Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the REI Flash 45 backpack! If you’re in the market for a new backpack that combines both comfort and functionality, then you’re in for a treat. The REI Flash 45 is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its lightweight design and versatile features.

Designed for backpackers and hikers who prioritize both performance and weight savings, the REI Flash 45 offers a balance between durability and convenience. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend hiking trip or a multi-day backpacking adventure, this backpack has you covered.

In this review, we’ll delve into the key features of the REI Flash 45, its comfort and fit, storage capacity, durability, weight and packability, ventilation and breathability, suspension system, accessibility and organization, as well as its versatility and functionality. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether the REI Flash 45 is the right backpack for your outdoor needs.

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at the REI brand. REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is a well-known outdoor retail company that specializes in gear and apparel for outdoor activities. With a reputation for quality products, REI is trusted by outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

Now, let’s get started with our detailed review of the REI Flash 45 backpack.

 

Overview of the REI Flash 45

The REI Flash 45 is a lightweight backpack designed for backpackers and hikers who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing comfort and functionality. With a capacity of 45 liters, it offers ample space for all your essentials on multi-day adventures.

One notable feature of the REI Flash 45 is its lightweight construction. Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, this backpack is one of the lightest options on the market. The lightweight design is achieved through the use of durable yet lightweight materials, allowing you to carry more gear without feeling weighed down.

Despite its minimal weight, the REI Flash 45 doesn’t compromise on durability. The backpack is constructed with robust nylon material that can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers ensure that your belongings are secure and protected from the elements.

In addition to its durability, the REI Flash 45 excels in providing a comfortable carrying experience. The backpack features a padded back panel and shoulder straps that are ergonomically designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your shoulders and back. The adjustable sternum strap and hip belt further enhance the load stability, allowing you to hike comfortably even with a heavy load.

Another standout feature of the REI Flash 45 is its versatility. The backpack offers multiple attachment points, loops, and straps, allowing you to customize and secure your gear as needed. Whether you need to attach trekking poles, ice axes, or additional gear, the REI Flash 45 has you covered.

Furthermore, the REI Flash 45 is compatible with hydration systems, featuring a dedicated hydration sleeve and tube exit port. Staying hydrated on the trail is crucial, and this backpack makes it easy to keep your water within reach.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 is a lightweight and versatile backpack that offers durability, comfort, and functionality. Its spacious capacity, lightweight design, and customizable features make it an excellent choice for backpackers and hikers looking for a reliable pack for their outdoor adventures.

 

Key Features

The REI Flash 45 backpack boasts an array of notable features that set it apart from other backpacks in its category. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features:

1. Lightweight Design: Weighing in at under 2 pounds, the REI Flash 45 is exceptionally lightweight. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to minimize pack weight without compromising on functionality.
2. Spacious Capacity: With a 45-liter capacity, the REI Flash 45 offers plenty of space to store your gear and essentials for multi-day trips. The main compartment is roomy enough to fit a sleeping bag, tent, clothes, and other necessities.
3. Customizable Fit: The backpack features adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a hip belt, allowing you to customize the fit to your body shape and size. This ensures maximum comfort and stability while carrying heavy loads.
4. Multiple Access Points: The REI Flash 45 offers convenient access to your gear with its top-loading design and a large front panel opening. This allows you to easily locate and retrieve items from both the top and front of the backpack.
5. External Storage Options: The backpack features multiple external pockets and attachment points, including side pockets, hip belt pockets, and gear loops. These storage options provide easy access to essentials such as snacks, water bottles, maps, and more.
6. Hydration Compatibility: Staying hydrated on the trail is essential, and the REI Flash 45 accommodates hydration systems with its dedicated hydration sleeve and tube exit port. This allows you to conveniently hydrate while on the move.
7. Durable Construction: The REI Flash 45 is built to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures. Its rugged nylon material, reinforced stitching, and sturdy zippers ensure long-lasting durability, even in rough conditions.
8. Comfortable Suspension System: The backpack’s suspension system includes a padded back panel, shoulder straps, and a hip belt, all designed to provide excellent support and reduce pressure points during extended hikes.
9. Weather Resistance: The REI Flash 45 incorporates a water-resistant coating that helps keep your gear protected from light rain and moisture. While it’s not fully waterproof, it offers decent water resistance in unpredictable weather conditions.
10. Versatile Use: Whether you’re embarking on a weekend backpacking trip, a thru-hike, or a long-distance trek, the REI Flash 45 is versatile enough to handle a variety of outdoor pursuits. Its lightweight design and thoughtful features make it a reliable companion on any adventure.

Now that we’ve explored the key features of the REI Flash 45, let’s move on to examining its comfort and fit.

 

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to backpacking and hiking, comfort is crucial, especially when carrying a heavy load. The REI Flash 45 backpack excels in providing a comfortable carrying experience, thanks to its well-designed suspension system and adjustable features.

The backpack features padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel that are designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points. This ensures that you can carry heavy loads without discomfort or strain on your shoulders and back. The padding is adequately cushioned, providing a comfortable fit even during long hikes.

Additionally, the REI Flash 45 has an adjustable sternum strap and hip belt, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your body. The sternum strap helps to stabilize the backpack and prevent it from shifting while you’re on the move. The hip belt plays a crucial role in weight distribution by transferring some of the load from your shoulders to your hips, reducing strain and fatigue.

The adjustable features of the REI Flash 45 enable you to customize the fit to your body shape and size. This is particularly advantageous as it ensures that the backpack sits properly on your back, minimizing any potential discomfort or rubbing during your outdoor adventures.

Furthermore, the suspension system of the REI Flash 45 provides excellent ventilation, promoting airflow and preventing excessive sweating. This is especially beneficial on hot days or during strenuous activities when perspiration can become an issue. The strategic placement of breathable mesh panels on the back panel enhances ventilation and helps keep you cool and dry while on the trail.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 backpack offers a comfortable fit and excellent weight distribution, allowing you to hike for extended periods without discomfort or strain. The adjustable features, padded straps, and breathable ventilation make it an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable and supportive backpack.

With comfort and fit covered, let’s move on to exploring the storage capacity of the REI Flash 45.

 

Storage Capacity

The REI Flash 45 backpack offers a spacious capacity of 45 liters, making it suitable for multi-day trips and extended hikes. This generous storage capacity allows you to pack all your essentials without feeling constrained.

The main compartment of the REI Flash 45 is roomy and accessible, providing ample space to pack your sleeping bag, tent, clothes, and other gear. The top-loading design allows for easy packing and organization, while the drawstring closure ensures that your belongings are secure.

In addition to the main compartment, the REI Flash 45 features multiple pockets and attachment points for added storage and organization. There are two large mesh side pockets that can accommodate water bottles or other items you want to keep within reach. The hip belt also has zippered pockets, perfect for storing small items like snacks, a compass, or a camera.

External attachment points, including gear loops and daisy chains, offer the flexibility to attach extra gear such as trekking poles, ice axes, or a sleeping pad. This ensures that your gear is easily accessible and secured to the outside of the backpack, freeing up space inside the main compartment.

The REI Flash 45 also features a lid pocket that is ideal for storing items you need quick access to, such as a map, headlamp, or sunglasses. This pocket is easily accessible and securely closed with a zipper.

Overall, the storage capacity of the REI Flash 45 is impressive, providing plenty of space for all your gear and essentials. Its well-designed compartments, pockets, and attachment points allow for efficient organization and easy access to your belongings while on the trail.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the durability of the REI Flash 45 backpack.

 

Durability

When venturing into the great outdoors, having a durable backpack is essential to withstand the demands of rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions. The REI Flash 45 backpack is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, offering impressive durability that will last you for years to come.

The backpack is constructed with robust and high-quality materials, primarily nylon, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The nylon material used in the REI Flash 45 is ripstop, meaning it has a reinforced grid pattern that prevents any tears or punctures from spreading, keeping your belongings safe and secure.

In addition to the durable material, the REI Flash 45 features reinforced stitching throughout the backpack. This ensures that the seams can withstand the weight of heavy gear and the stresses of outdoor activities without compromising the integrity of the backpack.

Furthermore, the zippers used in the REI Flash 45 are sturdy and reliable, designed to withstand repeated use and rough handling. The zipper pulls are also durable and easy to grip, allowing for smooth and hassle-free opening and closing of the compartments.

The backpack’s water-resistant coating provides an extra layer of protection against light rain and moisture, keeping your gear dry and secure. While it’s not fully waterproof, it offers decent water resistance in moderate weather conditions.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 has been designed with durability in mind, ensuring that it can withstand the challenges of the outdoors. Its high-quality materials, reinforced stitching, and reliable zippers make it a robust backpack that can handle the demands of your adventures.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the weight and packability of the REI Flash 45.

 

Weight and Packability

When it comes to backpacking and hiking, the weight of your gear can significantly impact your overall experience. The REI Flash 45 backpack is well-regarded for its lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize pack weight without compromising on functionality.

Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, the REI Flash 45 is one of the lightest backpacks in its class. This lightweight construction is achieved through the use of durable yet lightweight materials and a streamlined design. Carrying a lighter backpack allows you to move more freely and with less strain, especially on long hikes or when traversing challenging terrain.

Additionally, the REI Flash 45 offers excellent packability. The backpack is designed to be highly compressible, allowing you to easily pack it into a larger backpack or suitcase when not in use. This is especially useful for travelers who need a reliable daypack or those who prefer to switch between different backpacks depending on the duration and nature of their adventures.

Furthermore, the REI Flash 45 features compression straps that enable you to cinch down the pack to reduce bulk and keep your gear secure. This not only helps with packability but also ensures that your items are tightly packed and won’t shift around while you’re on the move.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 excels in terms of weight and packability, making it an ideal choice for backpackers and hikers who prioritize lightweight gear and need a versatile and compact backpack.

Next, let’s explore the ventilation and breathability features of the REI Flash 45.

 

Ventilation and Breathability

When spending prolonged periods outdoors, especially in warm or humid conditions, proper ventilation and breathability become essential to maintain comfort and prevent excessive sweating. The REI Flash 45 backpack incorporates thoughtful design elements to enhance airflow and keep you cool and dry throughout your outdoor adventures.

The backpack features a suspended mesh back panel that allows air to circulate between your back and the pack. This strategic ventilation system promotes airflow, helping to minimize sweat buildup and reduce the chances of overheating. The mesh back panel also helps to wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable while on the trail.

In addition to the breathable back panel, the shoulder straps of the REI Flash 45 are also constructed with a mesh material. This further enhances ventilation and prevents sweat from accumulating in the areas that come into direct contact with your shoulders.

The hip belt of the backpack is designed with a breathable foam padding that offers both comfort and airflow. The foam padding contours to your hips, providing support and stability, while the breathable construction prevents excessive sweating in this area.

Another ventilation feature of the REI Flash 45 is the air mesh padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt. This padding not only adds comfort and cushioning but also helps to promote airflow, reducing the buildup of moisture and heat in these areas.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 is designed with ventilation and breathability in mind, ensuring that you can stay cool and dry even during demanding outdoor activities. Its mesh back panel, breathable shoulder straps, and hip belt padding help to regulate temperature and prevent excessive perspiration.

Now, let’s dive into the suspension system of the REI Flash 45 and how it contributes to a comfortable and supportive carrying experience.

 

Suspension System

The suspension system of a backpack plays a crucial role in providing comfort and stability during long hikes and extended trips. The REI Flash 45 backpack is equipped with a reliable suspension system that ensures a comfortable and supportive carrying experience.

The backpack’s suspension system consists of a padded back panel, shoulder straps, and a hip belt. The back panel is designed with sufficient padding and ventilation, providing comfort and support while allowing air to circulate to prevent sweating.

The shoulder straps of the REI Flash 45 are ergonomically shaped and feature ample padding. This ensures that the weight of the backpack is evenly distributed across your shoulders, reducing strain and discomfort. The adjustable shoulder straps can be customized to fit your torso length, allowing for a personalized and secure fit.

One standout feature of the REI Flash 45’s suspension system is the hip belt. The hip belt is wide and padded, designed to transfer a significant portion of the backpack’s weight to your hips, which are better equipped to carry heavy loads. This helps to alleviate strain on your shoulders and distributes the weight more evenly, maximizing comfort during long hikes.

The hip belt is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened as needed for a snug fit. The buckle system is secure and easy to adjust, allowing you to find the perfect tension for your body shape and size.

Additionally, the REI Flash 45’s suspension system is designed to provide stability and balance. The adjustable sternum strap helps to prevent the backpack from shifting while you’re on the move, ensuring that the weight remains centered and balanced for optimal weight distribution.

Overall, the suspension system of the REI Flash 45 backpack is well-designed, providing comfort, stability, and adjustable features. The padded back panel, ergonomic shoulder straps, and hip belt contribute to a supportive carrying experience, allowing you to hike for long distances with ease.

Now that we’ve explored the suspension system, let’s move on to discussing the accessibility and organization features of the REI Flash 45.

 

Accessibility and Organization

When it comes to a backpack, easy accessibility to your gear and efficient organization can make a significant difference in your outdoor experience. The REI Flash 45 backpack is designed with features that prioritize accessibility and organization, ensuring that you can quickly and easily access your belongings while keeping everything in order.

The REI Flash 45 features a top-loading design, allowing for convenient access to the main compartment. This style of access is ideal for when you need to quickly pack or retrieve items without having to unpack the entire backpack. The drawstring closure ensures that your gear stays securely inside the main compartment.

In addition to the top-loading design, the REI Flash 45 also offers a large front panel opening. This allows you to access your gear from the front of the backpack, providing an alternative entry point without needing to rummage through layers of packed items. This front panel opening is particularly useful for items that you want to keep separate from the rest of your gear, such as a rain jacket or snacks.

The backpack includes multiple pockets and compartments for better organization. The lid pocket is a convenient space for storing small items that you need quick access to, like a map, headlamp, or sunscreen. The side mesh pockets are perfect for holding water bottles or other items you want to keep within reach.

Furthermore, the REI Flash 45 features a dedicated hydration sleeve with a tube exit port, allowing you to easily access and route your hydration system. This ensures that you can drink water on the go without having to stop and fumble with your water bladder or bottle.

For added organization, the backpack offers attachment points, gear loops, and daisy chains. These allow you to secure additional gear, such as trekking poles, ice axes, or a sleeping pad, to the outside of the backpack, freeing up space in the main compartment and keeping everything readily accessible.

Overall, the REI Flash 45 excels in providing accessibility and organization features that enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you need to quickly access your gear or keep everything neatly organized, this backpack has you covered.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the versatility and functionality of the REI Flash 45.

 

Versatility and Functionality

When choosing a backpack for your outdoor adventures, versatility and functionality are key factors to consider. The REI Flash 45 backpack excels in providing both, making it a reliable option for a range of activities and environments.

The REI Flash 45’s versatile design allows it to adapt to various outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend backpacking trip, a thru-hike, or a long-distance trek, this backpack is well-suited to handle a variety of adventures. Its spacious 45-liter capacity provides ample room for multi-day trips, while the lightweight construction and compressible design make it suitable for shorter excursions as well.

One notable aspect of the REI Flash 45’s versatility is its attachment points and gear loops. These allow you to secure extra gear to the outside of the backpack, expanding its carrying capacity. Whether you need to attach trekking poles, ice axes, or a sleeping pad, the REI Flash 45 provides the necessary options for customization.

The backpack is also compatible with hydration systems, featuring a dedicated hydration sleeve and tube exit port. Staying hydrated on the trail is crucial, and this compatibility ensures that you can easily access and drink water without having to take off your backpack or disrupt your flow.

In terms of functionality, the REI Flash 45 excels in providing a comfortable and supportive carrying experience. The adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt allow you to customize the fit to your body, ensuring optimal weight distribution and reducing strain on your shoulders and back. The well-padded back panel and shoulder straps further enhance comfort during extended hikes.

Furthermore, the backpack’s accessibility and organization features contribute to its overall functionality. The top-loading design and front panel opening make it easy to access your gear without unpacking everything. Multiple pockets and compartments provide efficient organization options, keeping your belongings sorted and readily accessible.

Overall, the versatility and functionality of the REI Flash 45 make it a standout backpack for outdoor enthusiasts. Its adaptability to various activities, compatibility with hydration systems, and comfortable carrying experience make it a reliable choice for a range of adventures.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the pros and cons of the REI Flash 45 backpack.

 

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the REI Flash 45 backpack has its pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this backpack for your outdoor adventures.

Pros:

• Lightweight design, weighing in at under 2 pounds, making it ideal for those who prioritize weight savings.
• Spacious 45-liter capacity that provides ample room for multi-day trips.
• Customizable fit with adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt for maximum comfort and stability.
• Multiple pockets, compartments, and attachment points for efficient organization and easy access to gear.
• Compatibility with hydration systems, featuring a dedicated sleeve and tube exit port for convenient water access.
• Durable construction with robust nylon material and reinforced stitching for long-lasting performance.
• Excellent ventilation and breathability through the use of mesh panels on the back panel and shoulder straps.
• Versatile design that adapts to different outdoor pursuits, from backpacking trips to thru-hikes.

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof, offering only water resistance in light rain or moderate weather conditions.
• Limited color and design options compared to other backpack models.
• May lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end backpacks, such as an integrated rain cover or additional attachment options.

While the REI Flash 45 backpack has some limitations, its numerous advantages make it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. Its lightweight design, spacious capacity, customizability, and durability are among its standout features.

Now that we’ve examined the pros and cons, let’s conclude our review of the REI Flash 45 backpack.

 

Conclusion

The REI Flash 45 backpack is a reliable and versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize a combination of comfort, functionality, and weight savings. With its lightweight design, spacious capacity, and customizable fit, it offers everything you need for multi-day trips and extended hikes.

The durability of the REI Flash 45 ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors, with its robust materials and reinforced stitching providing long-lasting performance. The backpack’s ventilation and breathability features keep you cool and dry, even during strenuous activities or hot weather conditions.

When it comes to organization and accessibility, the REI Flash 45 shines. Multiple pockets, compartments, and attachment points allow for efficient gear organization and easy access to your essentials. The backpack’s compatibility with hydration systems is an added bonus, making it convenient to stay hydrated on the trail.

While the REI Flash 45 has a few drawbacks, such as its limited waterproofing and design options, these minor limitations are outweighed by its numerous advantages. From its comfortable suspension system to its versatile functionality, the REI Flash 45 is a reliable companion for a wide range of outdoor adventures.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a lightweight backpack that offers ample storage space, durability, and a comfortable fit, the REI Flash 45 is definitely worth considering. With its impressive features and reputation for quality, this backpack is sure to enhance your outdoor experiences and become a reliable companion on your future adventures.