REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Evaluation

Backside Line

The REI Flash Air (males’s / ladies’s) is a superb crossover pack for these accustomed to a standard pack however able to transition to ultralight backpacking. Otherwise you might need discovered ultralight packs aren’t working on your physique, so that you’re in search of a step up in assist and luxury wants; this is likely to be simply the ticket. The suspension system consists of a stiff inner body, a supportive hipbelt, and an over-padded again panel with airflow channels.

The Flash Air is created from light-weight nylon with a streamlined, weight-conscious function set. The principle entrance pocket is good for storing rain gear and day by day necessities, though it’s somewhat on the small facet. As an alternative, a lot of the pack’s actual property is taken up by 4 roomy facet pockets, two of that are extremely simple to succeed in for on-the-go hydration.

The Flash Air’s building options light-weight sturdiness with a bolstered 210D nylon backside panel. The pack is waterproofed utilizing a DWR coating, which is able to ultimately put on off, however initially, it performs very nicely. 

General, REI has executed an excellent job filling a distinct segment for people who find themselves on the cusp of ultralight backpacking practices.

For extra of our favorites, head again to our information to the very best ultralight backpacks.

consolation

The consolation of the REI Flash Air 50 is paying homage to conventional backpacking backpacks. It doesn’t compromise on foam padding and is engineered for optimum airflow.

Throughout testing with about 30 kilos, the inner spring metal body carried out surprisingly nicely at transferring weight to the hips and relieving shoulder stress. 

The load lifters additional stabilized the pack, bringing weight nearer to the physique. Though REI recommends a most load of 25 kilos for this pack, we’re assured it could actually comfortably deal with extra.

Though the body helps, many of the Flash Air’s consolation is derived from its well-padded again panel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt. The again panel and hipbelt function ultra-thick foam padding complementing with channels for optimum airflow. 

The 3D contoured hipbelt is inflexible and holds its form, frequent on conventional model backpacks. Whereas the hipbelt is safe, some discover its lack of flexibility could cause it to dig into the hip bones.

Performance

The REI Flash Air incorporates considerate and distinctive design options that promote on-trail accessibility and effectivity. Essentially the most notable of those is the 4 facet pockets. The 2 closest to the again panel are slanted and shifted ahead, making them probably the most accessible facet pockets that we examined. Every is large enough to carry a one-liter Nalgene bottle, so you’ll be able to simply hydrate on the go. 

The 2 extra facet pockets are very tall and roomy—perfect for objects like an umbrella, tent poles, or perhaps a small backpacking tent. Steady webbing daisy chains and an ice axe loop line these facet pockets for exterior gear storage. The final main exterior pocket is the cinching entrance pocket, which we want was greater and stretchier.

The pack comes with an oblong mesh shoulder strap pocket, which is nice for small objects however is simply too small for bigger smartphones.

Our principal gripe in regards to the options on the Flash Air is the highest and facet straps. All are made with skinny wire or webbing, which feels flimsy and will get tangled simply.

Water Resistance

The REI Flash Air demonstrated spectacular water resistance throughout our publicity check. After drenching the pack on all sides, we discovered just about zero moisture inside. Though we love holding our gear dry, the Flash Air most likely gained’t stay that waterproof ceaselessly.

The pack’s nylon will not be inherently waterproof, so REI added a DWR waterproof coating. Whereas these coatings have first rate longevity and waterproofing capabilities, they are going to put on off and ultimately have to be reapplied.

One other attention-grabbing issue to notice is the froth padding’s response to water. The froth readily absorbs moisture as an alternative of wicking it away, which is able to contribute to extra pack weight from sweat and precipitation.

General, the pack is generally waterproof early in its life, however we advocate pairing it with a pack liner or cowl.

Building

Though it’s not probably the most sturdy pack available on the market, the REI Flash Air 50 blends light-weight building with sturdiness in key areas, guaranteeing it meets the calls for of ultralight backpacking. At simply 0.5 ounces per liter, it’s among the many lightest packs we examined, but its supplies are strong sufficient to deal with some abuse on path.

The principle physique is created from UHMWPE ripstop nylon, a material prized for its distinctive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to abrasion. This offers the pack a troublesome exterior that may stand up to scrapes towards rocks and branches. The underside panel is bolstered with 210-denier nylon, which gives additional sturdiness the place the pack is most weak to put on.

REI sacrifices a major quantity of sturdiness within the facet straps and prime Y-strap. They’re all skinny and flimsy and will simply be minimize whereas rock scrambling.

Ought to You Purchase The REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack?

The REI Flash Air 50 is a perfect alternative for backpackers new to the ultralight world and hesitant to surrender their conventional pack. Its ample padded again panel, hipbelt, and shoulder straps present couch-like consolation. Whereas the inflexible hipbelt could not work for everybody, it affords wonderful load switch and safety.

REI incorporates distinctive and considerate trail-oriented options. 4 accessible facet pockets make hydration and group simple, whereas exterior daisy chains and an ice axe loop provide versatility for additional gear. 

Constructed with UHMWPE ripstop nylon and a bolstered backside panel, the Flash Air 50 successfully balances sturdiness and weight financial savings. That mentioned, the highest and facet straps really feel flimsy, making this pack much less perfect for rugged off-trail scrambles or bushwhacking. Though the DWR coating is efficient, we advocate utilizing a pack liner, particularly because the pack ages.

For these prioritizing weight financial savings, consolation, and sensible design, the Flash Air 50 affords nice worth for thru-hikers and weekend adventurers alike. Seasoned ultralight backpackers, mountaineers, and scramblers may wish to look elsewhere.

What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Think about?

If the Flash Air reminds you an excessive amount of of the normal model and also you’re able to dive extra into ultralight backpacking, try our full information to the very best ultralight backpacks.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Evaluation: Gossamer Gear packs are identified for his or her superior carrying consolation. They’re closely padded, just like the REI Flash Air, however comply with a extra ultralight mentality. 

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Evaluation: The Gorilla 50 is identical quantity because the Flash Air, however with totally different distinctive options. It’s additionally very comfy with a supportive hipbelt and body however lacks water resistance.

Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely 60 Evaluation: The Arc Haul affords extra everlasting water resistance than the Flash Air, with a bodily moisture barrier as an alternative of a coating. It’s very ultralight-focused and can lack among the consolation options discovered within the Flash Air.