Versatility is the name of the game with the REI Flash 18. For use in your larger backpack or duffel, this lightweight daypack cleverly converts into a stuff sack simply by turning it inside out!
REI Flash 18 Pack
Excellent ultra-light daypack
By Desert_Dawg from Scottsdale, AZ on 8/2/2010Gift: No
Pros: Comfortable, Lightweight, Easy To Load, Highly Adjustable, Large capacity
Best Uses: Commuting, Hiking, Office, Day trip, Backpacking, Cycling
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist
I was looking for a very lightweight day pack to use around the many Arizona hiking trails and after reading a dozen or so reviews of the Flash 18 I decided to purchase it. I bought the mineral yellow and pewter (always good to have a bright color in case of emergency rescue). I first used it to hike, or rather climb, Mount Wilson in Sedona, AZ...highest peak in the Red Rock country and I was thoroughly impressed with the pack. It was so comfortable I forgot I had it on. It was very stable on my back (I'm 6'3" and 190 lbs) and the strap adjustments allow for even my long torso. Although it is a seemingly small pack (only 10 oz) I was able to get all the following into it:
Full 3 liter Osprey Hydration bladder
Rain jacket
Hiking pants w/ zip off legs
Fleece pull over
Thermal cap
Extra pair of sock liners
Ultra-light first aid kit
Space blanket and small misc survival items
Flashlight
Extra batteries
285 page book
3 cliff bars
3 GU shots
wallet
keys
blackberry phone
point/click camera
and still had enough room for a jetboil stove and a freeze dried meal or 2 if it was a longer hike and wanted to be extra cautious.
My only concern at first was that there is no padding because it compacts to such a small size but padding was not necessary at all because of the small size and goal to keep your pack ultra-light. The hydration bladder and hose worked perfectly. I've had other day packs before and they are heavier, bulkier and difficult to put in your full size backpack for day trips. I plan to use this for such a reason on a 7 day trip I have coming up. I would highly recommend this for anyone that does a lot of day hikes and wants to keep the weight down (in contrast to the heavier camelback packs that still do not have the space capacity as the Flash 18 has.
(legalese)
No comments:
Post a Comment