OWNER REVIEW-REI Flash 18 Pack

REI FLASH 18 DAYPACKBY JOHN PENNELL
March 16, 2015 TESTER INFORMATION NAME: John PennellEMAIL: [email protected]: 48LOCATION: GeorgiaGENDER: mHEIGHT: 5' 11" (1.80 m)WEIGHT: 240 lb (109.00 kg) Backpacking Background: I'm a former Marine, so carrying a pack is not a new concept to me. I have recently begun hiking with my wife. We love to get out and hike in the North Georgia mountains. We hope to hike the portion of the Appalachian Trail that is in Georgia in sections, and also start  staying out for a night or two from time to time. We have a lot to learn! PRODUCT INFORMATION Manufacturer: REIYear of Manufacture: 2015Manufacturer's Website: <<rei.com>>MSRP: US $19.93Listed Weight: 12 oz (340g)Measured Weight: ?? oz (?? g)Other details:18 liter capacityLightly padded stretch-mesh shoulder straps enhance comfortBack panel is also lightly paddedHipbelt and sternum strap can be detachedSternum-strap buckle doubles as a safety whistleHydration-compatible design includes a hose exit port and an internal sleeve for a reservoir (reservoir not included)Drawcord closure fully covers the top opening when cinched tightPack has a zip pocket inside and 2 daisy chains outside FIELD USE I purchased the REI Flash 18 in December of 2015. I have owned it for a few months now. It came ready to use with no assembly required.
I have used the REI Flash 18 day-pack on several day-hikes close to home and in the North Georgia mountains. It is comfortable and useful. I typically pack the essentials and  a lunch, and sometimes extra cold weather gear depending on temperature.
It has a hydration pouch that my 2 liter hydration bladder fits in no problem.
The daisy chain webbing down each side is useful for attaching extra caribeeners, or shock cord for carrying an extra jacket , etc.
The Flash 18 fills up quickly and probably wouldn't be big enough for anything other than a day-hike, but it is well suited for that purpose.
Another neat feature is that you can turn the pack inside-out to use as a stuff-sack on a longer trip, and then you would have it along as a day-pack to use from your base camp.
I'm a big guy, and when I got the pack the waist strap did not fit, however the pack load is light and I have not been bothered by the lack of a waist strap.
One draw back is the lack of outside pockets, but with some field engineering this can be overcome using the daisy chain webbing.
Another potential draw back is the top closure, a draw string closure with a small flap to cover the opening. In a hard rain water would inevitably leak into the pack. SUMMARY Good pack for a day trip on the trail. THINGS I LIKE LightweightHydration compatibleComfortableMulti-use
 THINGS I DON'T LIKE Waist strap is not big enoughLack of outside pockets
 
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