Follow Luke from Taunton Leisure Bristol as he takes on Rab’s latest version of their renowned synthetic insulator and gives his thoughts.
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As someone who has always opted to wear heavy fleeces instead of insulated jackets, I was very excited to try out the innovative Rab Cirrus Flex 2.0 Hoody. I was not disappointed.
Fit and Feel
My personal struggles with insulated jackets have always come down to the fact that I felt they were limiting my freedom of movement. I had no such issues with the Cirrus Flex. Thanks to its super stretchy side panels and incredibly lightweight design, maneuvering during fast-paced excursions were totally free and effortless.
The Cirrus flex has a slim, close-to-the-body fit, making it ideal for use as a non-bulky layering option. Equally, when wearing it as an outer layer I found that scrapes against trees or rocks were very minimal, thanks to its snug design.
At 5’11 with a relatively slim build, I found the medium to be a perfect fit all over. I often struggle with arm length in Jackets, but there was no such issue here.
Features and performance
The Cirrus Flex 2.0 Hoody, as its name suggests, features an under-helmet insulated hood (to sit beneath a climbing helmet) incorporated with elasticated flex panels on the sides. Not only this, but the Cirrus Flex can also pack away into its own left pocket where there is a loop to allow you to attach the jacket to your harness or bag when conditions change. This makes it an ideal option for climbers in Spring and Autumn, or any outdoor enthusiast requiring easy packability. I found it incredibly easy to pack away into my camera bag as it took up the same amount of space as an average lens.
The main jacket body has an outer made from recycled Pertex Quantum, which whilst not waterproof, is treated with a water-resistant coating that provides an impressive level of protection from the elements.
Inside, you’ll find recycled PrimaLoft Silver Insulation. This insulation is designed to recreate the performance of down feathers, but instead uses 100% recycled synthetic fibres that have been partially teased and treated in a water repellent coating. Not only is this more ethical than using down, but it also makes this jacket far more useable in the UK climate, where wet conditions are just inevitable. Rab has committed to having net zero emissions by 2030 and is one of the frontrunners in creating sustainable outdoor clothing, which is comforting to know if you’re looking to buy into their brand.
I have worn the Cirrus Flex on numerous occasions where I have been caught in flash heavy downpours, and I always remained totally warm thanks to the PrimaLoft Silver. The jacket also dried incredibly quickly, meaning I didn’t even have to take it off after getting a soaking. This kind of scenario in a down jacket would have had me running for cover.
The Cirrus Flex has plentiful pockets for any small possessions you may be carrying whilst out and about. There is two drop-in pockets on the inside, and two external zipped pockets, both of which are a very decent size. As a photographer, I found these incredibly useful and utilised all 4 pockets for various accessories.
Weaknesses
In my time testing the Cirrus Flex, I really struggled to find anything that I would’ve wanted improved upon for my uses. Ultimately, the flexibility, weight, and pack size come at the cost of warmth. For me, this jacket was surprisingly toasty for its size. However I am always active and on the move – if you’re planning on being in colder climates or not keeping on the move, then something like the Rab Microlight Alpine may be worth considering instead.
Summary
Having thoroughly tested the Cirrus Flex 2.0 Hoody, it has now become my go-to outer layer for a days adventuring, thanks mostly to its versatility, flexibility, and surprising warmth.
