REI Flash 50 Pack

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

The REI Flash 50 is a well thought of and well designed lightweight pack. This pack applies great features of other expensive packs, but at a more reasonable price.

I just used the Flash 50 on a 3-day backpacking hike of the AT in Maryland. My pack weight was just under 30 lbs., including water. This pack handled the weight very well. The adjustable primary and secondary straps for the shoulders and hips, provided fined tuned comfort as needed.

The ample pockets provided me easy access for quick packing and un-packing of items while on the trail. Such as, the top zippered pocket for snacks, map, sunglasses and compact umbrella. Also, the front "catch-all" pocket secured my soft-shell jacket with ease. Note: this front pocket is in one piece with both mesh side pockets to create more expansion than it looks. A fact perhaps not realized by a glance at the REI Flash 50 pack photos.

The inside slot worked well with my brand of hydration bladder. If you use one, be careful not to overfill your hydration bladder at the spring (easy to do with a pump filter)as this extra volume protrudes, bending the plastic frame insert and outside padding into your back.

All in all, this pack is quite comfortable and I plan to use it again for a 4-5 day backpacking trip soon. My ultra-light single-person tent, sleeping bag, self-inflating pad, clothing, stove, cooking and other gear fit entirely into the main body of the pack, with nothing secured on the outside.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

i purchased this to fill the gap between my day pack and my summer weekend pack. i compared it to (and tried on) the deuter futura zero 40, granite gear arete, osprey atmos 35, gregory z-35, golite jam2, rei pinnacle 40, and rei ventura 40. this had the right combination of comfort, features, and price for me.

the hip belt and shoulder straps are very comfortable - moderately padded with perforated foam to cut weight, something i saw with other packs too. you can't adjust the shoulder harness, so make sure you get the right fit for your torso length. the hip belt tightens by pulling the straps inward, a nice feature. the sternum strap easily adjusts along the shoulder straps.

the frame consists of a perforated plastic frame sheet with two thin aluminum rods and does a great job transmitting weight to the hip belt. i have not carried more than 30 pounds, and this pack handled it easily. the frame sheet/rod assembly is removable if you want to go ultralight. if you remove the frame and top, this pack weighs less than two pounds.

the pack is a top-loader and has a substantial outer pocket that could handle a rain parka, plus water bottles and other gear. the large outer pocket has a smaller zippered pocket (could hold a wallet, compass, phone, matches and more) the compression straps (one top, one on each side) do a good job of keeping smaller loads in place. the main inner compartment has a large sleeve for a hydration reservoir, with ports on each side (in case you are a lefty). two other small pockets, one on the top compression strap (can hold your car keys) and one on the hip belt (can hold a clif bar or two). the pack also has lopos, lash points, and two built-in bungee cords. for a pack of this size and light weight, i really like the variety of storage options.

the pack is made of a lightweight ripstop nylon, lighter than most of the other packs i looked at. i have not experienced any tears or failures, but i have not dished out much abuse on this pack either. for my purpose, it's fine. most of the comparable packs are made of more substantial fabric that may be able to handle more abuse, a factor worth considering.

finally, great value, among the least expensive of the group i listed above.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

I purchased the REI Flash 50 after seeing the Gear Guide Editors Choice Awards issue. I recently bought an Osprey Talon 33 which I planned on using for light overnights and day trips. As I packed for my first overnight with the Osprey I found that it just wasn't up to the task and the weight I needed to pack. Love the Talon 33 but my fault for buying a bag to small. it's only 2000 cubic inches. So I went the day of overnight to my local REI to look at the Flash. The 65 was definately more than I needed. The Flash 50 however was exactly what i needed. It is 3051 cubic inches compared to 3966 of the Flash 65 and the perfect size for me. This bag is excellent. I packed with about 25 pounds of gear, more than i needed but it kept taking stuff in and stayed very comfortable. It fit me perfect and I got the large size to fit my torso. The sales person said a medium would be fine as i was on the line (between a med and large)with my torso measurements. At first she couldn't find a large in the store. I found one on a display manequin and the large just felt better. This bag is well made, has great storage pockets that make sense, super comfortable with nicely padded shoulder straps. I love the inner plastic frame and how it is curved around the base of my lower back to support most of the weight. The hip belts are nice and fat with a nice hip belt pocket (a must have in my opinion). Also the over the top storage compartment fits snuggly to top of bag with the ability to really crank down and make bag small for short day hikes. I used this bag once so can't speak to its durability but so far so great. Also [$] you cant beat it. The editors really got the REI Flash right with their Editors Choice pick.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

There's been plenty said on this pack already...they sum it up pretty well...I'll just add my two cents.

This pack is truly unbelievable. I picked it up two days ago and took it out to Red Rock with my full sport climbing gear. It EASILY fit my 60m rope, harness, shoes, chalkbag and extra chalk, dozen QD's, 6 lockers, PAS, grigri, hydration bladder, guidebook, some sandwiches and pizza, a light jacket, and a few other goodies. I still had the bottom straps free to throw a tent on, the top container pretty much empty, AND the front container AND pocket empty.

It fits incredibly well and is very very comfortable.


And the VERY BEST part? The amazing price.

Buy this pack. You will not regret it.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

Great backpack. I wish they made one that fit me (22" torso), but few packs do so I'm used to compromising. However, even though it's not quite big enough for me, it is very comfortable. I took it on a 4 day trip over rough terrain carrying about 30 pounds and it performed great. No aches, pains or issues.
The pack is on the small side, but if you are a light packer and have smaller lighter gear it works fine. There is just enough room in the front and top pockets to keep the stuff you need to grab handy, and the water bottle pockets fit a nalogene bottle snuggly. It actually took a little practice to get the bottle in and out but once I figured out a routine it was easy. The little belt pocket is a great place to stash small snacks too!
I didn't have to break it down for a day trip, but I was thinking with my spare shoelaces I could easily turn the removable top section into a shoulder or waist bag.
Great pack. Light, durable, well designed, handy size, and the price is unbeatable! Highly recommended.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

I travel up and down California on my bike and mass transit. For the past year I had been lugging around a backpack and a duffel bag. My buddy just went on a 3 week trip to Costa Rica and showed up before leaving with this same pack. For the price it couldn't be beat. I ordered on online and it's been great. I now find myself back and forth between LA and SD with plenty of clothes and room for my computer and hardware (I'm a community manager at a record label).[...]

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

I'm a woman and I got this pack because the female equivalent didn't feel as good on as this one. I am so happy with my decision! I've taken this pack out to Johsua Tree 3 times now and I love it!! It is easy to load, comfortable, and does well in hot weather. My favorite things about it are the ease of use, its lightweight, and the price. It's a solid bag and goes for a lot less money than others.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

REI hit a home run with this pack. First off it is very lightweight. From there it gets better, great design, easy to load, multiple adjustments and compartment for a water bag. I hadn't packed for several years and decided it was time. Off I went on a 40 mile trek and the pack fit the bill. I looked at packs a whole lot more expensive. If you want light and don't plan to pack more than 45 pounds this pack is perfect.

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

Just hiked the S. Rim of GC down to Phantom R. So I purchased the F50 almost last minute. It has plenty of room. But gets heavy real quick (depending on what you have...). I stayed for the weekend and this had plenty of room. Was fairly comfy. The shoulder pads could be a bit more padded for more comfort IMHO. Not easy to reach for your water bottles on the side mesh compartment while hiking. Would have to stop and take pack off or have a friends help to access. (could always add a water compartment which this pack has a room for, to it I guess. I prefer water bottles while hiking. NOT camelback style.) Has a nice reachable mesh front pocket on the waist support for power bar, etc...Those would be the only 2 downsides. I would say, its overall a very good investment. It's very durable and as light as a pack in its league would probably get. Go in the store and have one of their pros help you select the one that suits your style/size the best. REI peeps are very helpful... Good luck and stay safe!

Comments about REI Flash 50 Pack:

purchased this pack to bridge the gap between a day pack and a true weekend/short multi-day bag. it fits that niche very well. I like the combination of features on this one, and i like the flexibility it offers.

advantages: an internal frame that is contoured and comfortable, lightweight but can handle 30 pounds comfortably, and that can be removed to make this an incredibly lightweight top-load pack; a lot of pocket options; comfortable hip and shoulder pads; well-thought out hydration ports.

issues - torso length is not adjustable. try it on and make sure you pick the right size for you.

the only potential disadvantage is that the fabric is very lightweight. too early to tell how durable it is, but so far, a great purchase.