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REI Flash 65 Pack - Women'sOnly At REI
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REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's

Item # 778471

$149.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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If you want to go light without sacrificing comfort, the multiday REI Flash 65 women's pack is for you. It sports a balanced mix of light weight, versatile features and a comfortable suspension.

  • Removable framesheet, stays and top lid let you create a minimalist configuration for incredible weight savings
  • Minimalist configuration weighs a scant 2 lbs.
  • Precurved hipbelt is designed specifically to fit a woman's contours; it cradles the hips for a natural fit and evenly distributes load weight without sagging
  • Hipbelt webbing system allows you to use a natural forward pulling motion for quick, easy cinching and precise adjustment
  • Hipbelt has a zippered pocket for on-the-go access to essentials such as snacks and lip balm; lash points on the other side let you attach a camera bag or GPS pouch
  • Precurved, dual-density padded shoulder straps match your anatomy for nonbinding comfort and stability
  • Back panel features mesh-covered, perforated foam for breathability and a fixed suspension system for low weight and easy use
  • Twin aluminum tubular stays and a precurved, perforated HDPE framesheet maximize structure and minimize weight
  • Under the lid, an over-the-top compression strap pulls the load in close to your back and provides a place for lashing on climbing ropes or other bulky items
  • Over-the-top compression strap has a thin storage pocket to stash a few small essentials; includes a key clip and a rip-and-stick closure to secure cash and ID
  • Deep, catch-all front pocket keeps large, often-used items within easy reach
  • 2 mesh pockets on each side hold water bottles and other stowables
  • Water-resistant zippers on top and front pockets and a rip-and-stick closure on the pocket underneath the lid allow you to safely store valuables away from the elements
  • Multiple lash points on the top pocket and front of pack provide attachment points to carry additional gear
  • Quick-release bottom straps accommodate a sleeping pad; side compression straps secure both large and small loads for increased stability
  • Hydration sleeve and hanging clips hold a variety of reservoirs (sold separately); dual exit ports allow you to route a drinking tube over either shoulder
  • Simple, lightweight tool attachment points let you quickly lash trekking poles, ice axes or other tools to the pack
  • Sew-free construction on lash points helps reduce weight without sacrificing strength
  • 140-denier ripstop nylon construction provides increased durability without added weight; polyurethane coating adds weather resistance
  • Discussing the REI Flash 65 pack, Backpacker April '09 put it this way, ''Wrong question: Who should get this pack? Right question: Who shouldn't?"

    Specifications based on size Medium. Specifications for Small and Large torso / waist and hips / base volume / weight are as follows:
  • Small: 15 - 17 in. / 26 - 31 in. / 3,783 cu. in. (62 liters) / 2 lbs. 14 oz. (1.3 kg.)
  • Large: 17- 19 in. / 31 - 37 in. / 4,150 cu. in. (68 liters) / 3 lbs. 3 oz. (1.45 kg.)

Imported.

Item 778471

REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's Specs

Specification

Description

GenderWomen's
Frame typeInternal
Backpack styleUltralight backpack
Approximate volume3,966 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric65 liters
Average weight3 lbs. 2 oz.
Average weight - metric1.42 kilograms
Adjustable torsoNo
Fits torso16 - 18 inches
Fits waist/hips28 - 34 inches
MaterialRipstop nylon
Frame materialHDPE/aluminum
Number of stays2
Number of pockets5 + main compartment
Access / LoadingTop
Sleeping bag compartmentNo

REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's
 
3.7

(based on 6 reviews)

83%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (6)
  • Easy to load (5)
  • Good padding (5)
  • Highly adjustable (4)
  • Large capacity (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Extended hikes (6)
    • Heavy loads (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual adventurer (4)
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort driven (5)

    Reviewed by 6 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-6

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    May

    16

    2009

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Troubleshooting sternum strap

    By BridgetTravel

    from Boulder, CO

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Good Padding
    • Lightweight

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes

      Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

      I'm new to backpacks and I just bought this pack on sale from REI.com After picking the pack up at the store, I tried it on and an REI worker helped me to get the right fit. Everything on this pack was GREAT (I had no idea carrying 30 pounds could be so comfy!) except for the sternum strap being too low. The REI worker told me that even though REI stores had told the designers about this flaw, changes had not been made. While no one wants a strap going right across their bust, I don't think this flaw damns the entire pack. At REI, they showed me how to make my own strap for about $4 and minimal effort. I loved everything else about this pack, including the price.Bottom line: Try this pack on. If the only problem is the sternum strap, that doesn't have to be a deal breaker.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Comfort Driven

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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      May

      9

      2009

      (1 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

       
      1.0

      good pack if you have short torso

      By hiker chic

      from danville, ca

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Comfortable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Extended Hikes

        Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

        If you have a long torso and breasts skip this bag...the chest strap has min. adjustment so the highest point lands over your breasts

        • Gift:
        • No
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Comfort Driven

        Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Oct

        25

        2009

         
        5.0

        Very comfortable and spacious!

        By CJ5w4WD

        from Heart in the Highlands, but live in IA

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Comfortable
        • Easy To Load
        • Good Padding
        • Highly Adjustable
        • Large Capacity
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Extended Hikes
          • Heavy Loads

          Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

          Although I am comfort driven, lightweight is an essential element of a comfortable trip! Last summer I did 75 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with this pack and I have no complaints. Previously I used a 3k pack, less than 2 lbs for years and was sold on lightweight packing with some ultralight options. But since I could not fit the "can" I needed to upgrade. I tried many and found that the sacrifice for comfort was a lot of extra weight--or I could sacrifice comfort and have a light pack with little padding or with tiny straps that need to be adjusted constantly. My solution was this pack. The "can" with all my food, cooler weather gear, Jet Boil personal system (I gave up alcohol stoves due to the fire hazard)tent, pad, everything fit inside and the compression straps worked well. All the suspension straps worked very well to balance my rather heavy load (36 lbs 1st day). Pockets are well placed for accessibility. My extra ground pad (1/4" closed cell foam--more comfort ;^)) was the only thing I strapped on top or bottom depending on whether I used the rain cover. The pack took a lot of abuse as I had to balance it on granite rocks to get it on until I gained strength and reduced the weight. The only damage was a small nick in the side and thanks to rip stop, that's all it was for the whole trip. I used the small frame pack but found the waist belt a little snug at first until I shed some of my "cubicle" weight.

          • Gift:
          • No
          • What Is Your Gear Style:
          • Comfort Driven

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

          Jul

          3

          2009

           
          4.0

          Great pack!

          By Snowbird108

          from Washington, DC

          About Me Avid Adventurer

          Pros

          • Comfortable
          • Easy To Load
          • Good Padding
          • Highly Adjustable
          • Large Capacity
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Day Hikes
            • Extended Hikes
            • Heavy Loads
            • Light Loads
            • Travel

            Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

            Used pack for extended month-long hike in rugged territory. Excellent. Carried all my gear without a hitch. Green elastic straps that broke for some reviewers work great for ice axe and trekking poles without undue pressure on the elastic. The lower straps - under the ice axe loops - work great for tarp or tent, sleeping pads and bulky, lightweight gear. All lightweight packs need a bit more TLC than the older, heavier packs, but they give a lot back in reduced knee and lower back strain. LOVE the ability to remove the framesheet and stays to make the pack lighter - I used my sleeping pad as the frame, UL style. Thanks, REI, for a bomber pack!

            • Gift:
            • No
            • What Is Your Gear Style:
            • Comfort Driven

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Jun

            29

            2009

             
            5.0

            Comfortable, Light, Great Deal

            By casual CA hiker

            from Bay Area, CA

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Easy To Load
            • Good Padding
            • Highly Adjustable
            • Large Capacity
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Extended Hikes

              Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

              I was looking for a backpack for my first backpacking experience. I tried several packs of different brands but similar size and this was the most comfortable. I love the padding on the shoulder and hip belts. The back provided enough ventilation so that I wasn't all sweaty at the end of the day. I also like all the pockets and compartments for easy organization and access. The four side pockets (2 on each side) were very deep and I could keep my extra water bottle, snacks, and flip flops on hand. My clothes all fit in the top pocket, my sweater in the bucket pocket for access, and the rest of my gear inside the bag with much room to spare. Admittedly, I traveled in a group of 3 so we split up our equipment. I did have the bear canister and although it fit inside the bag snugly (as in push really hard so that the canister will go in), the bulging shape pushed out the back padding a little so that I could feel it digging into me when I bent forwards on a steep upward climb. But, it wasn't a problem walking upright on gradual slopes. I don't see this as the fault of the backpack design but rather the size I chose, and the fact that I didn't adjust the load lifter well.I chose 5 stars for this bag but really, I'd give it a 4.5. As others have mentioned, the sternum strap hits you right at the breasts. [$], I bought webbing straps, triglide, and buckles (all available at REI) and made the pack ideal for me.In all, I love the backpack. I could hardly feel the weight while on the trip and even after the trip, I had minimal aches (mostly from being out of shape). Having bought the backpack during REI's annual sale, I also thought it was a fantastic deal. And, as I'm partial to lime green, I'm digging the colors too.

              • What Is Your Gear Style:
              • Minimalist

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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              Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

              Jun

              11

              2009

               
              3.0

              Bring your own straps

              By Nanc H

              from Illinois

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Easy To Load
              • Good Padding
              • Highly Adjustable
              • Large Capacity

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Extended Hikes
                • Heavy Loads

                Comments about REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's:

                I bought this pack for a 3 day backpacking trip. I tried on all the packs and picked this one for comfort before looking at the price - pleasantly surprised! The only issue I had with it was that one of the gear straps broke before we even got out of the parking lot. Not a crucial part of the pack, and fortunately, another member of my group had an extra strap I could borrow. However, I know I can't really count on the other strap now and so I'll always need to bring extras.

                I would recommend this pack, but don't count on the green elastic straps on the back that are for a thermarest or other gear.

                • Gift:
                • No
                • What Is Your Gear Style:
                • Comfort Driven

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                 - You may also flag this review

                Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

                Displaying reviews 1-6

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