REI Flash 55 Backpack Review || BUGTENT outside

[@beck57]

Loved the review but you didn't show where you store your tent. My current pack, Aura AG 65 has straps on bottom for this. It doesn't look like this does.

[@jjs_1988]

Awesome to hear! I grabbed this pack off of the REI Co-Op garage sale corner for $58. It had 2 small holes in the mesh pocket where someone snagged some thickets and returned it. Despite the minor damage I couldn’t resist grabbing a $200 pack for $58. Haven’t taken it out in the bush yet but looking forward to it!

[@bugtentoutside5611]

What a steal! If the torso length fits then I suspect you will be very happy with it! I really loved the way I could flex it up or down based on the trip I was taking.

[@natehoover5266]

I'm debating hard between this and the Gossemer Gear Mariposa. I like that the Mariposa comes with a sit pad and it's 5 liters bigger, but the price and customizability of the flash is nice.

[@therobbins41406]

Me and my father both have this pack and let me tell you it is great, we are both the same torso size so once we tried it on in the store with 30 pounds in it, we were sold. I went from a 8 pound mlb2, to this so it's like a feather. Performs well and is a breeze to hike all day now. I also am hooked on the forward water bottle pockets. Thanks for the great review.

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Thanks, David! I often find some of the bells and whistles on backpacks to be “gimmicky“ but I was a huge fan of the water bottle wing pockets!

[@jhonyermo]

"My father and I."

[@j3hikes444]

this is a must have pack if you live in the south west and need to carry 6 to 8 L of water. carries the extra water weight well. no regrets and is my go to pack when doing high desert backpacking trips

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Great tip- Thanks for sharing! 8L of water sound HEAVY!

[@lt2246]

May want to check out the Osprey Kestrel 48. It has an adjustable torso length. Granite Gear Blaze 60 is another option.

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Thanks for the recs, LT! I have actually done quite a bit of hiking with the Granite Gear Crown2 60 this summer and have loved its ability to flex up (or down) capacity depending on how full the pack is. Gotta do a review of that one soon!

[@TVinmyEye]

I find it annoying that a lot of companies do not provide two gear loops. I just bought the Flash 45L and overall it looks like a very promising solid backpack. It just…….doesn’t have an extra gear loop. The only back within this range that does 2 is The Gregory Miwok 42. I saw that some latch points can be removed. Do you think it be possible to add another loop at the bottom?

[@sheltermonkey6065]

Spectacular review, BugTent! I look forward to more reviews.

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Much appreciated!

[@garretthuck7491]

Just received this but I’m 6’5…… may have to go a different direction.

[@TMNT3388]

Thanks for the review and returning the pack. I hope to snag it at a members garage sale

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Hahaha! Good luck! The Garage Sales are always an opportunity to score some great deals!

[@mp29k]

How tall are you, and how long is your ideal torso length? I’m tall, 6’1”, and have longer torso and shorter legs. Wondering for comparison sake your body size. I’m worried this may be too short for me too, and no REI nearby to try it out.

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Hey Kevin- I am also 6"1' with a longer torso. I found this to be too short and have found that packs with a 22"+ torso length fit better for me. Good luck finding a great pack!

[@mp29k]

@@bugtentoutside5611 thank you!! I measured my torso length finally at a whopping 24”... I’m thinking I need to go custom, seriously considering LiteAF curve 46L

[@justinkohlas3806]

How would you recommend packing this with a bv500/2 person tent? Still trying to find the sweet spot when it comes to that.

[@Lardykins]

Idk why I'm even watching this. I already own this pack and love it lol

[@bugtentoutside5611]

I do it to. Welcome to the club!

[@mer7593]

How long is the whole pack when it’s empty?

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Sorry, Don. I have since moved on from this pack so I can’t give you my own measurements.

[@mer7593]

@@bugtentoutside5611 Thanks. I just found you mentioned 20 inches in L. that’s enough information, it’s too short indeed. Stratos 34 is longer than this.

[@tomlucas4788]

Great video I have watched it several times. Looking for new pack this is in the top. Do you know if the measured volume of the pack includes the collar extension or just to the seam where the collar starts. I’m trying hammock camping this year so I have the top and bottom quilt. So looking at the 58 liter bags but they all measure different. Zpacks arc haul is 62 liters but only like 49 I think in main body. ULA circuit approximately the same o think actually 42

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Hey Tom- I have since returned the pack so it is difficult for me to say from fist hand experience... but I did come across a Backpacking Light review where the author (George Harris) spoke to this-- "The REI Flash 55 has a stated capacity of 55 liters (3,356 cubic inches - Men’s medium) with the roll-top cinched down and the Packmod top lid in place. With the roll-top fully extended and no Packmod lid, I estimate the capacity to be approaching 60 liters. With the roll-top in the down position, I estimate the capacity to be around 50 liters." backpackinglight.com/rei-flash-55-backpack-review/

[@tomlucas4788]

Bugtent Outside thanks. I appreciate your help. I’ll read the review

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

How long is your torso? I have a 21” and am a little leery about ordering one because of this. Of course, all the REIs are closed right now so I can’t just go in and try one on. They were on sale last weekend for $139, and I wanted to pull the trigger so bad...I know REI has a great return policy so I wouldn’t have been completely hosed if the pack didn’t fit right, but it still would have been a hassle... Great video, subbed.

[@cwgibbs55]

ditto from another 21" torso . . .

[@bugtentoutside5611]

When I measured from my C7 to the top of my iliac crest, I get 21.5" which is normally fits well into a 'large' sized pack. REI notes that their 'Large' frame is sized for a 20" torso. Great pack... just didn't fit me right!

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

Actually got to try one on last week. I liked it, but at first it seemed JUST on the edge of being too small. Then I put 30lbs in it and wandered around the store. Very nice. I think this will be my next pack. Thank you.

[@petermertz03]

Great review!! Seems a bit silly to have ice ax loops on an ultralight pack. Perhaps they’re intended to double as trekking pole carry points.

[@bugtentoutside5611]

Silly is as silly does.