Sadly I bought it as a sample and it's too big so I can't comment on fit.
Their Advice
Solid
Editors wrote on 02/19/09 at 07:25:31 am pst:
Today's Prize is a 1-2 person Space Blanket from Adventure Medical Kits.
All You have to do is comment!
Their Advice
n/a
skimama wrote on 02/19/09 at 12:11:50 am pst:
Looks great, can't wait to try it and so ECO Friendly with a LifeTime Warranty! Where do I buy it?
Their Advice
Solid
Editors wrote on 02/20/09 at 3:08:40 pm pst:
And the winner of the space blanket is...SkiMama!
Their Advice
