REI Flash 18 Pack

got mine down to 194grams (6.84oz)
cut the waste belt off because I don't need one carrying that little amount of weight.
also removed the daisies, I prefer everything inside.
haven't used it much yet, but plan to use it for long day trips where some slow trail running may be involved.
Not a weekend pack for me.

Post a gear review.

I cut a section and a half of z-lite and slid it into the hydration sleeve to give the pack a bit of support. It's nice as is but a small outside pocket and side waterbottle pockets would improve it IMO. You guys might disagree because you are removing stuff. I'd be interested to see a gear list using it for a weekend trip. I've used the flash 30 for a weekend trip but the 18 wouldn't work for me.

Below is link for a youtube gear review for the flash 18:

I have the original version of it and was going to use it this weekend until we scrubbed the Mt San Jacinto climb because of TOO much new snow. (Heading to the border early tomorrow instead.)I had my Arc Expedition quilt and my mukluks in it as a stuff sack, then was going to use it on the summit climb.

I use it once in awhile as a daypack but never for over-night. (I ain't as UL as you guys.)

http://tinyurl.com/yjzqsr7

I have one too but I hardly ever use it. I have a Golite Ion as well. I only use them for dayhikes. I always sleep under a tent and never under a tarp, so that automatically means I can't bring it for an overnighter

I have the original that I got down to 6 ounces, as well. I've been wishing they would make a larger version. If they left it like it is, but make it 30 liters and add two pockets (or even just one) on the sides, we could then strip off the frills and have a 10 ounce weekend pack. I particularly like the mesh shoulder harness.

I see this pack is now on sale for $19.93
http://www.rei.com/product/778466/rei-flash-18-pack

My wife and I each have Flash 18 packs. We use them around town, when traveling, as day packs when backpacking, etc.

It is also my summit pack during overnights in the Cascades and day hike pack when backpacking with a base camp. I've used it a few times while traveling too, when I didn't want to carry a normal bigger backpack in my suitcase – I used the Flash pack for impromptu day hikes, carrying a few things around town and stuff to the beach.

Its a great little pack, though there are more ultralite alternatives. However, IMHO, the ultralite alternatives aren't as nice looking for around town and traveling – the Flash 18 looks nice. The price is nice too.

I have one of these … as does my wife … as does my mom … they're nice little packs. I'm not sure why you'd want to try it as an overnighter, although I'm sure it can be done. It's my go-to for summer dayhikes and less committed ski tours, though, and I love it as a summit pack for extended trips with my kids.

I got one used that was missing one side of the waist buckle and a pair of scissors took care of that problem and it hits my scale at 8.5 oz. I wan the hydration pocket and daisy chain to extend the utility. It is easy to figure-8 some shock cord between the daisy chains to hold my rain gear or my extra layer where it is handy and reduces the internal bulk.

I always like to see small light packs with water bottle pockets, but with actually enough room to get a bottle in when the pack is full. That is the major failing with the North Face Verto, along with it having just one pocket. Cilo Gear makes one about the same size with mesh pockets and a lid and I would like to see more room in the pockets on that one. I really wish Cilogear would make a 25 liter with big side pockets and nix the lid; the Ion would be lost in time.

My overnight scenario with this pack is built around a Prolite small sleeping pad and a Therm-a-Rest Tech blanket, a 450ml cook kit and a Gatewood Cape. This is August weather stuff, with light hat and gloves, and vest, a mostly no-cook menu, a small Platypus and uber-minimal on the rest of the list.

The Flash 18 is the best pack ever.
But, this pack seems to address some of the needs people have expressed–http://www.rei.com/product/809163/rei-stuff-travel-pack

I might snag one.

Eh, it's slightly better than the Flash 18, but only addresses one problem: it lacks the waist belt. The water bottle pouches compete with the pack contents, and they don't secure the bottles so they trend to fall out when leaning forward (easy to fix with some shock cord). As with the Flash 18, fitting in anything letter-size (notebooks, etc.) is a chore, so it's not good for carting stuff to/from the office either (although that's not what it's designed for).

I use the Travel Pack for weekend around-town stuff, and the Flash 18 is the basis for a 72 hour bag.