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Imported.
Item 747522
Specification | Description |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Frame type | Frameless |
| Approximate volume | 1,037 cubic inches |
| Approximate volume - metric | 17 liters |
| Average weight | 9 ounces |
| Average weight - metric | 0.26 kilograms |
| Adjustable torso | No |
| Material | Nylon ripstop |
| Number of pockets | 1 main compartment |
| Access / Loading | Top |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 60 customers
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This bag has become one of my standard pieces of gear on almost every trip I go on. I use it as a stuff sack in my larger backpack and then use the bag alone as a day pack for smaller excursions. There is plenty of room for everything I need for a day trip from base camp or a stand-alone day hike. The only con is that the shoulder straps are engineered to be as light as possible and can bunch up to create pressure points.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
I need a bag to carry my "seat side" items on long trans-Pacific flights, something that can double as a day bag for city use in SE Asia.
Since my other bag is a Rick Steves Classic and uses up my carry-on "luggage" allotment, my second bag definitely has to be small enough to pass muster at the check-in gate as a "personal" bag, and this bag is excellent for such purposes since it doesn't waste any space on thick materials (bag or straps) or useless pockets. I cut the waist strap off mine so I'd have fewer straps to dangle and catch on things. I like the top loading feature with drawstring, ymmv.
I wish there was one zippered internal pouch to hold my keys etc. I use a packing cube or ditty bags for organization. The "water bladder slot" is useful, however, for tickets, papers, magazines. The lack of padding is not a problem, I'm not peak climbing with it. Ditto on the thin straps, plenty strong enough for my intended use. Horrible colors make it less appealing to a thief (easier to see them trying to slip away with it).
Service and delivery comments:
I find it easiest to get the stuff I want from REI by ordering on-line for store pick up. Otherwise they might be out of stock or have a hard time locating the item you want when you walk in.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This pack does everything it is designed for. It is the lightest weight pack, functions as stuff sack and actually holds a lot of stuff for its small size. It is not designed to be a true daypack so don't expect it to be comfortable carrying 20 lbs in it all day. It is great as a summit pack, stuff sack or a pack to throw in your suitcase for a quick hike. I will be taking it on a business trip to Hawaii to do a quick hike after a conference. I don't have space to bring a full daypack, so this will be perfect. It would be nice to have a simple flap on top just to know there is some cover from rain, but that would add more complexity. The only downside for me (at 6'2'') is that the chest strap is totally useless and I may just cut it off. It practically goes across my neck. Other than that, the Flash delivers on everything it was designed for. Great idea and design.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
I first purchased this for use as an occasional daypack, and for use backpacking. I liked it so much I bought a second for my son. It is one of the best small packs on the market for its intended use. Using it as a daypack, I occasionally insert a frame sheet into the large pocket, although with a hydration bag this is not necessary. For its size and weight, I have found it to be remarkably durable, even when overloaded. It's best use (for me, at any rate) is as a summit/daypack to accompany me when backpacking. I use it as a stuff sack for my sleeping bag, and then as a daypack on short hikes away from camp. Given its size and weight it is unbeatable -- and the price makes it the best value in the market.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This bag is great for short day hikes from your main camp as well as traveling especially in airports. I have used this many times for small day trips into the wilderness. During my last trip exploring parts of Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, and Badlands National Parks I typically carried my camera, tripod (strapped to the outside), gps, map, 2 liter hydration pack, long shirt, vest, hat, white towel, some snacks, and my ten essentials. This bag was full but carried all this gear comfortably. Having the hydration pack makes carrying the bag more comfortable. This bag lacks any frame but that is the price to pay for being so light. Two things that would make this bag better would be external pockets and a small pocket on the front strap for small gear such as chap stick, pocket knife etc.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This pack is the best all-purpose lightweight daypack I have ever used. It is extremely durable. The two mesh pockets and single pocket for the bladder give it just enough room to organize. Any more pockets, and it would not serve its' purpose well. What is its' purpose, you ask? Well, anything really. I have found quite a few uses for mine. On day hikes, it is perfect for a lunch, small electronics, a second layer of clothes in case it gets cool on top of that mountain. On long hikes, flip it inside out and store extra clothes or other items in it, then set up camp, and turn it back to a daypack for wandering off from camp. Or, use it as a hydration pack when you go for a long bike ride around town. A standard bladder fits perfectly, and the chest and waist straps keep it on tight. Plus, it has plenty of room inside too. Stop by the mall, put your helmet in the pack, and there is still room left over for making a few small purchases to carry back home with you. School books? No problem, one notebook or folder makes a great internal frame to keep the pack comfortable on your back. Actually, my confession is that people at the office give me weird looks because this has even replaced my briefcase. yeah, it's that good. I use this pack everyday, and it still looks and feels brand new. For the price, this is the very best multi-use daypack on the market.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This bag is a great value. I bought it to replace a small Camel back bag for day trips mainly to the beach. It stays super clean from sand since there is nowhere for the sand to get stuck. It's easy to carry, dries quickly and is more comfortable than expected. Easy drawstring closure allows it to hold much more than you would think. Also allows for many exterior clip on carry options.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
I've had this for almost a year now and it is by far my favorite pack. I use it for daily use, jumping a quick flight to the islands and short and long trips. This spring I plan to use it as my backpack for the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. This is a simple and beautiful(minus the color) pack. I always have it packed with enough stuff that I can freak out and ditch town in 10 seconds. If I could only keep one of my possessions (and I have allot of kewl stuff) this would be it. I have been traveling the globe out of a daypack on and off since the mid eighty's and this pack finally got it right. Go small, go simple, go now!
Current contents
Dog fish knife
Journal
Pen and pencils
Canon g9 digital camera
Ultralight waterproof jacket
Pouch of organic tobacco and rolling papers
Lighter
Passport & cash
Head lamp
tiny light with XS beener on outside
Poncho tarp ( I can borrow a small fleece blanket from the plane )
One clean T-shirt and a spare pair(doubles as emergency swim suit) extra wool socks
1 package ramen noodles and 5 sleeves of peanuts
reusable water bottle.
See you out there
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
I have to pack supplemental oxygen and I've been looking for something lightweight but industrial strength. I wrap the tank in a light towel (O2 tanks are chilly) and run the tubing out the top cinch hole.
It is so much easier than the medical bag they gave me! Plus, I get the tech gear cred with it.
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Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:
This is my favorite backpack. I've been using it on every hiking, snowshoeing, or other travel over the past 8 years. It has held up remarkably well, especially for the lightest and cheapest bag REI sells.
When my buddy lashed my snowshoes to the bag, pointy side in, I saw the points puncture the bag. But when I pulled them off, the holes were gone! I find that unbelievable, but it's true!
I have an older version that doesn't have the polyurethane coating. In heavy, wet, snow, I did notice water soaking through the bag.
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