Editors' Choice 2009: REI Flash

Took this backpack to Isle Royale this summer and absolutely loved it (it replaces my REI Venus). Put about 42 miles on it; no problems with zips or straps. Holds a lot, distributes it well, and fits great -- very comfortable. My Venus top lid detached as a day pack -- a nice feature that I miss with the Flash. Otherwise, I'm very pleased.

I too am disappointed in Backpacker for giving this pack such a high review. The pack failed on me half way through a five day backpacking trip when the load lifter straps broke at their connection with the shoulder straps. I managed to rig up something with rope but I could not believe it when it broke--I wasn't carrying all that much weight, and it was the pack's first trip! Not only that, but I noticed at the same time that the entire pack frame was sewn off-center so the whole load felt like it leaned to one side. Poor workmanship and bad design--I loved this pack until I noticed these MAJOR issues, but you can't have a brand new pack break on you halfway through a five day trip! Unbelievable. Wait until they fix the design!

Hiked the whole JMT this summer and the hip belt failed on my way up the mist rail in Yosemite I am taking it back and I am extremely disappointed in this magazine for giving it such high esteems.

I bought this on pack sale @ REI for $109.

Good bag, even though I am not a fan of top loaders.

We hiked 46 miles last weekend, and I felt like the REI Flash did pretty well. I am not sure what the load lifters in the back are supposed to do. They cinched down and did provide some stability, but I was expecting the pack to cling to me, more like my friend's Granite Gear Vapor Trail.

The guy @ REI who showed me how to adjust the bag saved a sale last spring. He showed me how to set the pack on my back, how to adjust it as the day's hike goes by.

And for most of two long days, I hardly felt the pack at all.

I would like to see a zipper to the bottom of the bag for easy access.

This backpack is a good find-- and Backpacker pulled it out of the fog of gear I was looking at. So thanks.

best fishes,

Timothy
http://www.goodnaturepublishing.com

Just bought this pack to replace the REI Pinnacle since I am not doing much climbing/ racking right now. I am excited to try this pack out as I am doing a 3 day/ 2 night hike this weekend. Will report back on its success since I am sure it will perform superbly.

Just returned from a six day trip on the AT. Hot Springs NC. to Erwin TN. Thei pack worked great. Gave me a better idea of what size I realy need for a 6 day trip. The pack was great but for one thing. Not enough padding on the hip belt. Sholders were ok. I found after 4 to 5 hr. of hiking that the belt dug into my hips, so I had to tighten the sholder straps and remove the belt untill this became uncomfotable. then back on with the belt to take the presure off sholders. An extera oz or two in the hip belt would most likly fix this, and for me anyway it would be worth the extra oz.

This pack doesn't have ventilation for your back. Will not buy.

I was excited by Backpacker's review and went to my local REI to try this pack. They're right in saying its lightweight and swallows anything put into it. I decided against the purchase, though, do to the placement of the lid straps (under the shove-it-pocket..so that finding them/tightening them becomes a pain) and the lack of compression straps for the bottom of the bag (which makes it seem as if it is swaying on you back if there is any weight it it...the top of the bag, however, does have compression straps. Other than these two annoyances its a nice bag....

Really like the video review! I am a subscriber, have the "best of" gear issue, and my next purchase will be an upgrade from my external-frame pack that is probably over 15 years old. My other gear is MUCH newer...my old pack's just built like a tank...but it weighs as much as one too! The reviews in the magazine are great, but it's really nice to see it in use/visually through this video. The magazine and the video compliment eachother nicely. Love doing the research on my gear, and this helps a LOT! Looks like this may be my next purchase. Thank you!