The Roc Flash GTX was one of the best waterproof jackets I tested in our 2024 guide, thanks to some really nice practical features. The external hand pockets are roomy enough for an OS map, and there’s a handy internal valuables pocket too.
Price: $336 / £380 | Weight: 471g (size medium) | Materials: Gore-tex 3L, 75D, 100% recycled polyamide with ePTFE membrane | Hood: laminated peak, rear and side adjusters | Front closure: water resistant YKK zip with rear storm flap | Underarm/side zips: underarm zips | Pockets: two external and one internal pocket | Hem: elastic drawcord | Cuffs: hook and loop fastening | Sizes: XS-XL | Mens Version: yes
The cuffs are nicely tailored to slide over insulated gloves without problems, and the clever design is extended to the overall cut which allows lots of freedom of movement without being baggy or riding up. There are underarm zips for venting, and a Recco reflector which might speed up the time it takes rescue services to locate the wearer if avalanched in winter.
The hood isn’t perfect, because whilst it does fit over a climbing helmet, it is a tight fit over larger models, and the laminate panel in the peak doesn’t hold its shape in strong wind. I tested it in driving rain and feel that a wired brim would have performed better.
Nevertheless, it’s a jacket that inspires confidence, built from 100% recycled 75 denier polyamide, with a Gore-Tex membrane, it’s reassuringly tough and waterproof. The eco-credentials are better than most. And whilst none of the jackets in this comparative review are cheap, it’s impressive that Haglofs have achieved all this at a competitive price point.
Tested by Lucy Wallace
Lucy tested this jacket on day walks and multi day expeditions in the mountains during the wet and wild tail end of 2023. Conditions ranged from sideways rain, to snow, to gales, and sometimes all three at once. Weights were measured using her home digital scales.
