REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

this backpack pretty much rocks. i own several other multiday packs including other lightweight packs around the same weight and this one is so far the most comfortable. i also own several hydration vests, and daypacks and this pack would prolly be my number one choice for all those situations. the last flash model i tryed which was the yellowish colored one had very uncomfortable padding which was about the only thing i found wrong with it but it was a deal breaker. this updated one has very simple comfortable padding that rides perfectly on my hips in a way no other pack really does. i like the ability to remove the stay and lid for weight savings, however the stay workers too efficiently to justify taking it out, but on most my trips i would prolly do alright with a packcover serving as the lid and can usually cut that weight out. the pack is extremely light yet large and has definantly been an improvment that helps maximize my hiking experience. the material is stong and zippers seem real tough and waterproof. ive taken it on day hikes through the rain and it takes about 3 hrs for the first beads of rain to start soaking in but seems much more water resistent than other softer fabrics ive encountered. im glad they chose to go with 3 different sizes vs a adjustment system cause it cuts out that uneccesarry weight but i probably wont be able to let my friends borrow it like my adjustable pack. the different straps allow for you to really sinch that weight in close to your back when you fully utilize them. so far with about 100 miles under this packs belt i couldnt be happier and will be taking this one on the 220 mile hike i plan on doing this summer.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

No doubt its a nice pack, but material looks to me cheap. Too thin and Im afraid it will get torn quite easily in the bush. Some of my hikes take me off the trail, so with its "delicate" construction looks its not going to last long.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

This pack is an absolute steal at the outlet price. I've been using mine for a few years now and have yet to find another that balances weight, features, and capacity so well. The materials have held up great over hundreds of miles of trails, storms, mud, and branches; and the pack has stayed comfortable all the way. I have really appreciated the zippered pockets, which allow me to organize things and provide quick access. Looking at other packs online, I'm always amazed this one has so many features for the low weight.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

I love this pack. It is a really well-designed, light, and durable pack. The only nit-picky flaw I could think of is that I'd really like a separate, waterproof (in case it leaks) compartment with a drain hole for the water bladder. However, I'm not aware of any pack that has that feature either.

One of the key things I like about it is that the outer pouch can be opened out enough to put my hydration pack w/minimal survival gear into it. That minimizes gear redundancy and gives me the option of hiking away from camp with my hydration pack.

I looked at and tried quite a few day pack options and this is, by far, the best one I've seen. REI really did a stellar job on this design.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

I was trying to decide between the Flash 50 and the Flash 65, so ordered both. I loved their low weight and excellent price.
I have not used the packs yet, but did want to pass on that the Flash 50 will hold a Bearvault 500 vertically and also will hold it horizontally, though only in the top third of the main sack. You can close the drawstring almost all the way and the top lid fits with the canister loaded horizontally in the top.
Otherwise it looks extremely well made and with some very thick padding in the shoulder and hip straps, as opposed to some models of ultralight packs. Hope this helps your decision.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

I have used this pack on both Summer and Winter hikes in the Southern Appalachians. You can pack it lite are you can go heavy with it.I paid [$] for mine a couple of years ago.A great pack for the price.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack - Special Buy:

This pack is pretty good, plenty of room for several days as long as your gear isn't heavy/bulky. Lots of little organizing pockets and I'm a huge fan of those shovel pockets.

Pros: Easily remove the frame sheet/poles and the lid to convert it to a very light, frameless pack on the fly. Large for a daypack but you already have it on a multiday trip so if you are leaving most of your kit at camp break the pack down a bit and enjoy your summit etc. The padding is very comfortable but not ridiculous. Also both sides have hydration tube ports.

Cons: Not many but the hip pouch is small, barely holds a small point and shoot camera. Better for a tin of Burt's lip balm and a snackbar. My son's Osprey Pack has much larger and fuctional hip pouches. The side netting for water bottles are integrated into the shovel pocket which will change the tension on the netting. Makes it a little difficult to put bottles back while wearing the pack.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this pack. I've done some pretty technical scrambling and the load stayed stable.