This supremely lightweight, fully waterproof and breathable mountain jacket is made using stretchy Pertex Shield+ fabric. Pertex are a world leader in fabric technology and have worked closely with Rab to develop this high performance fabric with a hydrostatic head of 16,000 mm, which basically means it's VERY waterproof. Pertex Shield also provides high levels of breathability with a MVTR of 20,000 (Gore-Tex Pro for example has a MVTR of around 28,000).
The Spark is designed to be a minimalist jacket that will take up minimum space in your pack but deliver reliable performance when the conditions turn nasty. Rab have given you two nicely sized napoleon chest pockets that are mesh backed so they can double up as vents to increase airflow when you need it. The helmet compatible hood makes this a great piece to keep in your bag and throw on when climbing or scrambling.
If you are worried about water seeping through the zips then don't be; all zips are YKK AquaGuard water resistant zips which are the best water resistant zips on the market. There is an adjustable hem and 2 internal snap close loops that you can hook on to your belt loops to stop the jacket from riding up. All in all the Spark is an extremely well thought out jacket which can be used for a plethora of different activities.
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Pertex Shield + fabric with stretch
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Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak and kitty clip roll-down closure
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YKK AquaGuard front zip with internal storm flap and rain drain
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Napoleon mesh lined YKK AquaGuard zipped chest pockets, left side doubles as integrated stuff sack
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Velcro cuffs
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Hem drawcord
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Fit: Regular
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.