Acceptable pack, but the huge ventilation arch makes packing awkward. The Flash 65 by REI ($150) is fairly elusive to the eye. Weighing 2 lbs 10 oz, it has a ventilated back to help keep your shirt dry in warm weather and numerous pockets and straps, called “packmods”, that can be removed or reconfigured to lighten it further, up to 7 oz. stripped of accessories), Men’s M / Women’s S: 2 lbs. I was looking at the Flash 55 and noticed that the hydration hose exit ports near the shoulder straps seem like easy entry points for rain / precipitation. The REI Flash 55 is an ultralight-style roll top backpack with an optional top lid. (I also sweat when it’s cold. I also like the pockets / compression system / external attachment options on granite gear packs a whole lot – plus it has much bigger hip belt pockets. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee I’m going backpacking this weekend thru next Wednesday, in The Gila. Sorry I think I mistyped. Another benefit I’ve found is that it feels far more attached to your body then does the Osprey with the suspension – and I don’t notice any real difference in the sweat factor between this and the Osprey. I can’t tell if the straps are long enough, or if any of the pockets are big enough…. The mesh is stretched across soft dorsal and lumbar padding and integrated with the pre-curved wings of the hip belt. It’s easy to strap gear to the outside of the pack using their straps or elastic cord/cordlocks of your own design. If you've never owned a backpack that's this lightweight, the Flash 55 is a good ultralight pack to cut your teeth on. They’ve been updated with higher-tech materials (just like tents and clothing), but they still use the basic design: a perimeter frame and a trampoline back panel. There is a small learning curve to this system. This lets you detach them, move them to a different location, or change their angles, as needed. The stock REI Flash 55 comes with an elaborate but easy to use compression and external attachment system. I also don’t like the idea of the osprey weighing me down with pockets I will hardly use. I really liked the Granite Gear packs I’ve owned (original Vapor Trail, a Nimbus, a couple of Vargas, and a crown VC.) The REI Co-op Flash 22 pack combines ultralight design with trail-smart touches to keep you comfortable and well-supplied on a day hike or on the commute to work. I tend to prefer designs similar to the one here, where it doesn’t make any false promises about keeping your back from sweating. I’m torn between the REI Flash 55 and Osprey Levity 60 – any thoughts? This pocket is a real value-add and saves you the expense of buying a similar accessory pocket. But the external pockets on the back of the pack, which don’t count toward the actual volume measurement, are huge and easy to access. (2 lbs. If it rains, ah-hem, you’re going to get wet from internal condensation even if you’re wearing rain gear. I noticed on the Exos that the shoulder straps we’re very narrow really cut in and almost wanted to twist. The hip belt is sewn directly to the pack, so that the load is carried very close to your core muscles and hip girdle for maximum efficiency, while the soft lumbar pad and pre-curved hip belt wings grip the iliac crest. In the face of so much drama plaguing 2020, America prepares to welcome its newest national park — and the first in West Virginia. The top lid is attached by buckles and can be easily removed, as well as the straps holding it to the pack. They’re large enough to hold an iPhone 6, a small point and shoot camera, or snack bars, but aren’t what I’d call big. Thanks for the great review. If you make camp at 4pm, and that’s before your body has stopped sweating, it won’t gain you much. Thanks. Thanks! Sep 7, 2019 - Shop Women's REI Gray size Medium 19" torso 32-42" waist belt Backpacks at a discounted price at Poshmark. All Rights Reserved. Free Shipping and Returns. I’ve been leaning in that direction but there are so many choices to consider. The one downside is REI doesn't carry them. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the Flash vs the gossamer gear silverback 55. The nice thing about having an optional top lid is that you can add it when it’s needed, in cooler weather for example, to carry extra gloves, navigation gear, or smaller items that are handy to have easily accessible on longer hikes. I stopped at the REI in Ann arbor Michigan. The shoulder pocket fits a phone securely. Shop for REI Co-op Flash at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. It requires more advanced skills and experience to pack. I’ve taken it on a number of trips so far, and will find myself forgetting that I’m carrying a pack at all! If you want to see a good comparison of internal and external, take a hard look at the design elements of the Osprey Exos versus the Osprey Kestrel. A single exterior zippered pocket, several interior organizational pockets, and a key clip are handy for just about any adventure. My advice would be to try out the REI Flash 55 and compare them for yourself. Flying under the banner of the Flash series, the new 55L backpack is designed for the lightweight backpacker. I plan on carrying all the heavy stuff, so I think a frameless backpack would be ok for her. If you’re between sizes, I’d definitely recommend sizing up. Probably won’t be getting until June. My 2017 version of the Flash 45 was completely adjustable, but, as Philip noted, the new version of the Flash 55 is not adjustable. The REI Flash 55 Backpack is an ultralight, roll-top backpack with an optional top lid pocket. the top lid w/ Rainshield pocket (1.9 oz), Rainshield shoulder strap pocket (0. The mesh is stretched across soft dorsal and lumbar padding and integrated with the pre-curved wings of the hip belt. Are those additional side pockets large enough to fit a thermorest z lite foam pad? Was this something you noticed / was concerned about? Both shoulder straps have elastic hose keepers as well as well a pair of short horizontal webbing straps to attach the Rainshield shoulder accessory pocket, which can be easily moved to the other shoulder strap. (And the other ventilated designs won’t either.) 9 oz. All of my favorite skiing, hiking, and mountain biking daypacks are simple. It’s constructed like the top lid, with two layers of fabric and seam-taped, making it highly water-resistant. 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 and 55 L. The 45L is quite similar to the 55 but without the roll top and waterproof top lid. 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