Rab intends the Spark to be 'the go-to waterproof for high-intensity activities in harsh, wet environments'. It weighs 310g, is helmet compatible and offers a stretch fabric design that promises great comfort along the way.
Slip it on and the jacket's a good length, reaching down to around the buttocks, and the fit is trim and athletic around the midriff. Adjustment comes via hook and loop patches at the wrists and a pair of drawcords at the hem. The fully-adjustable hood is interestingly put together, because although it offers very limited movement when fully cinched down it's also inspiringly protective: the sizeable peak and high neck combine to give the impression of wearing a medieval helmet. You feel safe from even the worst of the elements when you deploy it.
There are only two pockets to play with here, but they're excellently designed and sit flush in between the chest strap and waist belt of most rucksacks, either side of the main zip. They're very sizeable and can easily accommodate a map or pair of gloves. The main zip has very cannily secured storm flaps on either side, which overlap in place beautifully. Combined with the water resistant design of all three zips (dubbed 'AquaGuard') this is one of the best solutions to zip-driven ingress in heavy rain that we've seen. You can also use the left-hand chest pocket as an integrated stuff sack - a snazzy touch.
The Pertex Shield fabric is well-proven to do the job in challenging weather conditions, and we found its water and wind proofing unquestionably good. The fact that the fabric also incorporates stretch into its design adds a certain level of luxury too - this was a real joy to wear from a comfort and performance point of view. Bear in mind that it's not the thickest or warmest, though, so is best suited to highly aerobic activities.
In conclusion: the Spark does exactly as it claims, and if you're a fast moving outdoors person - from climber to runner to peak bagger - it's well worth investigating for the non-winter months.
