REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

It was on clearance, and I haven't had a chance to use it yet. However I have been packing for a 5 day trip, and so far I've noticed a couple of issues. The waist belt really does have skimpy padding, as others have already commented on. I don't know if this will be comfortable for long portages of 2-3km and up. Also, if you don't pack right to the top of the internal frame, then the frame will buckle in at the top when you fasten the straps down and it makes a bulge into your back. I've also noticed that the straps that fasten the lid (big pouch on top) down over the pack are not long enough to enable me to pack the way I usually pack. I use an empty olive barrel for packing my food in, and when portaging usually put it horizontally on the top of the pack under the lid/top pouch, and fasten that down with the straps. I can't do that with this pack because the straps aren't long enough. I think I'll have to use a bag to pack my food in order to carry it with this pack, which I'm not sure I want to do. I've also noticed the small loop straps for grabbing the bottom of the pack for lifting it are not very heavy duty; they look very skimpy and likely to rip off with repeated grabbing and pulling. There are also straps right on the very bottom to attach more gear, such as a sleeping bag or sleeping pad, but it's difficult to pull the tension really tight because of the type of buckle they used. The bungie cord loop straps for attaching hiking poles look like they will tear off from the pack if you try to attach anything heavier than a hiking pole. I tried attaching a lightweight camping seat that folds into a vertical pole shape, but it sways from side to side when you walk. Not sure what else to use these loops for, as I don't use hiking poles. So why did I buy this pack? Because I wanted a lightweight pack. This really is nice and light, and I think it's pretty good. I bought the small size, as I'm 5'3" and it fits me well. Maybe once I've tried it out on the trails I'll be able to give a more detailed report.

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I've taken this pack out a few times now. I'd say that over all I'm pretty satisfied with it. The hip belts have super thin padding though. My hip bones are sore after a two day trip. I plan on attaching some felt onto the straps to aid in comfort.

Otherwise, I love the large capacity, it feels really roomy. The water reservoir pocket on the inside is a great size, too. The adjustment straps are all well placed. The large outside pocket (flap) holds a large fleece jacket nicely, with enough room on the sides left over for trekking poles, water bottle and fishing pole (Truly!) Could hold more, probably.

Be careful with over stuffing this pack though. The back board is flexible enough that it pushes into your back if you don't pack it just right. Takes some practice, but then, what doesn't?

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

Bought this pack for my wife. We used on our trip to the Grand Canyon. Great for travel - we were able to pack a ton in the Flash 65. Comfortable, lightweight, adjustable pack. Much more comfortable than the external frame pack I grew up with.

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I got this pack three years ago when it debuted and had originally given it 5 stars. I've downgraded because I now realize that the soreness I felt on my hipbones not a fluke and was probably due to insufficient padding on the hip belt. Each time I've used the pack, my hips would feel bruised after the first day. Putting the pack back on the second day was like pushing down on tender bruises for hours. My packs were normally about 20-25lbs so weight shouldn't have been the problem. Otherwise, here is a summary of the pros and cons of the pack:

Cons: 1) Not enough padding on the hip belt. 2) Sternum strap hits right across the breasts and goes no higher (you can fix it by buying webbing straps, triglide, and buckles for a few dollars). 3) If you stuff the main compartment too much, the removable back board will jut out towards your back, which is not a comfortable feeling.

Pros: 1) This pack is very lightweight, although I now wonder if some padding was compromised. 2) Ample pockets to keep my gear organized for quick access. 3) The top lid pocket is huge - I would estimate that it is about 15 liters - and shedding it can get you down to a good-sized travel backpack. 3) 65 liters is more than enough for a 2-3 day backpacking trip. For longer trips, I'd probably look for packs with better padding to help with the increased weight.

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

Since I'm getting older I decided to switch to ultralight backpacking .
I took this pack to snowcamping for 3 days.
It had plenty of room for everything.
I always loved Gregory pack but I decided to sacrifice all the nifty stuff because compatible size Gregory weighs 3 lb more than this pack.
Padding for the bottom part of the back is not the greatest but as long as I keep the load light, it should be fine.

I thought I'd miss sleeping bag compartment, but I didn't.
Lighter the better in my eyes.
There are plenty of pockets and enough straps.
I missed some of the Gregory's straps but I substituted with tiny bungie cords and it was fine.
I only used it once, so I can't say much but so far I'm impressed how functional it is.

Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's - Special Buy:

I have a very small frame, 5'4" and 110lbs and with the hipbelt tightened all the way there is still a little more wiggle room than I would like.