REI Flash durability

[Scott McGhee]

I'm in the market for a new light pack and have narrowed it down to the REI Flash 50 or GG Alpine Vapor. These are both only 2 lbs 10 oz and carry 50L and 59L, respectively. I like the Alpine Vapor but it's got a heavier price tag than the Flash 50. The Flash 50 is my second choice in packs. I usually stick to the trails but do go bushwhacking every so often to find a nice camp site. The Alpine Vapor uses 240D and 420D nylon so I know it can handle the abuse. However, I'm unsure if the Flash 50 can. It uses 140D nylon and I've seen a couple of people talk about the thinness of the material and questioning the durability of the Flash 50. These reviews weren't based on experience but perception since the reviewers hadn't put their packs through much.

So I'm wondering if anybody has a REI Flash that they've put through the paces and give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down for durability.

[Jim MacDiarmid]

I have the older REI Flash daypack and the REI Jet UL 35 pack, both made out of 140D, and I've never been particularly concerned about durability. Neither has been treated gently. Last summer and winter I used a North Face pack that was made in part of 70D and despite the fact that I mistreated it I only managed to make one small tear in the extension collar, likely caused by some deadmen I was carrying for snow camping.

The worst that will likely happen is you'll make a small tear (which the ripstop will keep small) and you'll patch it. Cool, then your pack has some character. Chicks dig scars.

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