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Marmot kompressor plus 209/24/2023 Like most hiking and travel daypacks, the REI Co-op Flash 22 is not waterproof. Its ripstop nylon fabric (note: The latest version is 77% nylon and 23% polyester) has a DWR coating and is able to slough off a light rain or snow, but expect it to soak through during a sustained rain shower. Again, the Flash 22 stands out in its weight class as being fairly well-ventilated-you’ll have to bump up to 1-pound-plus packs like the Osprey Daylite and Gregory Nano for similar amounts of breathability. Compared to the nylon backpanel of designs like the Flash 18 or Marmot Kompressor Plus, the difference is significant: not only does the airy mesh allow room for air to flow, but it also feels soft when wet, whereas nylon becomes clammy and slippery. Day hiking in Patagonia, I was impressed with how the pack kept air circulating, even on a hot and sunny day on the trail. The Flash 22 features padded mesh on both the shoulder straps and across the backpanel for an extra dose of ventilation. This minimalist build allows you to throw the pack in for the ride (into your travel duffel, for example, or your backpacking pack), when you might be forced to leave bulkier models behind. While not everyone will need a lightweight and packable design, we think it’s one of the true selling points of the Flash 22. On the other hand, packs like the Nano and Talon mentioned above are significantly more rigid and bulky, but more adept at carrying a heavy load. The Kompressor Pack is a bit more packable (it’s even made to stuff into its top lid), but keep in mind it comes with a fair share of compromises in terms of comfort and ventilation. Rolled up, the Flash is about the size of a 1-liter Nalgene bottle, and even smaller if you leave the foam framesheet at home. Packability is another area where the Flash 22 shines. Most other packs of similar capacity are significantly heavier, such as the Osprey Daylite Plus (1 lb. The Marmot Kompressor Plus Pack comes close, with a 12.5-ounce build that fits 20 liters, but it lacks the padding (on both the shoulder straps and backpanel) of the Flash 22, meaning we probably wouldn’t want to stuff it to the gills. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a lighter pack that can still comfortably handle 22 liters of gear. heavier than the model we tested), the Flash 22 fits squarely into the ultralight daypack category. In the end, you’re likely to get more support from a heavier pack, but the Flash 22 is more than enough for most 22-liter loads.Īt 14 ounces for the latest version (1 oz. You can carry a lot for 12 pounds-food, water, and layers for a day on the trail a laptop, books, and gym clothes a harness, belay device, and climbing shoes-but you’ll want to be careful not to max out such a minimalist pack. or comparison’s sake, the 1-pound-2-ounce Gregory Nano 22 H2O features a slightly more robust backpanel and shoulder straps and has a stated load range of 20 pounds. And the emphasis on “lightweight” is important: in fact, REI states a load range of 12 pounds. With 22 liters of capacity, the Flash 22 is an ideal day hiking pack for lightweight loads. I haven’t found the Flash 18 to be particularly comfortable, but the Flash 22 offers a more workable compromise between simplicity and function. Further, the ample backpanel padding (a foam framesheet and cushioned mesh panels) felt soft from start to finish and kept my back protected from sharp objects in my pack. On a day hike in Patagonia, I packed the Flash 22 with 2 liters of water, a book, bulky lunch, DSLR camera, rain jacket, and down jacket, and was impressed with the way it carried the load. In comparison to the stripped-down Flash 18, you get a big step up in padding that adds significant load-bearing capabilities. We’re currently testing the new pack and will update this review shortly, but we’ve noted the important changes below in the meantime.įeaturing a lightly padded backpanel and shoulder straps in addition to a webbing hipbelt and sternum strap, the REI Co-op Flash 22 hits a nice balance of minimalism and carrying comfort. At $60 and 14 ounces, it’s also now $5 pricier and an ounce heavier than its predecessor. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best daypacks.Įditor’s note: REI recently updated the Flash 22 with a retooled construction, two buckles at the top lid, and added sustainability measures. Below we break down the details of the Flash 22. REI’s Flash 22 daypack, however, stands out to us as an exception to this rule, pairing a competitively low weight and price with a highly practical design. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and durability. When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality.
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