I used the old Flash 55 for almost 5 years before upgrading to the new Flash Air 50 on sale for $200. It’s definitely worth the price in my opinion! Can’t believe it shaves an entire lb off while retaining 99% of the core features. REI did a great job with both packs

@davidshirley6850

10 күн бұрын

I've looked at both packs and my concern was the hip belt and shoulder straps look and feel so different in comfort

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

I agree, both packs, excellently executed.

I have the Flash 55 and I love it. Carries the weight better than any fancy pack I’ve tried. I know it can be a fashion show out there and I’ll be judged for not having Dyneema or something but it fits so well I don’t care. I put a water bottle strap on my shoulder so I don’t have to reach back and I like some of the weight to be on my front. It is nice to carry your heaviest thing which is water right close to your back and pretty much on the hip belt. I think that’s one of the secrets as to why it carries so well.

Great review. I Just upgraded from the Flash 55 to the new Flash 55. I find I use the Flash more often than my Zpack.

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Excellent! 👊🏻

Thanks for the excellent review & content. I looked at both packs & decided on the Flash 55. Used it on moderate to strenuous hikes in the 30 mile plus range. Pack wt at 36-38 lbs. It has performed exceptionally well. I will use this pack on upcoming thru hikes. Great to have your assement of both packs. I agree with your review & it is most helpful. Best to you & followers.

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent review of both packs, very fair and informative, REI should be sending you a commission!!

@BackcountryExposure

8 күн бұрын

Thanks!

Both these packs looks pretty sweet. That flash 55 seems like a great bang for buck pack. The new Flash looks like a great option as well. So many options out there now it’s crazy.

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Sooooo many options! That’s why I try to provide information like this to at least help people narrow things down a touch.

Great video been waiting for thsi one, rei plwase just give us flashh 55 in grey , but seriously my questuon is between the two how is comforrt on flash air onnstraps and hip belt the flash 55 seems to have more comfortable ones but i have no practical knowledge to back it up

Regular Flash series are fantastic packs. Very comfortable.

First comment! I like that it’s a normal color, REI colors are ugly

@davidshirley6850

10 күн бұрын

Just make reg version in grey please rei! The flash air is missing too much from original version

Nice comparison. I'm able to attach a BV 475 to the Flash Air 50. I'd say the air 50 can handle 30lbs for a day one start in my experience. I just wish it had a better compression capabilities for when you start eating through your food bag. I don't know if I'd enjoy the bag at the $300 price point but grabbing it for $209 when it's on sale is a pretty good value.

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

That’s good to know on the 475. Thanks for sharing that. Yeah the starting out weight with food and water I believe it can handle as well, but a consistent 30+ pounds I don’t think so.

We’ve got to get you to try a Supirior wilderness pack. I think they would be more your style

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

I actually ordered a big wild 70 back in March!

@euphonek

10 күн бұрын

I'd love to see your take on SWD packs!

@boredandagitated

9 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposureoooh that’s exciting. Not many reviews for them on KZread

Oh, to have a 32” waist again!

No one ever gets the Flash 55 in the cool forest green color. for me the $100 less with increase weight capacity makes the choice easy for the Flash 55.

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Any time I’ve been to the REI stores here they haven’t had any green in stock.

@dj46104

10 күн бұрын

Yep, I got the Flash 55 in green during the anniversary sale for like $140. Not a fan of the yellow.

@Colby168

9 күн бұрын

I got the green because my son has the yellow and just didn’t want to get them mixed up. The green is a little bit of a girly green for me but whatever. I mean, how hard is it to just make a black, gray or blue? 😂

@hikingwheather

9 күн бұрын

Current colorways in outdoor gear are weird, I don't get it.

@kgwash

8 күн бұрын

Our store has green in men's and pea soup (we have another name for it 😂) in women's. You can get it online in both men's and women's.

Thanks for the info. Saw the 55 in person yesterday. Real cool. Tough battle with my Granite Gear 60l (old). But flash is sweet. If I were buying any pack right now it would be the Flash 55 over all others. 👴

I own both of these packs and I agree with what you have found so far. They are among the most comfortable packs I've used if not the most comfortable. The Flash air 50 is definitely the most comfortable ultralight backpack I have used. The fabric on the flash air also appears more durable than some other ultralight packs and the Flash 55. I do think that if I could choose just one I would choose the Flash 55, however. It has more comfort, more volume and weight carrying capacity. The biggest thing for most people is that when it goes on sale it is a steal compared to most higher end backpacks.

i wondering what you think about backpacks like atompacks the mo or Kakwa from Durston!!

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Haven’t been able to use either of them. Atom has always intrigued me, but during the time I would have considered ordering one I was still the GM at Waymark. I am hoping to order a Kakwa 40 when it’s available in UltraGrid.

I recently tried both flash 55 and flash 50 with 30 lb in a REI store and decided to get the flash 50. Comparing them side to side I felt that flash 50 carried the weight a lot better. It was so significant that I actually had to double check to see if both had the same amount of weight in them. But I guess comfort is subjective

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

Sometimes that’s the kicker is trying it on in store and deciding from there. Subtle differences in the suspension can change how the fit is, especially with adjustable or not adjustable torso sizing. Glad it worked out for you!

What gear are you taking for a weekend?

@BackcountryExposure

10 күн бұрын

I’ve got a few recent gear load out videos. Look back in my recent videos and I’ve got a good one from a desert trip I did.

Have the Flash 55. Can get the water bottles out. CANNOT get them back in. The angle doesn't work for me. Have put the pack on just to practice getting the bottle in. Can do it. Moved to a MYOG hose from the bottles to eliminate that hassle. Very frustrating.

@Colby168

9 күн бұрын

I have the same problem but I don’t really use it. Just get a water bottle holder on your shoulder strap. Once you try it you’ll wonder what took you so long. I also like how it balances some weight in the front.

@pedalparadise4096

9 күн бұрын

The hose set up from the bottle works great for me, especially when I need more volume. I use bottle pockets on other bags and it works well there. The accessibility of water bottles on this bag is over-sold. Is it better than some, yes. Could it be improved? Definitely.