With so many day packs to select from today, it’s robust to search out the proper one which has the whole lot you want. The REI Flash 22 hits all of my desires and needs in a day pack, whereas being light-weight and cozy.
It’s stripped right down to be sufficiently small for gentle masses, however can maintain greater than you’d count on too. It even consists of bonus options like a detachable sit pad because the again panel. Preserve studying to see why this pack was my go-to this summer season.
REI Flash 22 Pack At-a-Look
MSRP: $59.95
Capability: 22L | 1,343 cubic inches
Weight: 14 ounces
Materials: Recycled nylon (bluesign-approved)
Torso Match: 16-21 inches
Waist Belt Measurement: 26-42 inches
Variety of Exterior Pockets: 3 + major compartment
Reservoir Suitable: Sure
Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 8 inches
Gender: Unisex
Supposed Use
This can be a day pack designed to hold your stuff up that summit or for an informal stroll. Whereas some day packs are heavy on options and doodads, the Flash 22 is a stripped-down pack, saving weight whereas nonetheless offering loads of consolation for all of your day climbing wants.
Circumstances of Assessment
This was my go-to day pack this summer season. It got here with me throughout brief hikes in Portland and Colorado together with a 14er. It was additionally an off-the-cuff bag for round city, and the whole lot in between. My Flash has gotten loads of use, little question about it. The climate was principally truthful, however there have been a couple of passing rain storms that examined the moist efficiency.
REI Flash 22 Options
Constructed-in Sit Pad: That is the characteristic that caught my eye and had me on this pack within the first place. The detachable again panel can be utilized as a sit pad, which is a double perform that I’ve liked earlier than with in a single day packs. This one was a bit of completely different than I’m used to — as an alternative of being saved on the surface in a sleeve, the pad is stored contained in the pack within the reservoir sleeve. This isn’t probably the most handy location, however it’s nonetheless accessible in case you are taking an extended break. The dimensions and cushion of the pad are nearly good.
Zippered Pockets: The zippered high pocket is comparatively normal on most packs, however I all the time miss it if it’s not there. On the Flash 22, it’s the proper measurement for some fast snacks, or a small first support equipment. It additionally consists of an attachment loop which makes it an amazing spot to stash your pockets and keys. Moreover, there are hidden zippered pockets on the aspect of the pack that may serve the identical objective in case you choose to maintain stuff hidden.
Water Reservoir Pocket: An inner sleeve holds a water reservoir upright and a port permits routing the tube to both shoulder.
Gear Loops: These are nice in case you’re need to connect something to the surface of your pack. A daisy chain on both sides of the pack gives loads of loops and is one other characteristic I actually miss if it’s not there. There may be additionally an ice axe loop that may be stashed away if it isn’t wanted. Lastly, a detachable Packmod bungee could be moved to any attachment level to hold the axe, trekking poles, or every other device you’d need to connect.
Winged Hip Belt: The hip belt consists of wings that add an honest quantity of help regardless of being free from padding. I preferred this rather a lot. It match and carried weight higher than a straight webbing hip belt that a whole lot of different packs use.
Consolation and Match
I had no points with the match of the pack and located it to be snug and simply adjustable. For such a light-weight pack, the design included a number of options that assist to maintain it snug.
The shoulder straps use breathable, stretch-mesh and have fold-over padding that softens contact with the neck and shoulders. Each the hip belt and shoulder straps are well-shaped and add a great deal of help. The skin again panel is snug and breathable mesh, and the inner sit pad provides extra cushion.
I did discover that folding the pack a bit additionally bent the sit pad. Generally I might really feel that fold in opposition to my again in these circumstances, but it surely wasn’t an excessive amount of of a nuisance. If I completely needed to, I eliminated the pad altogether or bent it again into place.
Pack Accessibility
My solely criticism with this pack is that it was typically laborious to entry completely different areas. The water bottle pockets are an amazing measurement and labored for Sensible Water bottles, Nalgenes, or collapsible bottles fantastically. Nevertheless, since I most well-liked to put on it excessive on my again it was troublesome to succeed in the bottles with out eradicating the pack first. I discovered that collapsible bottles had been the best to succeed in.
Stepping into the pack additionally took a couple of steps. It has two buckles and a drawstring, and every time I would like in or out I’ve to open/shut all three. Not an enormous deal, however the further steps are undoubtedly noticeable once I’m attempting to seize my rain jacket as quick as potential.
The sit pad, whereas an amazing characteristic, is tucked away within the reservoir sleeve and is a bit more bother than it’s value more often than not. An exterior sleeve for this could be higher, in my view. I didn’t discover it troublesome to take away, however getting it again in particularly with a full pack is a ache. Because of this, I used it lower than I believed I might. That stated, there have been undoubtedly a couple of instances I used to be pleased to have it — lengthy or moist breaks particularly.
Measurement and Packability
At 22 liters, this pack holds simply the correct quantity for a day hike. It doesn’t have construction moreover the sit pad and molds properly to the scale of the load. I even used the bag as a basic in a single day bag (not backpacking) right here and there. I used to be in a position to pack it fully full or virtually empty and it was snug both approach. It additionally packs small, taking on little house in a suitcase, different bigger backpack, or a USPS flat price field (responsible of doing this as a round-about approach of taking it on trip).
REI Flash 22 Professionals
Light-weight: The pack seems and feels light-weight. It’s like a feather on my again. It’s the smallest daypack I’ve ever had, and but it does the whole lot I would like it to with no further fuss. That’s the purpose of all these packs, and REI succeeded with this one for positive.
Reasonably priced: At $59.95, this pack received’t break the financial institution. It feels appropriately priced for what you’re getting.
Comfy: Though it’s light-weight and doesn’t want a lot to make it carry properly, the options within the hip belt and shoulder straps make it carry very comfortably.
Enjoyable Patterns: I examined the Print model of the Flash 22. Whereas it’s superficial, carrying a pack this fly is enjoyable. It additionally corresponds with an identical fanny pack. Who doesn’t like matching equipment?
Recycled supplies: The pack is made with bluesign-approved supplies to maintain waste out of landfills, preserve sources, and shield the well being of the setting, staff, and wearer. That’s all the time a plus.
REI Flash 22 Cons
Troublesome to open and shut: The closure system for the principle pack entails two buckles and a drawstring. With these a number of steps, it may be a ache to get out and in. That is my largest criticism, but it surely’s not a deal breaker.
Sit pad not simple to entry: Utilizing the sit pad was typically extra effort than it was value, particularly if the pack was full.
Not waterproof: The pack isn’t waterproof which might be a pleasant characteristic. Nevertheless, it did preserve the contents dry once I hiked by means of a couple of showers and a thunderstorm.
Water bottles are laborious to succeed in: I discovered it troublesome to entry my water bottles whereas carrying this pack. The pockets had been nice at holding any measurement water bottle, although, and a reservoir would resolve this situation.
Ultimate Ideas
The REI Flash 22 Pack rapidly grew to become my go-to day pack this summer season. It’s easy, but snug, and has some good bonus options just like the sit pad. Moreover, I like how this pack feels small in comparison with different equally sized packs that will have extra construction.
Though I like it, the Flash 22 leaves some room for enchancment. The water bottle pockets, major compartment entry, and the inner sit pad could possibly be up to date for higher ease of use. None of those had been deal breakers for me although, particularly at this worth level. I might extremely advocate this pack to anybody in search of a easy, do-it-all-day pack.
Store the REI Flash 22 Day Pack
Comparable Day Packs
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Pack – Del Dia
Weight: 14.4oz
MSRP: $80
Osprey Daylite Pack
Weight: 1lb 1oz
MSRP: $65
Disclaimer: The Flash 22 was donated for the aim of overview.
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