Best All-Around Pack // REI Flash 55 Review (2023 ver.)

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[aaronbradbury]

Too bad it only comes in two ugly colors.

[outdoorsfan]

Hip belt is still too large for average person. A redesign to 29 inches waist minimum would make more sense. Can Fit a 32 inch waist with large torso, but no allowance for loss of weight on trail, making it useless only due to hip belt sizing.

[hikingwheather]

I have the old one and love it. I have literally tried 4 other backpacks in the last 8 years and this one has been a keeper for me. I am disappointed that they changed it so much, though. I'm glad I bought second one when they were on clearance.

[firstname]

4:21 "it has two hip belts" -- well that's unique ha ha ha
one more bad thing that you mentioned in another video -- the brain is no longer water proof -- no idea why they made that change

[texmexia]

Hey Justin, how about a review of the new Flash Air 50?

[wthout]

That many damages after 2 months is a NOGO for me, too bad as it looked very promising but I dont feel like changing it every 2 years!

[scottmerchant]

It'd be lovely if MEC were more equal with their American counterparts

[somerandomguy]

I got the previous version for $50 because someone returned it when the chest strap popped off. I just put the chest strap back on and it hasn't come off since.

[texmexia]

I would also say a con is the new chest pocket: it has a velcro closure and it’s no longer waterproof. It also weighs more. I love the Flash 55, but the only improvements on this iteration are the adjustable torso and hip belt. It doesn’t make sense that they downgraded the brain and chest pocket and made it heavier.

[JustinKraft]

Looking for dcf/ultra fabric pack that has some features of a pack like this. All the packs that use new technical materials are just tubes with straps. Where's they hybrid features with UL water proof fabric

[natlovell]

I’ve been eyeing this pack as well as the Mountainsmith Scream 55 and Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. If anybody has any experience with any of these I would love some feedback.

[freeskier]

I just saw that MEC droped some new packs that look interesting and even an ultralight version! Would love to see you review those!

[ManivanAdventures]

Still love the pack, but they really dropped the ball compared to the previous version in my opinion.

I like the one I bought in 2022 so much more and was pretty bummed that they took away so many of the features, like the waterproof brain and phone holder. Also, the stretchy mesh on the old version was WAY better and could fit much more. For someone who already liked the fit, I had no need for the extra weight of the torso adjuster.

Again, still a fantastic pack, but not sure why they decided to downgrade the newer model…

[russellroach]

Oh I love this pack I’m hiking around in Barbados and it’s the perfect fit. Thanks REI for the best fit. Killer pack keep up the great work

[kellyrhoads]

Hi Justin, I love your channel! I ordered the last version of this pack but it just didn’t fit me well. I’m waiting for the new version to be delivered after getting the Anniversary deal. But can you tell me why it’s hard to find a pack that has straps along the bottom? I have an older Gregory and it see, a that it’s nice to hold the foam pad down there. When you set the pack down, the bottom is protected. I see that there are straps that hold things low, but outward. Am I missing something?

[IsParkCir]

Just picked up the 2023 version for my wife. I have hundreds of miles on the previous version and it has been fantastic.

[CBne]

I had the old version and thought it was really well designed. My biggest issue is I did not like the fixed hip belt. Since it didn’t fold up it took a lot more room in my vestibule or tent when I brought it inside. One rainy night the pack was in my vestibule and the hip belt got soaked because it was sticking out under the fly.

[Sundheden]

"It's the pack I would recommend for most people out there in the world" - continues to talk about a pack sold only by an American company ☹

[nathanaelkolb]

I love everything about this pack except the belt sizing. Like you, the size medium belt was too large. Even with the update, the size small waist only goes down to 32inch. With a 30 inch waist I just find the pack slipping down too much. It would be nice if they sold an attachable lumbar pad. I think that would help the sizing and the slipping.

[galinswigart]

This sounds stupid, but matters to me. Regardless of features, the color options available in this pack are a deal breaker for me. I can understand companies offering a bright color option, but not exclusively. So many backpacking companies only offer loud, obnoxious colors in their packs and I will never understand it. IMO, everything should be offered in at least one neutral color like a tan, brown, gray, or black.