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

CHECK IT OUT HERE ➡️ geni.us/Flash55
Disclosure: This item was sent for free for review purposes. My conclusions in the video are my own and were not influenced by the company or external factors. You can read my full disclosure statement at gearpriority.com/disclosure/.
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[@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.

[@texmexia49]

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

[@markcummings6856]

Well done. Thanks.

[@ownTer]

Thanks for the video, my girlfriend is getting one during the sale. Helped us decide to give it a try.

[@freeskier4545]

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

[@russellroach5992]

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

[@I922sParkCir]

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

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Nice review! I bought last year's version on sale and ended up exchanging it for a different pack after a fitting - big mistake. Just ordered the new version also on sale a the same price and we will see the differences.

[@CBne1997]

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.

[@texmexia49]

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.

[@kellyrhoads5629]

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?

[@somerandomguy706]

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.

[@stevenhorwood1300]

I like the torso change but i removed my pack brain a couple years ago as well as the small hip packs. I can roll down the bag to a day pack size or use as a extended day pack. I use a front set butt bag in lieu of the small hip belt pouches. My wife’s bag is set up the same. We are just around 2 pounds for the empty bag. So a 55 liter if needed but can be pulled down to a much smaller bag. My only complaint is that the bag hip belt is set up with firm belt that is not foldable for travel but i really would not change the bag at all. OK maybe a equal dynema sized bag but I’m fine with what I have.

[@AccidentalHiker1]

I just bought the REI Flash 55. Sale price made it just right.😅 Can't wait to take it out.

[@kpadventures2238]

how much did u got it?

[@natlovell122]

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.

[@patrickelliott5858]

It's a pity that here in the U.K. we do not have suppliers of this pack.

[@lamineaim5562]

look like a good backpack but i see some wholes on the sides above the warer bottle compartment is it because this backpack is used or what? thank you

[@Farbulus]

I bought this pack a few months ago before the redesign and they shipped me the wrong size, by the time I had it returned they were sold out so I just went with the Osprey Atmos AG 50L instead. 😥

[@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

[@bobbybrowning5898]

So between this and the Zerk 40, which would you say is the best all around pack? I've got a 9ish lb bw, and just want something comfy.

[@Bobithie]

Is it possible to move the straps onto the bottom of the pack so you can carry something like a foam pad underneath?

[@nicolestuart7299]

Question: I’ve read some reviews that say the shoulder straps rub and are noisy. Did the old version do that too?

[@ericb.4358]

Had the 2nd version go the REI Flashbackpack and liked it. Then I sold it after trying an Osprey, EXOS 58 size Large which is THE most comfortable pack I've ever owned - and I've owned 4 before that including TheNorth Face, Gregory and DANA internal frame packs. TRY THE TARPTENT NOTCH LI. Yeah, its a pricey $600. solo Dyneema tent held up by trekking poles but IMHO it's the best designed, highest quality solo Dyneema tent. (Get the nylon floor option for better puncture resistance & less $$$.)

[@e2dub]

It’s funny how different packs fit us all differently. I demoed both with 30-40 lbs. I actually found the Osprey to be quite uncomfortable (insufficient shoulder strap padding). I also demoed the Gregory Focal which was good but, for me, not as good as the Flash 55. Bonus the Flash was the cheapest, on sale for $139 right now.

[@ericb.4358]

@@e2dub e2dub, Old Man, if the shoulder strap padding feels too thin you have not transferred enough weight to the hip belt. Ihavebad L4 & L5 discs so all my EXOS shoulder straps does keep the pack from falling backwards.

[@laurenkelly8429]

I see there's a Flash 50 Air - thoughts? Can you review?

[@scottmerchant8544]

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

[@simplystavish]

I must have super short T. rex arms because I still struggle to get my water bottle in and out of the pockets. Other than that so far I love this pack.

[@Spazz983]

Same lol

[@nathanaelkolb4024]

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.

[@dustyc324]

try adjusting the length shorter by one? don't know if you tried that or not. If it's too long the hip belt will slip down. if it's shortened up it cant slip down? Just an idea.

[@nathanaelkolb4024]

@@dustyc324 I have the original one without the adjustable torso.

[@dustyc324]

@@nathanaelkolb4024 dang.

[@outdoorsfan4179]

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.

[@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.

[@dootdoot644]

I agree! I’m not a fan of these types of bright colors,, the only colors I can handle besides black or brown is a dusty red or a darker green! The chartreuse-ness of this pack is just too much for me

[@matthewishunting]

Guys like you aren't their target market. It just is what it is. The world doesn't revolve around your preferences

[@galinswigart]

@@matthewishunting yeah didn’t say it did. Simply saying I wish packs came in neutral colors. Not smearing the company or anything.

[@Al-S-NH]

Interesting how people can have totally opposite tastes. I wish theree were more nuclear or hunter orange options. Sometimes , I hike during hunting season. Plus, it is good to be easy to be spotted if you ever need to call SAR.

[@nachoraw]

Are you sponsored by REI ??? I really love the style of how you review products. I do noticed you been suggesting REI stuff lately. I am even considering getting an REI alerting Sleeping pad because of your video.

[@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…

[@tokyo_ul]

where manufacturing this flash 55?

[@salsalvio821]

That color though

[@bjwilliams6115]

If you had to choose one. Flash or Gregory focal?

[@GearPriority]

Probably the flash due to its ability to carry a ton of weight and adjustability. Tough choice though!

[@bjwilliams6115]

@@GearPriority what are your thoughts on the flash 45 which is out of stock?

[@alizarei7905]

Do you think this bag is better or osprey bags?

[@e2dub]

I personally found the REI Flash to be much more comfortable than the comparable Osprey Exos 58. The Flash (and most REI stuff) is currently on sale for 30% off.

[@James-dy6zh]

What trail shoes are those?

[@danielsingh9415]

Prolly hoka speedgoat 5's

[@davidshirley6850]

Have you tried the new version? It's $300 ? Seems a bit $$$

[@e2dub]

It’s $210 right now during REI’s annual Anniversary sale. Nice looking light pack, about 1lb lighter than the 55, which is a big deal. Downsides: the 50 is not adjustable. Also 50 doesn’t have the same kind of weight capacity as the 55. If your max weight if 25 or less and it fits you, the 50 could be outstanding. If it’s not great then you’ve got REIs excellent satisfaction guarantee.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Looks like a Gregory Z65 knock-off. Gregory will exchange your belt to fit you if the stock belt on your new pack won't for free.

[@sunnesonne]

Very sad that Canadians can’t buy it

[@markkeller5608]

Justin, no offense, but it sounds like you've got a side gig at REI. Your last three "best products" have all been from REI. If you tell us the best place you've ever eaten, in the lower 48, was at REI, I'm going to have to start questioning your judgement. REI makes good products but this is getting borderline freakish. I think you should change your channel's name to Justin OutdooREI, that way it's subtle and no one will know. Keep independent my young Padawan. Godspeed. Mark

[@GearPriority]

Only the last 2 videos. REI is having their biggest sale of the year, so I timed the videos to align with that. Until the Helix pad, I hadn't reviewed an REI product since the original Flash 55 review in November of 2021.

[@markkeller5608]

@@GearPriority Justin, I stand corrected, you still da man. I take back what I said and I appreciate you not banning me from your Channel, as well as Canada. My sarcasm gets the best of me sometimes. Keep the content coming and May the 24th be with you. Sorry, I'm milking that Star Wars joke for all it's worth. My bad. I'm back on Team Justin. Mark

[@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 ☹

[@GearPriority]

They ship worldwide. I ordered one and am not in the US.

[@danielsingh9415]

​@@GearPriorityme too

[@aaronbradbury7405]

Too bad it only comes in two ugly colors.

[@firstname4337]

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

[@theocdvirgo6806]

Which tent is that in this video?

[@thebadhombre9917]

Looks like the MSR Hubbu bubbu