I really love the REI Flash 30 pack:
http://www.rei.com/product/778467/rei-flash-30-pack

Just 1.5 lbs!

The problem: I've ripped the back, between the shoulder straps, on two of these packs. It's just lightweight ripstop nylon, maybe 2.5 oz/yd^2, between the shoulder straps. I reenforced the last pack in this area, and it still eventually ripped.

I love the volume, general design, and weight of this pack. I've stored ice axes and trekking poles across the back, and used the quick-drawstring on the back to hold bulky clothes.

I want something similar to replace it... but without the serious design flaw of the light material below the shoulder straps. If REI put just 1/2 ounce of reinforcement in back of the straps, this would be an absolutely great pack... but of course they won't do that, because it would require interacting with the customer.

Any ideas for LIGHT replacements? I may get another, and hand-sew webbing across that weak point.

Interesting.

I've used this pack for 3 years, usually as a daypack and sometimes overnight, and done some rough bushwacking with it too. No issues although recently one of the ice ax loops finally fell off.

Maybe REI will replace it for free. Either way, I'd be curious if there was a better alternative. It is a pretty comfortable pack.

Montbell Balance Light 20: http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.ph ... id=1223307. I have not used this pack, but have the Balace light 40 which is made of the same material and have found it to be relatively durable given its light weight.

The activity that really seems to kill this pack: trail running.

MoapaPk wrote:The activity that really seems to kill this pack: trail running.

Just trail run with a small fanny pack, or a smaller camelback type pack.

REI will replace it for free!

dskoon wrote:

MoapaPk wrote:The activity that really seems to kill this pack: trail running.

Just trail run with a small fanny pack, or a smaller camelback type pack.

I guess I should clarify: running downhill, usually off-trail, wherever I am! Sometimes it is scree-skiing from a mountain. Sometimes I hit a common connector trail (that I've used at least 60 times) and run downhill just to avoid a boredom comma. I don't trail-run per se.

Take a look at this one:

http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-de ... 0Lite%2030

At 2.0 lbs, it's a bit heavier than the Flash 30 but very durable. It also comes in a 20 litre version (weight 18oz) if you can sacrifice the space.

adventurer wrote:Take a look at this one:

http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-de ... 0Lite%2030

At 2.0 lbs, it's a bit heavier than the Flash 30 but very durable. It also comes in a 20 litre version (weight 18oz) if you can sacrifice the space.

Looks good--- I'm a bit curious about the "112850 cubic inches /1850 litre " spec though!

I ended up getting a new one at REI, then reenforced the area of concern with 40 lb test spectra fishing line and thin nylon webbing. Then I saturated the webbing and glued it to the pack with urethane seam grip (it was already sewn at several points). It was a pain in the neck to do this; had to used quilters' curved needles, since you can't sew through the backboard. I've also saturated the exposed mesh and bottom with urethane (seam grip), mainly to keep abrasions from running away after they start. So far the mods add ~ 1 oz or less.

If it works for more than a year I'll send REI the mods. I weight this pack on the low end of the recommended range, but my occasional runs with it probably put a lot of stress on the thin nylon.