CAMP Flash Anorak Review

Interesting idea. Kudo's to them for trying something different.

Some people are going to find this great.

"Interesting idea. Kudo's to them for trying something different."

+1

I like how you put it on over your pack straps. No need to stop and take off your pack.

+1 on the interesting idea.

I'm wondering how much you could save by cutting off the pocket. If you could get it down near 3 oz this is the perfect complement to single shoulder carry to let your back vent. Might have to go over the the CAMP distributer here in Boulder and beg for one.

I wear my windshell backwards here in California most of the time because the weather is so nice. It would be great if I had a hood that didn't blow in my face too… A neat concept.

Nice to see a specialized CAMP product reviewed here for its potential “cross” appeal. (Although for those posters who want to see if modified to appeal more to non-racers, I doubt that will happen, since their clothing line is very small and specialized, although their hardware covers a broader spectrum.)

But I don’t understand the comment about the “sub-par fit” – fits me fine (size Medium for 5'8" 145lb). Other people, perhaps not, but characterizing any clothing item as having a “sub-par fit” is a rather bold declaration given the variation of human body shapes (even among the subset of fit backcountry enthusiasts).
Also:
“To clarify, the hood was plenty big to fit around my large head (with a beanie), but would not fit over any type of helmet, despite CAMP’s claim the the hood is helmet compatible.”
– Fits fine over my CAMP Speed helmet.

But overall:
“Weighing the pros and cons, the Flash Anorak is not overwhelmingly better than my current wind shell. It is just different.”
– That is also my conclusion. The weight is an ounce more than my favorite Montane windshirt, and a whopping two ounces (hah, 100% heavier!) than my Helly Hansen Mars windshirt. But if I anticipate relatively short “skin” laps where I want to skin up without any layers over my shirt, then for the descent quickly put on a windshirt, and stuff my climbing skins into it, all without having to access my pack, perfection!

Also, here’s an example from a randonnée [note the double “n” spelling, ahem :) ] racer blog. I’ve never competed in a course that technical, but even in the races out east, something like 60 seconds of delay that would be absolutely trivial in a day of ski touring becomes highly regretful in a rando race.

http://slcsherpa.blogspot.com/2012/01/north-american-ski-mountaineering.html
“At the base of the ridge, out came the via ferrata and ascender, skis went on the pack, and we all donned the required jacket. I wore a CAMP Anorak and was able to put it on without taking off my pack. That combined with being more comfortable with rope work than those around me allowed me to get the jump and pass a couple more.”

Hmmm…. maybe my wife could open up the back of my old windshirt and make a velcroed flap for ventilation.

I modified a North Face anorak twelve years ago with this exact design. I used it exclusively for cycling while wearing a hydration pack. It was great to be able to put the shell on for cold descents etc. without having to get off the bike or take the pack off. I'm glad someone has taken it to the production level- with substantial improvements over my crude design.