I've run through 3 REI flash 30 packs. I liked the minimalist style. Though I had to reinforce the area between the shoulder straps and often resewed the mesh pockets and patched the bottom with urethane, I found they wore out no faster than other packs, and I really liked the low weight, capacity and versatility. I liked the lash points, and the mesh pockets (which I constantly resewed, but hey, that was acceptable).

REI has stopped making the flash 30. There is a 22L version with some undesirable features, and the next choice is a lightweight backpack (still relatively heavy).

Any suggestions for a similar light pack?

Check out the Patagonia lightweight travel pack. From what I remember of the flash, the patagonia has similar features. I've used mine for Ski touring, a seconds pack, and for done in a day alpine climbs. It's got small daisy points, a coule of loops that will carry tools/axe, a large top lid, etc...

The Camp X3 600 could be worth a look as well. It's super versitle, light, and has a very light frame for better load transfer.

I've been using a Mountain Hardwear Summitrocket 30 this year.. super basic, compresses down well. I find I have to retighten the shoulder straps frequently, which is obnoxious, but cinched down, rides well.

I don't know what the Flash 30 went for but might one of these suit your needs?

http://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/ozone.htm
http://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/valdez.htm

Thanks all

Deuter Speed Lite 20

http://www.rei.com/product/810379/deute ... te-20-pack

MoapaPk - what did you wind up getting to replace your Flash? Mine needs replacement and I'd buy another one if I could. The options proposed on this thread seem worth checking out (thanks to those who contributed) but I wonder if you discovered any other good choices. My primary requirements are to get something light and simple and around 30L but with a couple of loops for ice tools - i.e., usable for day hiking but also as a summit pack for mountains and rock and alpine climbs.

JHH60 wrote:MoapaPk - what did you wind up getting to replace your Flash? Mine needs replacement and I'd buy another one if I could. The options proposed on this thread seem worth checking out (thanks to those who contributed) but I wonder if you discovered any other good choices. My primary requirements are to get something light and simple and around 30L but with a couple of loops for ice tools - i.e., usable for day hiking but also as a summit pack for mountains and rock and alpine climbs.

I'm still using and repairing it -- it's kind of a frankenstein pack right now. I sewed my own light summit pack years back, and I may again choose that option. If I can find a smaller light pack with good lash points, I may just choose to lash an extra stuff sack on back.

JHH60 wrote:My primary requirements are to get something light and simple and around 30L but with a couple of loops for ice tools - i.e., usable for day hiking but also as a summit pack for mountains and rock and alpine climbs.

For tools, a grommet kit and some accessory cord works well:

(Those are crampons rolled up in gaiters on top.)

I have a good condition Flash 30 that I don't really use. Concept looked nice but the back panel scrunches up and doesn't fit me right when using a water bladder unless the pack is completely full - would like to trade down to a Flash 18. I can't remember if they broke it up into two frame sizes, but if so, it's the L version.

If anyone wants to buy it, PM me. Happy to unload it to an SPer at an affordable price.

The older model flash 30 had a design flaw; the area between the shoulder straps was weak. I ripped out two of them between the straps, each lasting less than a year, but each replaced by REI. For the third, I used webbing and 30-lb-test spectra thread to reinforce that area, and glued it all down with seam-grip urethane, before I ever used the pack. The resultant pack has lasted several years. However, to get that reinforcement to work, you really need very clean nylon (to accept the urethane).

Flash 30 reinforcement

I think I'll end up using the lash-on method, maybe a la seano.

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler?

What puts you off the Flash 22 - is it the vestigial daisy chain? I have a Flash 18 with that style of daisy chain and it doesn't seem to be useful for anything (not sturdy enough), although if I ran some shock cord through it, it could probably be used to bungee on a light jacket.

coldfoot wrote:Mountain Hardwear Scrambler?

What puts you off the Flash 22 - is it the vestigial daisy chain? I have a Flash 18 with that style of daisy chain and it doesn't seem to be useful for anything (not sturdy enough), although if I ran some shock cord through it, it could probably be used to bungee on a light jacket.

Mainly it is 22L vs 30L. Often I can barely squeeze enough puffy clothing into the 30L.

Also, it has fewer tie points, the top pocket looks smaller and wimpier... and yes, the diasy chains don't substitute for the drawstring double-sided pull of the old flash 30.

But maybe I'll try it, after mods to put on better lash points.

I recently replaced my worn out Flash 30 with a Marmot Kompressor. 28 liters, roughly the same form as the Flash 30' but with a few more doodads (and a few more ounces weight 26 vs 22). It's on sale now at REI. So far so good.

Thanks!