REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Bottom Line

The REI Flash Air (males’s / ladies’s) is a wonderful crossover pack for these accustomed to a conventional pack however able to transition to ultralight backpacking. Or you may need discovered ultralight packs aren’t working in your physique, so that you’re in search of a step up in help and luxury wants; this could 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 produced from light-weight nylon with a streamlined, weight-conscious function set. The fundamental entrance pocket is right for storing rain gear and every day necessities, though it’s just a little on the small facet. Instead, a lot of the pack’s actual property is taken up by 4 roomy facet pockets, two of that are extremely simple to succeed in for on-the-go hydration.

The Flash Air’s building options light-weight sturdiness with a bolstered 210D nylon backside panel. The pack is waterproofed utilizing a DWR coating, which is able to finally put on off, however initially, it performs very properly. 

Overall, REI has carried out an excellent 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 one of the best ultralight backpacks.

consolation

The consolation of the REI Flash Air 50 is harking back to conventional backpacking backpacks. It doesn’t compromise on foam padding and is engineered for optimum airflow.

During testing with about 30 kilos, the interior spring metal body carried out surprisingly properly at transferring weight to the hips and relieving shoulder stress. 

The load lifters additional stabilized the pack, bringing weight nearer to the physique. Although REI recommends a most load of 25 kilos for this pack, we’re assured it could comfortably deal with extra.

Although the body helps, a lot 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, widespread on conventional type backpacks. While the hipbelt is safe, some discover its lack of flexibility may cause it to dig into the hip bones.

Functionality

The REI Flash Air incorporates considerate and distinctive design options that promote on-trail accessibility and effectivity. The most notable of those is the 4 facet pockets. The two closest to the again panel are slanted and shifted ahead, making them essentially the most accessible facet pockets that we examined. Each is large enough to carry a one-liter Nalgene bottle, so you possibly can simply hydrate on the go. 

The two further facet pockets are very tall and roomy—ultimate for gadgets like an umbrella, tent poles, or perhaps a small backpacking tent. Continuous webbing daisy chains and an ice axe loop line these facet pockets for exterior gear storage. The final main exterior pocket is the cinching entrance pocket, which we want was greater and stretchier.

The pack comes with an oblong mesh shoulder strap pocket, which is nice for small gadgets however is just too small for bigger smartphones.

Our fundamental gripe concerning the options on the Flash Air is the highest and facet 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 take a look at. After drenching the pack on all sides, we discovered nearly zero moisture inside. Although we love maintaining our gear dry, the Flash Air most likely received’t stay that waterproof without end.

The pack’s nylon will not be inherently waterproof, so REI added a DWR waterproof coating. While these coatings have respectable longevity and waterproofing capabilities, they’ll put on off and finally must be reapplied.

Another attention-grabbing issue to notice is the froth padding’s response to water. The foam readily absorbs moisture as a substitute of wicking it away, which is able to contribute to extra pack weight from sweat and precipitation.

Overall, the pack is usually waterproof early in its life, however we advocate pairing it with a pack liner or cowl.

Construction

Although it’s not essentially the most sturdy pack available on the market, the REI Flash Air 50 blends light-weight building with sturdiness in key areas, guaranteeing 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 sturdy sufficient to deal with some abuse on path.

The fundamental physique is produced from UHMWPE ripstop nylon, a material prized for its distinctive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to abrasion. This offers the pack a troublesome exterior that may stand up to scrapes in opposition to rocks and branches. The backside panel is bolstered with 210-denier nylon, which offers additional sturdiness the place the pack is most weak to put on.

REI sacrifices a major quantity of sturdiness within the facet straps and prime Y-strap. They are all skinny and flimsy and will simply be reduce whereas rock scrambling.

Should You Buy The REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack?

The REI Flash Air 50 is a perfect alternative 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. While the inflexible hipbelt might not work for everybody, it affords wonderful load switch and safety.

REI incorporates distinctive and considerate trail-oriented options. Four accessible facet pockets make hydration and group simple, whereas exterior daisy chains and an ice axe loop provide versatility for additional gear. 

Built with UHMWPE ripstop nylon and a bolstered backside panel, the Flash Air 50 successfully balances sturdiness and weight financial savings. That stated, the highest and facet straps really feel flimsy, making this pack much less ultimate for rugged off-trail scrambles or bushwhacking. Although 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 affords nice worth for thru-hikers and weekend adventurers alike. Seasoned ultralight backpackers, mountaineers, and scramblers may wish to look elsewhere.

What Other Ultralight Backpacks Should You Consider?

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, take a look at our full information to one of the best ultralight backpacks.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review: Gossamer Gear packs are identified for his or her superior carrying consolation. They are closely padded, just like the REI Flash Air, however comply with a extra ultralight mentality. 

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Review: The Gorilla 50 is identical quantity because the Flash Air, however with totally different distinctive options. It’s additionally very snug with a supportive hipbelt and body however lacks water resistance.

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Review: The Arc Haul affords extra everlasting water resistance than the Flash Air, with a bodily moisture barrier as a substitute of a coating. It’s very ultralight-focused and can lack among the consolation options discovered within the Flash Air.