I’m very excited that Dave is getting into backpacking
REI Flash 50 hiking pack. I decided I want to get back into hiking and camping so I have reached out to Mike and Blake for advice in gear. They have shown me the light… or should I say lite (weight). After hours of research I decided to go to REI this past weekend and get my hands on the Flash.
While there I also tried on the Ospre 50, Greggory Z55 and the Granite Gear Vapor Trail. The Greggory was more expensive, not as comfortable and heavier so it was out. The Vapor Trail is extremely light but has no lid and consists of only the main compartment. I felt that anybody could make a pack light by giving no options and I wanted more than a super basic pack - out.
The Ospre Atmos 50 is an extremely nice pack and extremely comfortable. I didn’t go with this pack because it would have cost me another $70 and not give me any more usability. Storage compartments and size were nearly identical.
Back to the Flash. The pack comes in at under 3 lbs w/ 3200 cu. in. of room and offers more storage options, for the weight, than most of its competitors.
I really like the front storage on this pack. The front area is separate from the body of the pack and has side straps so you can tighten it to hug the body of the pack or loosen the straps to store gear between the main pack and the outer storage area. The front orange zipper gives access to the front pouch/storage.
The pack lid and internal frame can be taken out to drop even more weight, resulting in a pack that hits the scales at under 2lbs.
More to come. First trip out will be mid June.