REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The REI Flash Stretch (men’s / women’s) is an accessibly priced jacket that combines the flexibility of a softshell with the weather resistance of a hardshell. Its stretchy fabric allows for unrestricted motion, whether you’re hiking, running, or exploring the city. Weather-resistant construction protects against light rain and wind, while breathable material keeps you comfortable during high-energy activities. The Flash Stretch is another great option that appears on our list of the best rain jackets. 

A slightly larger fit allows the Flash Stretch to be worn with layers underneath, making it ideal for colder temperatures. However, this may mean that you need to size down for a more athletic fit. Zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket located under the storm flap provide secure storage for small essentials, and elastic cuffs with a drawcord hem help seal out drafts. It’s also relatively packable, folding small to fit in a backpack or travel bag, making it ideal for on-the-go adventures.

How We Tested

Tested in Alaska’s rain, sleet, and snow, this jacket has undergone rigorous field testing on several wet trips. We test all our rain jackets to the point of failure to see how long it takes for them to wet through and in what conditions they excel.

Comfort & Mobility

The REI Flash Stretch stands out for its softshell-like construction. This elastic polyester combines spandex to give it its namesake stretchiness. We loved this for active outings with lots of reaches and big movements while clambering over boulders and through the brush. The four-way construction is an excellent feature to enhance comfort and mobility.

However, we did find the fit of this jacket to be boxy and large and we had to size down. The arms are wider and billowy so it is best for a broader torso.

Weather Resistance

The weather resistance leaves some room for improvement. Though the nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the surface, the Hydrowall 2.5-layer shell lacks the protection of a more robust shell.

Using this jacket in heavy rain in coastal Alaska, the Flash Stretch quickly transitions from beading moisture to absorbing it. This was evident through dark stripes in the material where water was seeping in. While this jacket is not our top choice for taking into the backcountry in inclement weather, it is town-to-trail ready for shorter exposure to precipitation.

Ventilation

This jacket’s roomier fit, combined with heavier weight make it not the best choice for high-output activities where you will be producing excess body heat and sweat. The fabric of the jacket is thicker than others in our lineup. While the jacket does come equipped with pit zips, they do not open very far or wide, which limits the jacket’s ventilation. While the Flash Stretch is not our top choice for aerobic adventures, it’s a great colder-weather option for its increased warmth.

Durability

So far during our field tests consisting of hikes, bike rides, and even some winter sports like backcountry ice skating, the Flash Stretch has held up well with no apparent shortcomings in its material durability. It is more robust and well-made than others we tested. The stretchy shell has withstood repeated bruising from boulders and branches with no sign of wear.

Weight

This is one of the heavier rain jackets we have tested. With a weight of seventeen ounces, almost three times heavier than our lightest jacket reviewed, it is not the best choice for a backcountry adventure where every ounce matters. This increased bulk is due to the thicker material and boxier cut. This is not the most packable jacket but at its price point, it’s totally adequate for a daypack or shorter outing.

Should You Buy the REI Flash Stretch?

The REI Flash Stretch is the perfect jacket for someone who wants the comfort and mobility of a soft shell with the weather resistance of a rain jacket. Accessibly priced, this would be a great choice for the more budget-conscious day hiker.

However, this lower price comes with some concessions. We found that the Flash Stretch is very roomy, especially in the body and arms. It will fit broader torsos better and comes in a variety of sizes. It also is not weather resistant to the degree of other jackets tested. Good enough for light exposure to moisture, this is not our top choice for heavy rain. Despite this, the Flash Stretch remains a versatile piece for town-to-trail use and is stylish coming in many colorways for different styles.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

If you want more options, check out our gear guide of the best rain jackets.

REI Rainier Review: Another versatile and affordable offering from REI, the Rainier is cheaper than the Flash Stretch and offers similar weather resistance.

Marmot Precip Eco Review: With similar features as the Flash Stretch but more packable, the Precip Eco is another budget-priced rain jacket made with environmentally friendly materials.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Review: If you love a stretchy, softshell-feeling rain jacket, the Stretch Ozonic is another great choice.