New lightweight backpack from REI

[trecile]

I need a new backpack like a hole in the head, but I was intrigued by the new Flash Air backpack from REI. At 50 liters it's larger than I need, but it's very lightweight. It's currently on pre-order, but there are already reviews from almost a year ago on the REI site. My curiosity really got to me, so I Googled "REI Flash Air 50 backpack" and found a listing on Poshmark.com (a site where people sell used and new clothing, etc.) for less than half of the price listed on REI. So I ordered it, thinking that I could always re-sell it if I didn't like it.

So far, I think that I might really like this pack. I loaded it up with the weight that I usually carry on the Camino and it's very comfortable. It's pretty minimalist (which is fine with me). So far, what really stands out to me are the water bottle pockets - it is very easy to pull out and replace a water bottle. I've always used a hydration pack and tube, but it's so easy to access a water bottle from this pack that I could switch.

I'll have to practice packing it with my actual gear to make sure that I can cinch it down to carry what I usually take in a much smaller backpack.

 

[sunflowers]

50 litres sounds big. But if not jammed with "stuff", I assume it is not bulky at all given its lightness.

 

[Anhalter]

Mixed feelings.
I like seing bigger companies adapt to some of the smarter design choices, like decently sized side pockets or front (mesh) pockets and minimizing on the gimmicks no one uses.
On the other hand, i see no practical attachment points on the shoulder straps (daisy chain or D-rings), the compression looks like it could be better, it has this stupid "slider" adjustment for the chest strap and for the same price range i could get something with a lot more waterproofing.

Might be a step in the right direction, but for the money i'd personally rather get a Durston Kakwa or Gossamergear Gorilla.

 

[trecile]

I agree with you @Anhalter. But since I was able to buy this at a fraction of the retail price, I'm pleased with it so far.

 

[Former member 104756]

I agree with you @Anhalter. But since I was able to buy this at a fraction of the retail price, I'm pleased with it so far.

Looks great!

 

[J Willhaus]

Phil has something similar from Six Moons design. Very light, but water bottle pocket is on the front vest/straps.

 

[jpwu]

I will try this one on the Francès in june. I am looking forward.

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[Madis]

Looks great! I have also switched towards ultralight versions of backpacks. Being an European I focus on hand luggage sized options though.

Anyways, this 50L options seems to have a solid back ventilation, solid belt pockets and really good mesh pocket on the back.

 

[dbier]

Best of luck! It looks promising.

*After* I bought a Six Moon Design pack with the mesh vest adaptation, I decided I wanted a smaller, non top loading model. Which reminds me, I really ought to donate that pack....)

5-11 Tactical offered an ultralight with strap adjusters, nice hip belt ( no pockets, tho) and loads from the front. I've been able to carry it on every flight I've taken...I use it as my business trip pack when I'm going more than 2 days.

 

[Rex]

I went to the REI site and looked carefully at the pictures. Noted that it has many of the same features as the REI Trail 40 which I have carried for over 1000 miles on the VF and mountains of W Washington. It has suffered through a fully loaded drop of about 3 meters onto the tarmac from the loading belt at Linate in Milan (which I observed with dawning horror as I recognized it from the waiting area in the terminal). When the bag arrived at the carousel in Berlin, it took me five minutes to locate the small scuff mark. Very tough material!! The plastic connector for the chest strap broke after about 800 miles (that useless little whistle thing and one of the snap prongs broke when I went to fasten it one morning. Used a small bungy I carry for just such emergencies and carried on. The Flash has this exact same snap. Still, it looks like a darn good pack and a great bargain. Kudos and Mahalo. PS. My wife won’t let me buy any more backpacks unless I get rid of two old ones…

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My son likes ultra lite packs and has been a fan of ULA packs He has been using his on the Caminos for quite a few years. It looks as good as the day he bought it, no wear is showing, and the mesh "bunge" piece in the back is ideal for storing quick access items and has held it's shape without stretching out.

 

[Suzanne H]

I purchased an REI Flash 45 about 7 years ago, it’s my lightest pack, with less accouterments but a reasonably comfortable pack and I’ve used it several times. It only has a top opening to save zipper weight (not my preferred design), it’s a light gray (which shows ALL the dirt), but I’ve been rough on it and it’s not too shabby yet. There are definitely trade offs when buying lighter weight packs but I’m sure the tech continues to improve.

 

[JillGat]

So far, what really stands out to me are the water bottle pockets - it is very easy to pull out and replace a water bottle. I've always used a hydration pack and tube, but it's so easy to access a water bottle from this pack that I could switch.

I wish I could get you (and others) to adopt my simple water bottle system. Make two loops of shock cord (the stretchy cord) and safety pin them in place on the front of the shoulder strap (the safety pin is just to keep them from sliding down.. not to take any weight). Get a bicycle water bottle - the kind with a waist - and slip it through the loops. To get the right size of the loops, I tie them with the water bottle in place. Then you just slip out the bottle and replace it without missing a step. I often have a full water bottle on each shoulder strap and I don't even notice that they are there.

 

[peregrina2000]

It has suffered through a fully loaded drop of about 3 meters onto the tarmac from the loading belt at Linate in Milan (which I observed with dawning horror as I recognized it from the waiting area in the terminal).

Off topic, but this reminds me of a very funny campaign years ago when a singer had his guitar broken by baggage handlers at O’Hare airport. United eventually paid up, I believe, but took a big public relations hit.

 

[peregrina2000]

So far, I think that I might really like this pack.

@trecile, any updates from the camino? Did you use this pack?

My 24 year old Mountainsmith Ghost (not made any longer) is really on its last legs, but I can’t bring myself to part with it.

 

[Rex]

Off topic, but this reminds me of a very funny campaign years ago when a singer had his guitar broken by baggage handlers at O’Hare airport. United eventually paid up, I believe, but took a big public relations hit.

I remember that song and that campaign. For a few years I was a very frequent flyer on United and suffered from some of the trials of dealing with their processes. C’est la vie

 

[trecile]

@trecile, any updates from the camino? Did you use this pack?

I really wanted to take it, because it's super comfortable, but the first time that I tried it out the straps made an annoying sound as they rubbed on the fabric of the pack, so I'm using the same backpack that I've used for the last couple of Caminos. My first day on the trail I realized that I probably could have covered the straps of the new pack with another fabric to take away the noise, but too late now!

 

[TheRealPixie]

I need a new backpack like a hole in the head, but I was intrigued by the new Flash Air backpack from REI. So far, what really stands out to me are the water bottle pockets - it is very easy to pull out and replace a water bottle. I've always used a hydration pack and tube, but it's so easy to access a water bottle from this pack that I could switch.

I have an REI pack that has easy water bottle access too. Thank you REI pack designers! (My Gregory requires a buddy, or taking my pack off.)

 

[DLJ]

I need a new backpack like a hole in the head, but I was intrigued by the new Flash Air backpack from REI. At 50 liters it's larger than I need, but it's very lightweight. It's currently on pre-order, but there are already reviews from almost a year ago on the REI site. My curiosity really got to me, so I Googled "REI Flash Air 50 backpack" and found a listing on Poshmark.com (a site where people sell used and new clothing, etc.) for less than half of the price listed on REI. So I ordered it, thinking that I could always re-sell it if I didn't like it.

So far, I think that I might really like this pack. I loaded it up with the weight that I usually carry on the Camino and it's very comfortable. It's pretty minimalist (which is fine with me). So far, what really stands out to me are the water bottle pockets - it is very easy to pull out and replace a water bottle. I've always used a hydration pack and tube, but it's so easy to access a water bottle from this pack that I could switch.

I'll have to practice packing it with my actual gear to make sure that I can cinch it down to carry what I usually take in a much smaller backpack.

They sell waterbottles for the pack pockets that have a hose and mouthpiece that goes over your shoulder can attach to shoulder strap, so you don't need to take out bottle to drink, and always know how much water you have.