REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Evaluation

Backside Line

The REI Flash Air (males’s / girls’s) is a wonderful crossover pack for these accustomed to a conventional pack however able to transition to ultralight backpacking. Otherwise you may need discovered ultralight packs aren’t working on your physique, so that you’re on the lookout for a step up in assist and luxury wants; this is likely to be simply the ticket. The suspension system consists of a stiff inside 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 right for storing rain gear and each day necessities, though it’s somewhat on the small aspect. As a substitute, a lot of the pack’s actual property is taken up by 4 roomy aspect pockets, two of that are extremely simple to succeed in for on-the-go hydration.

The Flash Air’s development options light-weight sturdiness with a strengthened 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. 

Total, REI has performed an awesome 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 perfect 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 might 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 type 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 aspect pockets. The 2 closest to the again panel are slanted and shifted ahead, making them probably the most accessible aspect pockets that we examined. Every is large enough to carry a one-liter Nalgene bottle, so you possibly can simply hydrate on the go. 

The 2 further aspect pockets are very tall and roomy—best for objects like an umbrella, tent poles, or perhaps a small backpacking tent. Steady webbing daisy chains and an ice axe loop line these aspect pockets for exterior gear storage. The final main exterior pocket is the cinching entrance pocket, which we want was larger 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 most important gripe in regards to the options on the Flash Air is the highest and aspect 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 nearly zero moisture inside. Though we love retaining our gear dry, the Flash Air in all probability received’t stay that waterproof perpetually.

The pack’s nylon will not be inherently waterproof, so REI added a DWR waterproof coating. Whereas these coatings have respectable 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.

Total, 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 development with sturdiness in key areas, making certain 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 cloth prized for its distinctive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to abrasion. This provides the pack a tricky exterior that may stand up to scrapes in opposition to rocks and branches. The underside panel is strengthened with 210-denier nylon, which offers further sturdiness the place the pack is most weak to put on.

REI sacrifices a major quantity of sturdiness within the aspect 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 selection 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 gives glorious load switch and safety.

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

Constructed with UHMWPE ripstop nylon and a strengthened backside panel, the Flash Air 50 successfully balances sturdiness and weight financial savings. That stated, the highest and aspect straps really feel flimsy, making this pack much less best 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 gives nice worth for thru-hikers and weekend adventurers alike. Seasoned ultralight backpackers, mountaineers, and scramblers may need 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 type and also you’re able to dive extra into ultralight backpacking, try our full information to the perfect ultralight backpacks.

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

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Evaluation: The Gorilla 50 is similar 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 gives 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 a few of the consolation options discovered within the Flash Air.