REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

Just went on a week long trip on the AT, and I needed a new pack. I reviewed and tried on a ton of packs before I finally came to this one. This one was on the radar for a while, but I wasn't able to finally see it in person until just a couple weeks ago when it finally arrived in stores. For me, it was between this, the Osprey Exos 58, the GraniteGear Blaze AC 60. My parameters were it needed to carry at least 55L, under 3 pounds, and an actual internal frame (not these flimsy frame-sheet packs you see more and more of, including the old flash). These were pretty much the only three packs that fit this description. I must be honest, I already kind of had my heart set on the GraniteGear pack. Trying to convince myself the GG pack was the best, I just couldn't do it. The flash was just about exactly what I was looking for. First, the most important aspect of any pack, the suspension/frame. There is no better frame on an internal pack out there. This just takes all the weight and transfers it directly to your hips, while staying flush against your back (if you pack it right, as there is no frame sheet between the aluminum stays). The frame moves with your hips and movement of your back, not against it like you would see on a plastic framed pack (like the GG blaze). With the pack empty, you can actually twist the frame around 180 degrees. The load lifter straps are attached directly to the frame (and are also adjustable to where they contact the shoulder strap), pulling it right against your back, as tight as you want it. The padding on the back panel did take a little getting used to. I have broad shoulders, and my shoulder blades kinda felt funny along the padding, but not a big deal. Just wish there was a little more padding there (I realize this would sacrifice ventilation.)

As for the other aspects of the pack, the amount of organization is just right. Not so much as like in the Osprey Atmos to where the pack it weighed down, but not so little like the GG blaze that you need to dump everything out of you pack just to get to whats at the bottom. There are many little features and goodies that are very well thought out. I really like the kangaroo pocket on this thing, it goes all the way around the pack for a ton of external storage. On the topic of storage, I do think the 62L rating on this pack is pushing it slightly. Each company has a different way of rating the capacity, and Im sure REI considered the external pockets and such when calculating the capacity. Judging from the trip I was on, if you were to go a week or so solo and needed to carry all of you own gear and food, you really would need to take advantage of the straps and pockets, though as I said earlier, these features were thought out very well. As for the durability of the pack, I cant really say. Ive only been on one trip, and I didn't have any issues (I am pretty rough on my gear, and shied away from the Exos because of this). Though I do believe I won't be having any serious issues with this pack in the near future.

I would give it 4.5 stars because its an exceptional pack. It would be perfect it had a tad more capacity, a little more padding, and a thicker hip belt (like on the GG blaze.) But these are all very minor gripes, and very livable.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

Great pack! I spent a long time researching packs for this year and the flash 62 was a contender the whole time on paper. Then the local store got some in stock. I spent some time trying packs on and decided on the flash. Just in time to take it on a routine overnight with the scouts and it performed flawlessly. I could barley tell it was on my back with a 28lb load for a 6 mile hike over moderate terrain. The side pockets are huge and open into the shovel pocket. I had my solo cook kit and a 20 oz water bottle in one side and the other a 1 liter bottle and my WBSF tarp in the other and still had room for smaller items. As for color, the internet pic makes it look brighter than it is. But that is nothing a ripstop rain cover in camo can't fix if you need to stash it for some exploring. The only major con is no rain cover is included. You would think for the price it would have one. I will post a video review soon on you tube.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

This pack is great! I've recently purchased the Flash 62 to replace my Gregory z55. The Flash is has a very similar design to the Gregory; only the Flash has added several features I always wished the z55 had. The floating/removable lid compartment stays secure without getting in the way of the adjustment straps. This is a very convenient feature for getting yourself packed in a hurry. The aluminum frame allows the pack to flex with your body's movements while the harness keeps the pack comfortably off of your back. All of your weight rest squarely on your hips. The dual access top lid and the sleeping bag compartment along with easy access to the side mesh pockets, make this pack extremely versatile. Also, the pack weighs only 3 lbs or less depending on your size. I usually wear a Large pack but the Medium Flash 62 was a perfect fit. What more could you ask for?

P.S. Some people who don't even own this pack chose to review it based only on the color? Seriously? The color is actually more of a mossy green then the bright yellow that shows on the website. It reminds me of the golden sun soaked grass I see in Colorado most of the time. Don't judge a pack by it's color, go try it for yourself.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

This pack is great and has all the features I've been looking for in a lightweight pack. I'll say it right now, the color sucks. Seriously REI. The reason I still give it 5 stars is because I'm not gonna sit here and cry about the color as others have, it's just a pack. While I understand the pack does have to "look cool" as well as function, I'll add I ended up dyeing my pack a solid black. Turned out great, so I'll have to post photos later. That is mainly why I didn't care for the color, because I've hated colors before and it is nothing some dye can't fix, or at the most complex some disperse dye (for materials such as 100% polyester).

Color aside, this thing is lightweight seems durable. I say seems because I've only used it a few times and believe that durability is rated a few trips in. I'll report back on that. Pockets and storage everywhere, organized storage that is. The frame disperses the weight really well, I put some random items some of odd shapes and heavy and the weight was distributed evenly to my hips. The pack stays close to me even if I have a short spurt or move around sporadically.

Great pack. If you can get past the color or fix the color issues yourself, you cannot go wrong.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

I am fairly new to backpacking, except my Boy Scout trips as a youth. I am now a Scout leader and am trying to, "Do it right," this time. I am trying to mimic a minimalist, but still enjoy some luxuries. This pack has the latest technology, is flexible yet adjusts firm to the body. I just returned from a 6 mile hike/camp out with my pack at 30 lbs. I hardly felt my pack as I hiked. For the price, it was awesome. Don't let the color keep you from buying. It is different, but I like it. It stands out from the boring blue or gray offered for most mens packs. The only con is it is very floppy when packing. the hydration carrier is also only attached at the top. this is an inconvenience at the beginning of the loading processes, but is quickly forgotten once your about 1/2 way done.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

Had this pack loaded for more than it was probably designed for 41 lbs 27 miles. Very impressed.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

This pack offers a great value for the price. I am not a minimalist nor an ultra lite advocate. My original pack is a monster and weighs in around 6-7 pounds. The flash pack is much lighter and very comfortable. Because of its smaller size than the monster, I also pack less. Still not ready to go ulta light, but lighter is attractive! One caveat that was not an option was that the load stabilizers seem to work loose and need tightening on occassion. I may have been trying to stuff too much into the pack, but the pouch that holds a water bladder pulled apart at one of the seams. Otherwise, I love the flashpack and would definatlely recommend it!

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

I really like this pack. The color makes it a unique pack among my group of friends. I wish the top cover could be more stable when you access the main compartment. More strap management would make it more snag-free.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

I think that this is probably a really great pack for a lot of people. After wearing it a number of times I just found that it didn't suit my body... I'm 5'10, 190... it felt like it was always sagging. I also packed it with the heavier gear towards the middle (not at the bottom) and it just kept sliding down even though the hip straps were tight. I also had the stitching of one of the loops at the bottom of the pack tear... which might speak a little to the build of the pack. I've since purchased an Ospry which fits me better and seems a little more solid.

Comments about REI Flash 62 Pack - Men's:

To be honest with you, the color of the pack threw me a bit as well. On the REI website, the pack looks to be some hideous yellow abberation, a color not seen in nature, something that will make even the most hardened adventurers flee in terror.

In actuality: it's not that bad.

Yes, pretty much any color would be better, but it is actually a sort of faded yellow. Not great, but not horrific, either. And really, you're going to be wearing it on your back, so what's the problem? Do you have eyes in the back of your head? Do they do that now? How can I sign up?

So instead of the color, here's a novel idea: review the pack itself. And I'm very pleased! The pack has performed very well under increasing amounts of weight. The padding is more than adequate (always an issue with lightweight packs), the capacity is probably right at what you need or greater, and it even fits me perfectly. I upgraded to this from an REI Mars 80, dropping nearly 3 pounds in the process, and I couldn't be happier I did. The pack is much more comfortable, and I find I don't really miss the extra 18L. The main reason I did not choose the previous Flash 65 over the Mars was the bottom zipper providing much easier access to items lower in the pack. When the Flash 62 added this feature, I immediately switched.

In the end, this is a high-quality pack, not quite ultralight but very,very lightweight, and a great foundation for your hiking/camping gear. I am very much looking forward to taking this pack with me on a jaunt to Yosemite later this month.

And if you're wavering on the pack because of the color, don't. Wear it proud, my friend. Wear it proud.