dhb Flashlight Compact-XT Waterproof Jacket review

With excellent high visibility the Flashlight Compact-XT Waterproof jacket is a sturdy commuter option, but will also be useful on wet club runs and sportives.

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The dhb Flashlight waterproof jacket is a good commuter option, but owing to its packability is versatile enough to be used on a sportive or club run. It is not the most breathable jacket we have ever tested, so all-day riding may get a little sweaty on the warmer wetter days.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Excellent Hi-Visibility

  • +

    Packable

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not the most breathable

  • -

    No bum flap

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

With winter appearing to have set in, with its shorter days and dark commutes, this offering from Wiggle's in-house brand, dhb makes an attractive proposition.

The jacket has lots of nice touches, such as a fleece-lined collar which stops neck abrasion and velcro adjustable cuffs.  The colour options are yellow (as tested), blue and black.  All three options feature extensive 3M Scotchlite reflective panels and logos, which perform very well at alerting other road users to your presence.

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The reflective Flashlight logo on the arm.

 The jacket was put to the test on a variety of wet rides and regular commutes.  We can report that it is excellent at keeping water out, with the taped seams and Aquaguard zippers performing very well.  The waterproof zipped pockets were especially useful, with the front pocket being ideal for items such as keys and a wallet.

The dhb Flashlight waterproof is ideal for riders who have to commute in dark and wet conditions. It is certainly warm, which is ideal in colder wet weather below about 8ºC, but in milder conditions we felt like the inside of the jacket rapidly turned into a botanical garden.

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Rear Aquazip pocket with Scotchlite panel.

dhb describe the Flashlight waterproof as having a "dropped tail" but we found the cut to be pretty short.  The lack of bum-flap covering the rider's posterior from road spray was noticeable and at times uncomfortable on wet roads.

Adding to the versatility, is the packability with it possible to stow this jacket in a jersey pocket for rides where there is a mixed forecast.  Although, the increased drag whilst wearing this jacket is noticeable, we are unable to complain at the lack or aerodynamic tailoring considering the price.

For more information head over to Wiggle.

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.