Compare REI Trail 25 prices below. Review: Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack. Let us know! Like the Flash 55, the Crown2 is customizable with a removable backpanel and top lid, features large front and side mesh pockets, and includes a roll-top closure. To see how the Flash 55 stacks up, see our article on the best backpacking packs. Our testers feel that the padding is adequate but rigid and can cause discomfort when you aren't used to it. 4 oz., fits torsos 19-21 inches) rei.com REI Flash 55 Pack available in men’s (left) and women’s (right) In short: The new Flash 55 isn’t complex, but I also wouldn’t describe it as simple. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 14 oz. New for spring 2009, the REI Flash backpack series consists of four packs with volumes of 18, 30, 50, and 65 liters. Backpack. Coming in 11 ounces lighter than their popular Exos, the design targets thru-hikers and minimalists. Stripped down, the Flash does lose significant storage space, but that’s to be expected with any lightweight pack. While the padded section of the hip belt isn't extendable, the 1.5-inch wide webbing is nice and long leaving a wide range of fit. That said, the lid is not waterproof nor is it meant to withstand heavy storms. I was comfortable hiking all day with 25 lbs (11.34 kg) in the pack. If you choose to forego the lid, you can secure the roll-top in the same fashion—the buckles are interchangeable on the pack, so there are many options for configuration. The phone pocket on the shoulder strap is a bit of a novelty that some people seem to love, and others don't' care for. This light pack carries close to the body and distributes loads well. Editor’s note: We usually provide a live price comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, but the Flash 55 is sold exclusively by REI Co-op. This weight makes the streamlined Flash competitive with some our favorite ultralight models, including the Osprey Lumina 60 (1 lb. Price is relative, but the Trailbreak 60 is a standout: it’s a fully functional, surprisingly comfortable backpacking pack that retails for $149. However, REI added ultra-durable 420-denier nylon to the bottom to help combat against sharp rocks when setting the pack down. Amazon US. The Flash not only has the pockets, but many of them are removable for trips where you want to shave off every ounce you can. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the... Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. That said, it’s always important to take extra care with such thin fabrics. It struck me as a good opportunity to test out REI’s latest iteration of the Flash 45 backpack. The 1.5-inch webbing on the hip belt is better than thinner webbing but will still dig in uncomfortably if the gap between the hip padding is too long. Organization versatility is where the Flash shines. While you can find many packs that are lighter and carry just as well or a bit better, they typically will cost more. Even when pushed 5 pounds past the recommended weight, the Flash 55 was extremely comfortable. It's angled enough to help get the bottle in but not so angled that it interferes with your elbow. We took the... Spanning two countries and covering an area of over 400,000 square miles, the fabled land of “Patagonia” encompasses everything from desert and pampas to coastline and towering mountain ranges... Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Review. Any time the Flash felt slightly top-heavy, I simply readjusted the load lifters on the shoulder straps and carried on comfortably. On the bright side, you can opt for any number of the removable features without sacrificing or keeping them all. ... Fjällraven Friluft 55 Multiday Pack Review. heavier than the Flash). While there are lighter packs on the market, this one serves a niche of people who appreciate the low 2.68-pound weight but don't want to sacrifice organizational pockets and straps. Backpack. Diana Gerstacker. Compression straps and attachment loops allow you to tighten your load and attach extra gear to the outside of the pack. This pack is light and extremely versatile thanks to its smaller size, but it still brims with features. NOTE: Click here to read my review of the newer, 2017 version of the REI Flash 45 backpack. REI simply offers the Flash 55 in three separate sizes depending on your torso length and hip/waist size. The pack has two mesh side water bottle pockets and a rear mesh stuff pocket for storing loose layers or wet gear that you want to segregate from dry gear inside your pack. The advantage of using a roll top is that it lets you compress loads from the top in addition to the sides using compression straps. Price: $199Weight: 2 lbs. $55-$140 $42-$105. I’ll start off by saying that I’m usually hesitant to max out a pack’s capacity and weight recommendation. ), Granite Gear Crown2 60 (2 lbs. REI often dabbles with ultralight equipment and we think they have done a pretty good job with the REI Flash 55. In addition, a hook-and-loop strap cinches down over the roll-top, which proved to be especially helpful for carrying a climbing rope. In the end, each has their appeals, but we think the REI’s significant cost savings, all-around ease of use, and carrying comfort are an enticing combination. lighter than the fully accessorized Flash), we give the nod to the Flash 55 for its superior carrying comfort on the trail. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. It is highly water-resistant, which makes it a very convenient place to keep your phone if you listen to music on the trail or use navigation apps, but we found that the top flap that secures with a magnet was continually opening itself up, doing away with any water protection that it had. If you are ready to go lighter weight but can't justify the investment, check out this model for an option that might hit all the sweet spots for you. Without removing any accessories, the REI Flash 55 is fully featured with ample organization options. The REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack is one of the most affordable and customizable packs we’ve ever tested. It is hydration comp… This is where the REI Co-op Ruckpack 65 - Men’s and the REI Co-op Ruckpack 65 - Women’s really shine. At $199, the Flash 55 is one of the best values on the market, especially given its reasonably low weight, superb quality, and high level of comfort. In the end, it’s important to choose the best-fitting pack for your particular frame, which in this case might mean going into a store to try before you buy. However, for our trip into the Grand Canyon, I made some sacrifices: I didn’t weigh every item on my scale, I packed comfy camp shoes, and I didn’t skimp on warm layers given the questionable forecast. And the Trailbreak is only offered in one size (in both men’s and women’s versions), which makes it harder to dial in fit. In other words, make sure to use a pack cover or waterproof any essential gear and electronics before heading out. In this category, another one of our favorite packs is Granite Gear’s Crown2 60, another highly versatile model that’s still impressively functional and well-featured (see our in-depth review here). REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles 25% Off. While the materials used are lightweight, they aren't so thin that we are concerned about durability. All trademarks property of their respective owners Gregory’s Optic 58 is one of these designs, coming in at under 3 pounds and... One of the first steps to enjoying a backpacking trip is learning how to load your pack properly. All in all, I liked REI’s choices in materials: the minimal use of padding helps keep weight down but doesn’t sacrifice any carrying comfort or breathability. However, they are not quite as light as the recently reviewed Osprey Exos 46 and Exos 58. –Seth Orme is a founding member of the ‘Packing It Out’ crew. How can we improve GearLab? 3 oz. One is smaller and sits closer to your back with a slight angle that helps you slip your bottle back in without angling so far forward that you bump your elbows. The REI Flash 55 Backpack is an ultralight, roll-top backpack with an optional top lid pocket. The Flash 55 handles loads well. This latter pocket seemed a bit unnecessary to me—I found it more annoying than useful—but I loved the convenience of the hipbelt pockets. Read more about us. In addition to the multiple closure options, the Flash 55 also features four compression straps for securing extra gear. 12 oz. The floating lid has an external zippered pocket with a key fob and is generously sized to store maps, hats or gloves. As with many packs, comfort is going to depend on your unique body shape. The mid-range price on the Flash offers entry into ultralight gear for those not yet willing to drop the big bucks to save a few ounces. 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. How well do the new REI Flash backpacks pass our scrutiny, a… That said, the Flash 55 isn’t highly adjustable like some of its competitors. We also love the Crown2’s adjustable hipbelt, which can be easily tailored to your waist. The Flash has been a perennial favorite for its low weight and price, and female testers raved about its new women’s suspension system. The Flash 55 puts REI solidly on the ultralight map. All told, we prefer the more feature-rich (and $21-cheaper) Flash that carries a load better and can be stripped down if we need to shave weight. Ready to go backpacking? The nice thing about having an optional top lid is that you can add it when it’s needed, in cooler w… It’s also available in a Women’s version. But, I wanted to do a weight & comfort comparison with the new Flash 55 pack vs. the Osprey old Exos/ new Eja, since I think this is a pretty comparable pack on paper. Trailspace is powered by you, our readers. At 2.68 pounds, this model is lighter than most but still has a strong enough frame to carry moderate loads up to around 30 pounds. The details To save weight, organization is minimal: The lid has a single compartment, and there are two mesh side pockets that are angled so you can reach bottles without removing the pack, but there are no interior pockets. Instead of one pocket on each side, they have included two. The Flash 45 ($159) retains most of the features of its larger sibling, but comes in different colorways, sacrifices some of the Packmod features, and doesn’t have the roll-top closure that we love. I tested these features during sustained rain in the Grand Canyon and was pleasantly surprised that the items in my pack’s lid stayed dry—not to mention, this upped the protection for gear I stored below in the main compartment. And in its pared-down state without the top lid, compression straps, and hipbelt and shoulder pockets, it weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces. Sierra Designs Down Moccasin. In the end, it just depends what you are looking for in a daypack. Incorporating all the latest Callaway technologies, the Epic Flash Fairway Wood produces increased ball speeds with impressive forgiveness – plus the added bonus of stellar looks. While there are lighter packs on the market, this one serves a niche of people who appreciate the low 2.68-pound weight but don't want to sacrifice organizational pockets and straps. With three main compartments, plenty of pockets, water bottle storage, and hydration reservoir storage, the REI Flash 22 is a great daypack at a great price. In all of our testing over the years, this pack has done the best job with an angled bottle pocket. Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear... Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the simple pleasures of backpacking. Fall overnight trips are a great use for the REI Flash 55. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking is dearest to our hearts. Given its on-trail performance, I’d venture to say that the Flash would probably be able to haul up to 50 pounds without too many sacrifices. In addition, its wide, side dump pockets easily fit trekking poles and water bottles—and they’re even tilted at an angle to make retrieval quick and easy. For example, the Granite Gear Crown2 60 has a customizable two-piece hipbelt that uses Velcro to tailor the fit, while the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60’s hipbelt is sold separately so that you can choose the right size for your waist. The top lid is water resistant, but I wish the rest of the pack offered some protection from the elements. Some users love the prominent lumbar curve and find it supportive, while others feel like there is a watermelon pushing into their backs. The REI Flash 55 is a budget option that approaches the ultralight realm. GearLab is reader-supported. I spent a long time checking out the flash 55 at REI this past Saturday. REI often dabbles with ultralight equipment and we think they have done a pretty good job with the REI Flash 55. It boasts a lightweight design without sacrificing comfort or features, which earned it a spot on our 10 Best Lightweight Backpacks and Favorite Budget Backpacking Gear lists. In today’s backpacking market, there’s no shortage of ultralight, minimalist packs for those looking to cut weight on the trail. 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