rei.com. But is the REI Flash 45 the best backpack for you and your backpacking adventures? Make sure the suspension is right. We’ll send you a few emails every week. And though you can buy separate rain covers at reasonable prices, should I really have to when I’m already purchasing a pack that lies within the backpacking and hiking range? Comparing the REI Flash 45 to the similarly-sized Osprey Talon 44, I think the Flash backpack comes out very well. Ultralight Backpacker 13,728 views. To start with, the recommended retail price of the REI comes in around $30 less than the Talon 44 – ideal perhaps for purchasing that missing Flash rain cover. We love that it packs down into a fanny pack that doesn't require you to … Here’s the lowdown. I couldn’t have ever expected that the REI Flash 45 would last me three years of backpacking and a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. Share Tweet Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email + Backpack REI Flash 45 $159, 47L/2,868 c.i., 2 lbs. The REI Flash 45 is also probably not the best choice for you if you prefer a simple pack comprising nothing but a main compartment, because of its internal support frame, external pockets, and attachment loops. REI Gear Reviews. REI sells rain covers that will fit the Flash 45 for as little as $25, meaning you don’t have to cancel weekend plans should the weather look less than peachy! Gear Review: REI Flash 45 Backpack By Daniel Booth August 12, 2020 No Comments. Jul 28, 2016 - Designed for weekend backpacking trips, this ultralight pack provides an impressive level of carrying comfort for a pack this light—it's just over 2 pounds. As both these packs are designed with hikers and backpacking in mind, they both include the padded and adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt common with this type of pack, and also include zippered pockets on the hip belt. Firstly, I’ll check out the internal competition from other REI backpacks, before comparing the Flash 45 to the Osprey men’s Talon 44. Its internal steel framework may add a little weight – though the pack still weighs under 3 lbs – but with its shoulder straps and hip belt, provides the right level of structural support for all-day wear without ever becoming cumbersome. Meanwhile, the sternum strap should be tight enough to keep the backpack steady but is not intended to take the backpack weight, while as already mentioned, the back panel should be flat against your back. And when you bear in mind you’ll be able to use this pack season after season, the REI Flash 45 just gets cheaper and cheaper! However, the Talon boasts an ‘external’ hydration sleeve for water bladders in the back panel, which makes accessing hydration systems a little easier than if it sits in a sleeve in a perhaps heavily-loaded main compartment. Check your inbox for more perks. Archived. It has a handful of really clever features that can be removed, or adapted to help make packing for any trip a breeze. 2015 REI Flash 45 Specs. I was comfortable hiking all day with 25 lbs (11.34 kg) in the pack. In excellent like new condition. 4 oz., fits torsos 19-21 inches) rei.com Its geared as a lightweight pack perfect for weekend trips or extended trips if you are an ultralight enthusiast. I was checking it out at my local REI last night. I like how the bottoms of the frame/stay attach directly to the hip belt, and the hip belt is relatively stiff – good load transfer for 25 lb loads or less. Sells for 159.80 149 tax at REI. Success! Buy Now $160.00. 30 lbs (13.61 kg) is the maximum weight that REI recommends for the Flash 55. These mesh pockets also boast snap closures, so however slim your water bottle, you can be sure it’ll be held in place and won’t move about as you do. Our take The weight-to-capacity ratio of this hauler made it a favorite among testers. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! None of them had this shape that seemed to hug you and pull the weight in … Water resistance just isn’t enough for anyone looking to get out and about in the wild for a couple of days, where shelter is difficult to come by and good weather far from guaranteed. © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. Cold Weather Hiking Gear, Clothing & Boots, Kids' Fleece Jackets, Pants & Accessories. The Flash 55 backpack launched at the end of January ’19 with a couple color options, different fits for men and women, and two size options: 45 … The REI Flash is a fairly classic-style windbreaker that gets the job done, but doesn't inspire us. Another noteworthy point is the fact that the larger the volume of your backpack, the heavier it will be when empty, from 1.5 – 4.5 lbs for a smaller capacity backpack to over 6 lbs for an 80 litre version. It was on sale for a whopping $50. As a backpack orientated towards the adventure market, you won’t be surprised to learn that each ‘version’ of the REI Flash 45 comprises well-padded shoulder straps which are adjustable at the top and bottom for a personalized fit. This article concentrates on the 22, but there are three other sizes: 18L, 45L, and 55L. And two Tents: REI Co-op Quarter Dome 1. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT. Used (normal wear), Excellent condition Mars REI backpack with waterproof cover and water bottle.. ... REI Flash 62 backpack like new cond... $80.00. I call it fast because of the way it feels on your back. REI Flash 45 First Impressions Back in December, I came across a post on BPL discussing the new REI packs for the spring season. It's the perfect companion for a long weekend of fast and light backpacking. All in all, though the REI Flash 45 does have its minor flaws as I’ve highlighted – and don’t we all – I think the Flash pack is a thoroughly trustworthy backpack that will see you through many a weekend adventure. I know I keep coming back to this again and again, but seriously? The REI Co-op Flash 45 is a backpacking pack designed for the weekend warrior that has a great set of features at an appealing $149 price point, and that can from time to time be combined with REI discounts to get the price even lower. Then you need to pick a backpack that fits your needs. Lightest. Its internal steel framework may add a little weight – though the pack still weighs under 3 lbs – but with its shoulder straps and hip belt, provides the right level of structural support for all-day wear without ever becoming cumbersome. Well, the REI Flash backpack includes a sleeve or liner within the pack’s main compartment which is specifically intended to store water bladders (though they can be very useful for a small laptop or tablet computer too) in the smallest possible space. What does this mean? First and foremost, you need to find a backpack that fits YOUR body size and shape. I can’t help worrying that with rough handling – such as pulling out a rain cover in a hurry – it could easily tear. I know that the backpacks are more of a personal thing, and I do plan to try on both if I can and see which one I like more. Flash 45 is a fast, lightweight, overnight bag designed to carry your gear and get you there quickly and lightly. Has anyone here used it as a carry on before? The answer seems obvious to me – 10 extra liters and the Flash 45 every time! By signing into your account, you agree to REI's. The challenge: Backpack a three-day, 40-mile loop in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness, staying as light as possible, but having a pack capable of hauling extra water without compressing my spine. The sternum strap has the additional advantage of running up and down a track so it can be positioned in EXACTLY the right position for you and your body. Although I really like the mesh water bottle pockets and large mesh pocket on the front of the Flash 45, the mesh does feel a little thin. I paid $110 for the Flash 45 and I've seen the Exos 48 on sale at Amazon for $145 but at regular prices $80 is a bit steep to save 6oz. Book now. Are zipper closures important to you? For loads around 45 lbs, this pack performed equally to our Editors' Choice award winner, the Arc'teryx Bora and was on par with the performance of the REI Flash 65. The ripstop nylon pack fabric is tough enough to toss on granite without worrying about it tearing, though … Doing the Salkantay trek and 5 days in the jungle. On the plus side, it is cheap. 7. – The mesh pockets were perfect for 2 16 oz. New (never used), Brand new never used REI Flash 62 men's backpacking pack. Do you like lots of external pockets? The REI Flash 45 is a top loading backpack with a floating top lid that can be raised higher if you need to overload the pack. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/.../rei-co-op-flash-45-womens The REI Flash 55 is a highly configurable, ventilated, roll top backpack that weighs 2 lbs 10 oz, but can be stripped down to 2 lbs 3 oz by removing several optional components. The REI Flash 55 is an ultralight-style roll top backpack with an optional top lid. The Flash 55 handles loads well. I’ve spent a lot of time with my trusty REI Flash 45. 30 lbs (13.61 kg) is the maximum weight that REI recommends for the Flash 55. REI Gear Reviews. Call .Recognized as Best Women`s Fit by Backpacker Magazine April 2017 Gear Guide. Thanks for your support. The smaller 43-liter Flash backpack is intended for men with a torso of 18-inches and waist size of 30-40 inches. Specifically designed as the ideal all-around weekend backpack for adventures of all sorts – whether a long train journey or 48 hours of wild camping – the REI Flash 45 can lay claim to being one of the best backpacks of its kind. As one of the lightest packs we tested, the REI Flash 45 is built for the no-frills woman backpacker. Schedule a free 1-on-1 virtual appointment with one of our experts. While REI allows its customers to return and replace its outdoor gear for whatever reason within a year of purchase, Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee guarantees the company will repair damage and defects to its products whether they were purchased one or thirty years ago (or more). It has a large, breathable mesh pocket on the front of the pack, ideal for storing items you might need to access quickly, such as a rain cover. However, the Flash lacks any sort of adjustment system in the suspension of the pack, so it either fits, or it doesn't. Close, Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. It's the perfect companion for a long weekend of fast and light backpacking. I’ve already mentioned a couple of the cons of the REI Flash 45 in passing. The modular aspects include two hip belt pockets (one mesh, one ripstop), a waterproof shoulder strap pocket (seemingly made specifically for a phone), compression straps, top lid, and tool attachment loops. You can unsubscribe from REI Co-op emails at any time. It has load-stabilizing tech, a contoured hipbelt, breathable back panel and attachment points for gear. Molded, mesh-covered EVA back panel rivals heavier packs with its comfort and ventilation; shoulder straps are made with perforated foam, allowing sweat vapor to pass through ; I tried a few other packs on my back before getting this one. A unique feature is the pack's vertical oriented tension straps on either side of the pack; these straps helped to … Each side of the hip belt comprises a good-sized zippered pocket, and there’s a further exterior zippered pocket incorporated into the pack’s closing lid or brain! REI is likely proud of the Flash 55 and its Packmod(ular) design. I like the Flash 45 fine, though I made a few modifications. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Specs. Then there’s the eight different external pockets, including snap closure water bottle pouches, for storing those little extras, and an internal sleeve in the main compartment for use with water bladder hydration systems. Also, the draw-string closure may be a drawback to some users who prefer the option of securely locking their packs. This pack is like new, only used a handful of times. REI Flash 45. Co-op Flash 45. See REI Flash 55 prices below. 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