Women’s Pack Advice – REI Flash 65 vs. Go Lite Quest 65?

My wife has the flash and she loves it.

As i recall lots of the ladies here like both of these. The quest is the framed one right? Sorry…

ladies will answer but it seems to me that a framed pack is the most important thing they bring up- vs frameless

I just recently got a BV500 and tried it in my 2011 model Men's Quest. I don't think it would work out horizontally. It's a super tight squeeze.

Vertically it fits with loads of room. That's how I normally carried my Garcia can even though it fits horizontally.

Good to know if likely won't fit horizontally – I talked with GoLite customer service earlier and they said it would (and the Bearikade Weekender would fit horizontally) – so I was going to believe them on that. But I think sometimes companies just look at the dimensions and assume it will work, rather than actually trying it out.

Yes, the Flash is a framed pack – which I think I will definitely be needing – as is the GoLite.

Here's the links to both of them:
http://www.rei.com/product/830304/rei-flash-65-pack-womens-special-buy
http://www.golite.com/Ws-Quest-65L-Pack-P46807.aspx

Erica,

I bought a Flash 65 last year and used it for two week-long trips that included chunks of the JMT, as well as a handful of trips elsewhere. I did the JMT sections late Sept/early Oct, so I probably had more gear than someone hiking in July or August (and I probably carry more than most people on this forum anyway). Still, everything fit in the Flash just fine, with plenty of room to spare. I used the BV450 but easily would have had room for the 500. Judging from how the 450 fits (I just tested it), I think you'd have no trouble packing the 500 horizontally. (According to specs, the 500 is 4.5 inches longer than the 450). The only thing I'd suggest is making sure you size correctly. I ordered the medium (I'm 5'7"), but might have done better with the small. If I have the hip belt placed correctly, I can't get the shoulder straps to rest on my shoulders. Minor point – I got used to it and made due. My other nit pick is that a seam on the sternum strap is extremely uncomfortable (rubs on whatever bone it rests on). Otherwise, it is a very comfortable pack, and well worth the price (I paid the same last year).

Hi Erica,

I think either the quest or the flash 65 would work for you. Something I didn't like about my quest is I found it very difficult to fit things in the smaller back pocket once the main compartment was filled. This happens with all packs but I found it more so with the quest since that pocket zips up. Take a look at the ULA Circuit. More than the quest and flash 65, but cheaper than the ULA catalyst.

Also, if you're looking to save money I'd be happy to lend you my BV500 so you don't have to buy one if you don't want to. Just cover shipping and its yours. It will just be collecting dust otherwise. I just started a new job so my time off this summer is limited.

I have the men's version of the 2012 quest 65 (same as 2013), and it will only fit Garcia keg or bv500 horizontally at the bottom of the pack, but it's really uncomfortable like that because you have a very round, hard object against your lumbar and all the heavy stuff on the bottom. It fits vertically just fine and there's plenty of room to pack smaller things around it. I used to have a men's flash 65 as well and I could fit it sideways in there anywhere pretty easily. I did four nights with the Flash 65 and a bear keg and it carried very well.

Overall, since you're planning on taking less than 30#, the older style
flash 65 would be a lighter pack.

Of note: the newer quest packs stretch stuff it pouch is nice. They also have forward slanted, single hand operated water bottle pockets. They're great for snacks, jacket and water bottle (can access and put away bottle while on the move), but not so much if you're trying to pack your tent pole on the outside though. It is a really nice pack overall and my go to pack for heavier loads/bear keg.

The flash packs back zipped pocket is essentially useless when your main pack is full. Only good for flat things like a map.

Thank you all for your feedback on these packs – I decided that since they both seemed to be good packs – I'd save the $30 and go with the Flash. It will also give me the REI Lifetime Return Policy….and that can't be beat! Thanks again!

Erica

So, I got the Flash 65 and returned it to REI – the shoulder straps were incredibly itchy…I also ordered a medium, when I should have been a small. Has anyone else encountered this?

Admittedly, I'm on the fence about the GoLite pack now, too – is ULA Circuit/Catalyst the best alternative? I was hoping to spend under $200….and with the GoLite on sale for $115 it seems like a steal?

I've been very happy with mine thus far. Although it sits in my closet more often now as i've lightened my load and volume and use my Mountain Hardwear Summitrocket 40L now for most trips.

But for the price, the Quest is a very nice, well fitting pack (for men atleast, no experience with the women's).

I purchased a flash 62 earlier (using my dividend, a gift card, and the 20% sale earlier this year) and had to return it because a sizing error occured when I was measured. I ended up withd a L when I should have gotten a medium. I will be trying the medium this week. However I am near the lower end of the torso length recommended for a medium. One issue I see with the Flash 62 is that the shoulder straps and belt are in a fixed position. There is no flexibility in the fit. If you are between sizes you won't get a good fit.

I have never seen the Go lite pack however on the web site they say:

"LiteRail A/T Adjustable Torso System provides custom fit via integrated torso adjustment (5")"

apparently the Go lite fit can be fine tuned buy up to 5" to more closely match you than many other packs currently on the market including the Flash. If the flash doesn't work for me I will have to look at the Go lite.