REI Co-op  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!

Getting close to a year of use on this pack. I'm very satisfied with it. Can't tell you how many packs I tried and returned because they were made for a guy. I got this on sale, which made it even more of a bargain. I use almost all the features on this pack and really like that they put bottom straps on the pack for pad or tent poles. I find these very useful especially when I remove the floating lid. Improvements. The front pocket is too small. I would put 2 larger pockets on front and make them so they are removable. The hipbelt on my small is a little small for my womanly hips. Needs to be a bit longer and lengthen the padding to go around hips more.

Just used this pack on 7 day backpacking trip in the muir wilderness. I bought it because of the great reviews, great price, and the light weight. IT is really light weight and it has a lot of good pockets and straps so that its easy to load and stay organized. BUT its so light because there is virtually no padding! it is terribly uncomfortable and you cannot adjust the torso length. I had sores and bruises on my hips and collar bones after the first day- so putting it on every morning was really painful. I started stuffing socks in between my hip bones and the belt. I am now looking for a new pack-- I will probably use this again on quick overnighters but not extended trips.

I've used this bag twice since I bought it last September. Once for a long weekend trip and the next on a 5-day backpacking trip. I've been impressed with how well it holds up in the elements. The amount of space this bag has to offer is convenient and the external utility pockets allow you to have easy access to items you need quickly on the trail. This bag is extremely comfortable and lightweight! It weighs next to nothing when completely empty. As with any other bag, make sure you are fitted for the right size before making the purchase! I have a long torso and have no issues with the breast strap.

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.

I've had this bag for about a year and for the most part it has been great. It has held up like I just got it yesterday. I've taken it backpacking twice and on countless hikes. My only complaint is that the hip belt is just a tiny bit too short and is now driving me crazy as it rides up unless I'm carrying a heavy load. An adjustable hip belt would be great as everything else fits perfectly and I didn't even notice at the first fitting. If you have a long torso, keep it in mind.

What a great find! For a reasonable price, this ultralight backpack is a dream come true for me! I am 5' 1" and am not a huge, muscular person. I was looking for a light pack that could hold what is needed for a 3-8 day backpacking trip, without the added weight of extra pockets and bells and whistles that you see on some packs these days. It is comfortable and in the 2 years I have owned it, I have been pleased with how it has been holding up..and I have REALLY been giving it a workout! There are not a lot of pockets, so if you are someone who likes lots of individual storage spots, this pack is NOT for you. If you want a cavernous pocket to fit your collection of stuff sacks into (like me), you will be delighted with this pack. I have no complaints at this time.

I bought this with the intent to use it on my PCT thru-hike in 2011... I've been out with it plenty of times since I got it and love it. It's a little heavy to be called ultralight (IMO), but the price is right. Lightest bag REI has in this capacity and no one can beat their return policy! I MAY switch to the REI Flash 50, because the 65 has A LOT of space-- too much! I found this bag to be the most comfortable out of ALL the bags I tried on, so I bought it. Wish it was lighter, but otherwise, I can't complain.

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.

I can finally give a legitimate review on this pack after returning from a weekend hike on the AT. I love it! Comfortable to hike with and stays close to your back. Seems to have a place for everything you may bring along. If I had to nit pick on anything and I'm trying to find something to complain about, it would be a little more padding in the shoulder straps. Other than this detail I would HIGHLY recommend this pack to anyone!