That’s a good point. Along those lines I’ve revamped a lot of my gear in the last two years and I just ordered a new pack, the Durston Kakwa 55. I seriously considered the 40L version but I wanted to make sure I can accommodate all my gear actually in the pack to take advantage of the waterproof material. That and with a three season load out and say 5 days of food 40L sounded too small. And with 1.7 oz in weight difference between the two versions, well, that made it easy to go with the 55. Thanks for watching!
You definitely hit on all my points of apprehension. Even the car key clip!! I'm still filling my 70 litre by bringing way too much. I needed to pack a 5lb bug shelter in Ontario for my 2 June trips. I don't even bring a chair yet. Great comparison thanks.
Glad you found it useful and thanks for suggesting it. It was fun to make. I'm considering a chair for shorter trips, just because...it would be nice. I did try out both the Helinox chair zero and the REI equivalent the Flexlite Air last time I was in the states. The REI chair was much more comfortable, the Helinox was too narrow. Or maybe I need to lose some weight! Anyway, if you're paying for shipping why not throw in a chair too?
You can use a soft shackle for the top of the trekking pole attachment. Look up Jeff Myers on you tube he has a lot of videos. Great video I’m looking at getting new back optic 58 or ULA circuit of this flash 55. How big are the side pockets, the non water bottle pockets?
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip! The side pockets are not the same stretchy material as the front pocket and I can fit my entire sleeping pad in one (Klymite Static V insulated) which is 5" in diameter and 8 1/2" tall. I imagine a 2L soda bottle will fit in it. I think the optic has stretchy material so might be bigger?
Great review. Others have indicated an issue with waist belt and shoulder straps slipping - have you had that issue? I am looking at either the Flash 55 or the Osprey Kestrel 48. Thanks
I have not had that issue and I certainly put it through its paces on my last trip, check out my two "bushwacking" trip videos. On the other hand my full load including food and water topped out at 25lbs on my trips so far with it so it wasn't at full capacity. Bear in mind the Kestrel is not an equivalent pack, it weighs significantly more and I think you will regret that as you dial in your gear (as I did with the Baltero). I'm not an ultralight guy but I'm also no spring chicken so I do pay attention to the pounds and ounces where I can.
CampALLTrails thanks for the feedback. At 67 I am trying to dial in weight while having to be sensitive to costs. Maybe REI will have a sale soon and I can afford to go with the.Flash 55 - I really like the design and organization of the Flash 55..
L T I guess you have me beat on the spring chicken front. I waited for a sale too, the gear does add up but fortunately my most expensive purchase, the Nemo Hornet tent, turned out to be my best purchase. Have fun gear shopping!
I have the Baltoro 65 and am considering adding this or switching to this. The thing I'm most concerned about is sizing, and the lack of adjustability. What size Baltoro do you carry, and which Flash did you switch to?
Both packs are medium, I didn’t really notice any difference between the two. I checked the Baltero and it has two length settings, mine is on the bottom setting. Looks like about an inch of adjustment. I’m 5’9” and I forget my torso length other than was definitely medium. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching !
I even like a 35 or 40 liter pack because it forced you to get lighter and really think about what gear you need.
That’s a good point. Along those lines I’ve revamped a lot of my gear in the last two years and I just ordered a new pack, the Durston Kakwa 55. I seriously considered the 40L version but I wanted to make sure I can accommodate all my gear actually in the pack to take advantage of the waterproof material. That and with a three season load out and say 5 days of food 40L sounded too small. And with 1.7 oz in weight difference between the two versions, well, that made it easy to go with the 55. Thanks for watching!
You definitely hit on all my points of apprehension. Even the car key clip!! I'm still filling my 70 litre by bringing way too much. I needed to pack a 5lb bug shelter in Ontario for my 2 June trips. I don't even bring a chair yet. Great comparison thanks.
Glad you found it useful and thanks for suggesting it. It was fun to make. I'm considering a chair for shorter trips, just because...it would be nice. I did try out both the Helinox chair zero and the REI equivalent the Flexlite Air last time I was in the states. The REI chair was much more comfortable, the Helinox was too narrow. Or maybe I need to lose some weight! Anyway, if you're paying for shipping why not throw in a chair too?
CampALLTrails the REI chair I think is more comfortable as well I think it’s the angle of the chair
I switched from the GB 65 to the HMG 3400. It was expensive but the best gear upgrade I’ve ever made.
Nice choice! I have to agree, changing out my pack was the game changer.
You can use a soft shackle for the top of the trekking pole attachment. Look up Jeff Myers on you tube he has a lot of videos. Great video I’m looking at getting new back optic 58 or ULA circuit of this flash 55. How big are the side pockets, the non water bottle pockets?
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip! The side pockets are not the same stretchy material as the front pocket and I can fit my entire sleeping pad in one (Klymite Static V insulated) which is 5" in diameter and 8 1/2" tall. I imagine a 2L soda bottle will fit in it. I think the optic has stretchy material so might be bigger?
Great review.
Others have indicated an issue with waist belt and shoulder straps slipping - have you had that issue?
I am looking at either the Flash 55 or the Osprey Kestrel 48.
Thanks
I have not had that issue and I certainly put it through its paces on my last trip, check out my two "bushwacking" trip videos. On the other hand my full load including food and water topped out at 25lbs on my trips so far with it so it wasn't at full capacity. Bear in mind the Kestrel is not an equivalent pack, it weighs significantly more and I think you will regret that as you dial in your gear (as I did with the Baltero). I'm not an ultralight guy but I'm also no spring chicken so I do pay attention to the pounds and ounces where I can.
And thanks for watching !
CampALLTrails
thanks for the feedback. At 67 I am trying to dial in weight while having to be sensitive to costs. Maybe REI will have a sale soon and I can afford to go with the.Flash 55 - I really like the design and organization of the Flash 55..
L T I guess you have me beat on the spring chicken front. I waited for a sale too, the gear does add up but fortunately my most expensive purchase, the Nemo Hornet tent, turned out to be my best purchase. Have fun gear shopping!
I have the Baltoro 65 and am considering adding this or switching to this. The thing I'm most concerned about is sizing, and the lack of adjustability. What size Baltoro do you carry, and which Flash did you switch to?
Both packs are medium, I didn’t really notice any difference between the two. I checked the Baltero and it has two length settings, mine is on the bottom setting. Looks like about an inch of adjustment. I’m 5’9” and I forget my torso length other than was definitely medium. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching !
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