REI Flash 18 Pack

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

I have the old Flash 18 and love it, and still use it all the time. The upgrade has a couple of nice touches. They now have a loop for attaching your water bladder in the hydration sleeve so that it doesn't sag to the bottom of your pack as you drink water and empty the bladder. This was a simple fix that is a real improvement.

It also now has a small internal pocket with a zipper, once again a nice improvement, especially for when you turn it inside out to use as a stuff sack. The old internal pockets were to narrow to be that useful, the new one is better.

The upgrade Flash 18 weights an ounce more than the previous version, but you can readily correct that by taking out the removable back panel. The old one doesn't have this back padding panel, and while a nice idea, it doesn't really add to the stability of the bag, so if you are a true minimalist it is easy to remove. They suggest that you can use this back panel as a sit pad, good idea, but in reality too small for a real sit pad.

The upgrade also has a new draw string system to close the top. It doesn't seem as rugged as the old one and it is easy for the strings to get caught in the mechanism. This looks sleeker, but it really isn't an improvement.

You can remove the sternum and waist straps on the new flash 18 as well, but I won't recommend it. One of the beautiful things about this pack is that it by adjusting all the straps you can carry a fairly impressive weight load by synching the bag to hug your body. This is why it doesn't need any rigidity to carry a nice load. You can take off the straps to save more weight, but then you lose some of the functionality.

This is truly the best ultralight travel pack out there. Like its predecessor you can't completely pull the top opening completely closed tight, so in a big rain your gear and stuff can get wet. You can't go wrong with this pack, or pick up the older version in the outlet and save a few extra bucks.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

I own the previous model Flash 18 and LOVE it. That said, I sometimes found myself wanting better internal organization, and when using the bladder pouch found my camelbak bladder sagging toward the bottom of the pack) I also had no use for the waist strap but since it wasn't removable, I just dealt with not using it.

I was very excited to see that REI took notes from reviewers (so it seems) and fixed all of the above mentioned issues. There's a new zippered pouch at the TOP of the inside of the bag as opposed to before where the pockets were in the middle toward the bottom (kind of inconvenient when there's stuff in the bag.)

There's a simple attachment point to hold your hydration bladder upright inside of the bladder pouch.

And the waist strap is now removable!

Re: the new open/close cinch method

At first, I was thinking the new cinching method might be a deal breaker as I had grown accustomed to the way the older Flash 18 opens/closes. But, you know, I said the same thing about the old one, too. But once you open and close it the correct way two or three times, you'll never do it any other way. So, for me it's a non-issue.

Opening is as simple as pulling the tip of the tab and it slides right up the cord. For closing, I found it best to cinch the bag closed first, then pull the drawstring by the bottom section of the little tab (or whatever you wanna call it). No problem!

The new wider, mesh shoulder straps are nice. As is the internal foam back. I'm undecided as to whether I'll leave that in as I never thought I needed one in the first place. But it's nice to have the option.

Overall, I love the new Flash 18, I'm glad I have the older one as well, but this new version is very much an improvement in my opinion.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

When I saw that the flash 18 had been updated for 2012, I was really happy. It looked like REI had read and really thought about all the reviews that everyone had written. The new zipper pocket inside is a great addition to allow easy access to frequently used items (something that I always thought would make the pack perfect). The loop to hold a bladder up is also a nice touch. The small padding sleeve is ok. If you like it, then perfect. If you don't like it, it's easily removable. The same goes for the waste strap. These 4 changes are very very nice and in my opinion well thought out.

The one con of the new pack is the closure. I find it much more cumbersome than the old style. For those that never owned the older generation, then it's no big deal. You'll never know the difference. For those that do/did own the older pack, who knows how you may feel. I personally dislike it and will probably end up taking the pack back to REI. It just seems so much more difficult to open and close than the old design. Admittedly, I am nit-picking, but this is how I feel. My old one is still in great condition and i'll continue to use it until it breaks. At that point, I'll get the newer pack and I'm sure will learn to like the new drawstring closure.

Although I prefer the older generation, I would still recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a small lightweight pack. The flash 18 really can't be beat.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

This little pack is fantastic! The only thing I gave it a con on was its lack of padding, and Im not talking about the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps barely have any padding on them yet they work great, even under a heavy load for the size of the bag. The lack of padding Im referring to is the foam pad in the back. It has its own pocket for it but its so thin and flimsy it serves no purpose. Even as a sitting pad the slightest bump would penetrate this pad. Check out the pic below, this is what I did to improve it. I got some closed cell foam, the stuff I used is probably about 1" thick. I saved the old insert to trace its shape. After that I rounded the edges and sides to help it fit a little better and now it rocks...when I need the pad as a sitting pad, Im sittin pretty, when its in its pocket in the pack, it works perfectly. This also gives it some rigidity if youre haulin harder objects such as ammo boxes on a bicycle (dont ask). But if you dont want something that thick just use an old sleeping pad...anything but the provided pad.

I carry a 3 liter camelbak in this bag along with the regular day hike items..Parka, first aid, food, etc. and it fits fine, and takes that weight too. now like the other reviewers here have said, the daisy chain on the back of it arent exactly made for latching anything over a couple pounds, but hey, its a small day bag at best, keep it simple...pair of glove, small rope..things like that, dont strap a rifle to it.

Also, you can turn this bag inside out and use it as a stuff sack. that right there gives you two uses with one item. Two is one, and one is none in my book. this little pack is a winner. Its so light you wont know its there. Whistle on the clip! Inside the nylon body there seems to be a little coating for water resistance, but I wouldnt take it in an Okinawan rainstorm. Other than that you really cant go wrong.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

I have the previous version of this pack, which i got on a whim and has seen constant use since. I just got the new version and am very happy that i did, even though it's redundant with the old one. This is one of the few products that you actually use for *everything* in the catalog description -- and then some! The new version is just as good as the old, and the changes are all for the better. I pretty much agree with the other reviewers, but would like to mention some additional things:
1) The new shoulder straps are much less prone to twisting while putting on the pack.
2) I was surprised at how much i like the stiffener. It makes loading the pack easier (on the ground) by preventing 'slouching' when empty. It also squares lumpy loads in the bag, so it rides on your back a little flatter an doesn't want to flop side to side. It insulates (a little) your cold water from your hot back, and when using the bag inside-out as a pillow, makes a smooth area for your face, without zippers and buttons poking through. Winner.
3) The removable sternum and hip straps are great options to have that add little or no weight. I mostly use my Flash sans hipstrap, but find the sternum strap is critical to comfort.
4) I adore daisy chains!
5) The new colors are pretty awesome.

Okay, the closure system: Fundamentally it works just like the old one, which can be a little unintuitive but is easily learned and critical to the inside-out function. Something about the shapes/sizes of the new working parts makes it easier for me to use than the last version. On the old one, even after a year, i still have a strong tendency to grab the grey and black tabs and pull, which doesn't do anything at all. The new arrangement doesn't lead me to that mistake. Admittedly though, the strings get in the way of the loosening-tip of the slider, which is a bit small. If they were routed though some kind of eyelet that kept them together and away from the tip of the slider, that'd be perfect. I added a pull-tab to mine to make it easier to grab with gloves -- happily it has an opening where that was easily attached.

Two features i would appreciate are:
1) Reflective "hits" on the front, maybe in the piping.
2) A small loop (ideally near the bottom seam) for a clip-on blinkie light.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

While I have the previous model, I love this pack. It is perfect for soccer use and short day use/hikes.

I use it all the time for my indoor soccer gear. Cleats, goalie gloves, shine guards, knee pads, and nalgene litter bottle all fit. It's a little tight will all that, but I could fit a few other small items in if need be.

I also use it for SHORT day hikes. I do not think it has sufficient capacity for long day hikes/exploration use.

On my short day hikes, I pack some food, my 1L nalgene, first aid, usually my synthetic jacket (depending on weather), compass, map, and a rain jacket. Depending on the time of year and weather, I also pack my 2L reservoir as well.

This gear fills up the pack pretty good which is why I use my Osprey Talon 33 for pretty much all my day use, as it really gives me the space for other gear. I really try to pack all the 10 essentials, and the flash 18 is just too small in my opinion. Not only that, but it really gets weighed down will that much gear and the padding is not sufficient for that much weight. If they made a flash 21-25 I think it would be absolutely perfect. I think that would really fill the void between a 30-33 daypack and the Flash 18.

However, I will continue to use it for day use when I know the weather is warm enough and I am not planning on being out for long periods of time.

I would absolutely recommend this pack! Heck, I think I want to buy the new one as well just to see how it compares to last years version.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

I purchased at least ten of these, for members of my family and friends as well. I consider this a great gift and an even greater utility.

I will wear this on a day hike along with my fanny pack. It does the trick perfectly.

I've used this as a bear bag hung high up in a tree. As a stuff bag when sleeping in a hammock. As a grocery bag and so many other things I can't begin to tell you.

It's a tough little bag which is reversible to use for storage as well.

The price makes this impossible to beat. It attaches to my backpack for extra storage when required, and when not, it's stuffed into my backpack. I use it for day treks, when I get where I'm going.

Do yourself a favor. Get one, you'll be hooked for life.

Thanks REI for a great product at a great price!!!

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

The 1 star is based on fit. I am about 5'7, female, and have an hourglass body shape with an abnormally short waist and long legs, moderately arched back and broad shoulders. Because the shoulder straps are connected narrowly with netting at the back, I could not adjust this pack for the weight to be high enough or close enough to my body. If I had the strap around my hips all of the weight rested at my tailbone, and any higher it was not near my body. No matter where I placed the straps, my hydration pack slid to one side or another or bunched up near the bottom because the pack was not held up/straight by my back. I needed at least another inch of waist length for this pack to be comfortable.

Pros: Packs very light for dayhikes on backpacking trips. It seems well made and held up on a 10 mile hike with some bushwhacking despite the discomfort!

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

Comparing to previous generation, I like the new shoulder straps better, and the removable hip belt, as well as the change in placement of the interior pocket and the addition of a loop to attach the bladder.

I like the old closure so much better than even with the improvements, I would take the old pack over the new one. It took me a while to figure out as some people mentioned then, but it worked like a charm.

Also, still wished it came with two ice-ax loops.

Comments about REI Flash 18 Pack:

Have 3 of the old flash 18's, and when one ripped, rei replaced it with one of the new ones. I have to say, I'm starting to like it better. The drawstring was really sticky at first and kept getting twisted, but it just takes a little practice. Colors are much better. I wasn't sure whether I liked the pad in the bag, because I was a big fan of the stuffability of the old one. But it is removable if you don't like it. For biking, the bladder holder is probably the most significant difference, and is way better. They also got ride of the annoying mesh sleeves on the inside which I think is good. I use this bag everyday for school, hiking, biking, etc. and it is basically bomb proof. I don't know why you wouldn't have one of these. Best small backpack out there for sure.