Owned this pack for a year. Taken on several multi day trips. Other than slightly dirty, it is like new! 5’3” female. Carry 22 pound base weight without any trouble at all. Attached locking carabiner to mesh pocket and cut out the water bladder hook on the inside…..perfect!
Thanks for the video. My husband and I both have these and love them. We just did 52 plus miles in Glacier NP. Mine is a small and his is a medium. Only issue is his chest strap has popped off several times with heavy load. Justin & Sydney: Geezer Adventures.
Great review. I’m glad you called out the issues with the hip belt sizing. My son is 13 yrs old and 5’ 9” with a waist size of 28” - tall and skinny. I’m unable to buy any size Flash 55 for him because of their hip belt sizing issue. I consider that a big problem because any gear I buy moving forward needs to work for the both of us
I am also 5’9” 130lbs with a 29 waist size. Are there any good packs that fit your son well that you could recommend for me as well? I also have issues with the hip belt sizing on a lot of packs. Thanks!
Very informative video as always. My favourite pack right now is the Decathlon Mountain hiking backpack 40L - MH500. Its a great 3 season pack, I don't think you'd fit all your winter gear in it though 👍🏼
Curious if you've used the Osprey Exos? Seems to be the prime competitor to the Flash in this weight class. Looking at the GG Mariposa as well. We use the Aether/Ariel at the moment and really like them, but are transitioning to LW/UL and will likely retire them to family trips where we are carrying bigger loads.
The Exos doesn't fit me well, so I haven't had a chance to use it much. I have a feeling a new version is coming out in 2022. So if that is the case, I will definitely be trying that one out!
i am concidering a flash 55 pack . have watche a few videos and all are very positive on the pack. i recently one of my canoe pack and my stout 45 in order to help with the cost of getting the flash 55
Hi Justin, when you buy things from REI are you going to one of their stores in the US or are you getting things via mail order? I’m in Ontario and am hesitant to buy things cross border that I might need to try on. Have you had issues with shipping/returns
Both. I haven't had to return anything and, other than a tent, haven't been hit with anything other than taxes as extra charges. REI has always shipped USPS to me, which avoids brokerage fees. Always double check whether the item you are getting has the potential to incur additional duties.
I just got this pack and I’m not a fan of the trekking pole storage either. The only thing I miss about my Osprey pack was the stow on the go system, but I actually replicated that pretty easily with a couple pieces of bungee on the hip belt and on the shoulder strap with a spring toggle. Works just as good as the osprey system and almost everything else on this pack is exactly what I wanted. Love how this pack stores my gear and how it feels, but I just need to get it out on the trail!
@@laidbacktraveler2580 Just posted a little video for you on my channel. I feel like that is much easier than me failing to explain it. Lol Very easy though and works flawlessly. Just make sure the bungee down by the hip belt isn’t too tight or else getting the poles in might be a little annoying. Any other questions, let me know! 🤙🏼
I bought this model about three years ago - I was pretty impressed with the feature set for the price. BUT the size large was just way to short for me at 6’3” and I ended up returning it… if it fits definitely a great option though!
@@HansVerburg On paper the price difference looks significant but the NUL is 365$ Canadian. That’s more like 275 USD. Since I’m from Canada the 200$ REI bag isn’t 200$, it’s closer to 300$ CAD before shipping and taxes. Plus supporting a small company…
Owned this pack for a year. Taken on several multi day trips. Other than slightly dirty, it is like new! 5’3” female. Carry 22 pound base weight without any trouble at all. Attached locking carabiner to mesh pocket and cut out the water bladder hook on the inside…..perfect!
This is exactly what I wanted to see in a review video! Well done and thank you
my wife is starting season 4 with her flash 55, loves it
Thanks for the video. My husband and I both have these and love them. We just did 52 plus miles in Glacier NP. Mine is a small and his is a medium. Only issue is his chest strap has popped off several times with heavy load. Justin & Sydney: Geezer Adventures.
Thanks! New backpacker here and I just bought this pack as my first pack. Your video is really helpful with all the features of this pack.
Great review. I’m glad you called out the issues with the hip belt sizing. My son is 13 yrs old and 5’ 9” with a waist size of 28” - tall and skinny. I’m unable to buy any size Flash 55 for him because of their hip belt sizing issue. I consider that a big problem because any gear I buy moving forward needs to work for the both of us
I am also 5’9” 130lbs with a 29 waist size. Are there any good packs that fit your son well that you could recommend for me as well? I also have issues with the hip belt sizing on a lot of packs. Thanks!
REI now makes a size large Flash pack that is available with a small waist belt
I have the Flash 45 and I couldn't agree more on how awesome these packs are!
Perfect pack if you have long Water hauls like I have in Arizona
Very informative video as always. My favourite pack right now is the Decathlon Mountain hiking backpack 40L - MH500. Its a great 3 season pack, I don't think you'd fit all your winter gear in it though 👍🏼
Also we did put poles in the side pocket when needed and it wasn’t a big deal.
Curious if you've used the Osprey Exos? Seems to be the prime competitor to the Flash in this weight class. Looking at the GG Mariposa as well. We use the Aether/Ariel at the moment and really like them, but are transitioning to LW/UL and will likely retire them to family trips where we are carrying bigger loads.
The Exos doesn't fit me well, so I haven't had a chance to use it much. I have a feeling a new version is coming out in 2022. So if that is the case, I will definitely be trying that one out!
Excellent review 👏! Loved the yellow pants, what model is?
Excellent review. It is a great, versatile pack.
50 just as good
I didn't realize you had another channel
i am concidering a flash 55 pack . have watche a few videos and all are very positive on the pack. i recently one of my canoe pack and my stout 45 in order to help with the cost of getting the flash 55
just order my Flash 55 in Olive oil. as a bonus i got it on sale.
I think this pack has been discontinued by REI. Website says "Not Available"
How do you like Sierra Design Flex Capacitor 40-60L? Light at 2.9 lbs. Bladder. Love the compression system.
I purchased one, and the “lumbar pad” did not fit me well. Other than that I like the design and the increase/decrease volume adjustments work well
Hey Justin! I actually bought this pack last year based on your previous review. So far it's been great! Love how flexible it is.
Great overview. And that price, hella deal.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Justin, when you buy things from REI are you going to one of their stores in the US or are you getting things via mail order? I’m in Ontario and am hesitant to buy things cross border that I might need to try on. Have you had issues with shipping/returns
Both. I haven't had to return anything and, other than a tent, haven't been hit with anything other than taxes as extra charges. REI has always shipped USPS to me, which avoids brokerage fees. Always double check whether the item you are getting has the potential to incur additional duties.
Justin, I love your pants ! Can you tell me what they are ?
MEC Mica 2 pants :)
Thank you
at 0:08, is that Lake Minnewanka?
yup :)
Is that the Cline river in the background
Yup!
@@GearPriority looked like a familiar spot
Do you have any issues with the straps loosening all the time?
Nope!
@@GearPriority Good because I just ordered one yesterday. 30% off. Couldn't resist.
Well... if you are American. If you are Canadian be prepared to get screwed on duty and taxes.
Of course now discontinued by rei. (1/13/23)
I think they are just out of stock for now due to having it on sale for most of the fall.
this is the old version of the flash 55
Hey Justin! Not sure if you will see this, but looks like they just came out with an updated version of the Flash 55. Would love your input!
Review incoming!
@@GearPriority I appreciate you! 🤙🏼
Considering this over the exos 48
I just got this pack and I’m not a fan of the trekking pole storage either. The only thing I miss about my Osprey pack was the stow on the go system, but I actually replicated that pretty easily with a couple pieces of bungee on the hip belt and on the shoulder strap with a spring toggle. Works just as good as the osprey system and almost everything else on this pack is exactly what I wanted. Love how this pack stores my gear and how it feels, but I just need to get it out on the trail!
What type of spring toggle did you use, and how did you set it up?
@@laidbacktraveler2580 Just posted a little video for you on my channel. I feel like that is much easier than me failing to explain it. Lol Very easy though and works flawlessly. Just make sure the bungee down by the hip belt isn’t too tight or else getting the poles in might be a little annoying. Any other questions, let me know! 🤙🏼
I bought this model about three years ago - I was pretty impressed with the feature set for the price. BUT the size large was just way to short for me at 6’3” and I ended up returning it… if it fits definitely a great option though!
Hi Kane, being a fellow 6’3-er, I'm curious to know which bag you ended up with?
@@HansVerburg Northern Ultralight Sundown… not as much of a budget option 🤣
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Thanks! Looks like a great bag, but damn...that's more than double the price or the Rei bag!
@@HansVerburg On paper the price difference looks significant but the NUL is 365$ Canadian. That’s more like 275 USD. Since I’m from Canada the 200$ REI bag isn’t 200$, it’s closer to 300$ CAD before shipping and taxes. Plus supporting a small company…
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Ah yes of course...European here...not used to those dollars :) Thanks for correcting me.. He's definitely back on the list now.