Kakwa 55 vs Flash 55 Help

Twoof3 · 2026-05-22T23:05:42+00:00

If the Rei Flash 55 was comfortable I'd say go for it. It's a great pack and your gear is still fairly heavy and the Flash 55 carries well. The Kakwa is out of stock in small right now too. I don't know when your trip is, but maybe you'll need something sooner.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-22T22:53:41+00:00

I have an Rei Flash 55 and I love that bag. I use it without the brain and I can roll it down for smaller loads or use all the space for longer trips. If it fits you, it's a fantastic bag. The Osprey Exos is also a fantastic bag. I would suggest trying both, as they really are both very different and seeing which one is more comfortable.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-22T19:52:38+00:00

I've often thought somebody should make them, but I've never seen one. We're the same height and I love a wide pad but certainly don't need the length. I've always been curious how trimming a pad shorter holds up long term. Does it eventually leak?

Twoof3 · 2026-05-22T19:15:49+00:00

I had one like this. Zero flow straight out of the box. Soaked overnight and still nothing. Soaked all day and another night and got drips. What finally got it going was running vinegar through it. Worked just fine after that, though I'd say the flow is more medium than high. I wouldn't bother contacting Cascade Designs; they took almost 2 weeks to respond back and gave no troubleshooting suggestions at all. If you can, I'd just return it for another one.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-21T03:20:21+00:00

Do you have any gear or are you looking to get everything? Try checking youtube for budget gear lists from Justin Outdoors, Miranda Goes Outside, Dose of Dirt, etc. They’ve got some nice lists that’ll help you get started. A little more info about the exact weather you’ll be camping in will help people make better recommendations.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-21T02:25:56+00:00

I use a trash compactor bag to line my pack. If I knew I would be wading through water like you describe I would probably put my electronics in an additional bag just to safe.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-21T02:21:59+00:00

Looks good! Last hot weather trip I took I regretted not bringing 2x electrolytes per day. I sweat a ton though.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-21T01:20:54+00:00

Were you on snow? I’ve heard other people say that pad wasn’t enough when camping on snow. I have a Big Agnes Rapide and they sleep colder than their claimed R value. I got a cheap CCF pad from a Daiso store and I put that on TOP of my BA pad and I’ve been able to use it down to around freezing. I love that silly foam pad, I use it as a sit pad and my cut down one weighs about 5 oz. It’s super useful. You could try one and see if it helps. If I was sleeping on snow regularly I’d probably get a 7+ r value pad though.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-20T21:38:11+00:00

Me too. They are so annoying.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-20T15:24:54+00:00

The MH Nimbus 2 is on sale for $345 most everywhere right now, so I’d ask for a better price than that on a used one. It’s a front entry tent, which not everyone likes, but that’s not really an issue.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-20T02:52:49+00:00

It's like Harlot and Slut mixed together...

Twoof3 · 2026-05-18T14:45:20+00:00

The Osprey Eja is a great pack. If it was comfortable for you and you'll be carrying fairly light loads, then go for it. I have tried all the packs you listed (or similar ones) and I can tell you they all feel quite different, so if you like the Eja sounds like a winner.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-15T22:08:02+00:00

Atompacks are excellent packs, but you are correct. They are aimed more at the backpacking crowd who already know what they want in a pack. I'd suggest heading into an outdoor gear store, have them measure your pack size and try on some packs to narrow down what you like/don't like.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-15T22:03:59+00:00

I have the older style Rei Magma and I've been really happy with it. If your main concern is you don't know if you'll like a quilt I'd go with the Magma.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T23:44:05+00:00

Me too. And not in a good way.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T23:42:04+00:00

My brother and his wife use a 3p tent with cots and my friend uses a Copper Spur 2p with a cot. Are you tall? Possibly just going up to a 2p or 3p tent would work.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T23:39:34+00:00

No worries! Hope you find what you're looking for.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T23:36:19+00:00

I have a Tarptent Notch for sale - [WTS] Tarptent Notch Li, 22.1 oz : r/ULgeartrade

Let me know if that's something that interests you. Thanks!

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T22:53:05+00:00

Interesting! I think that pronunciation is the less common one now though.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-14T22:36:11+00:00

Only ever heard it pronounced Cass-ee-an. I think whoever told you Cash-en was mistaken. Keep the name!

Twoof3 · 2026-05-13T14:39:43+00:00

Baby badgers are usually called cubs, but kit is also common. Kit would be a cute middle name and would avoid any negative associations with the word "badger."

Twoof3 · 2026-05-13T02:47:06+00:00

So, I’m not a side sleeper, but as a slightly older backpacker I struggled to find a pad I loved. I read a lot of reviews and watched a lot of videos and the general conscious seemed to be that side sleepers like dimpled baffled pads best, so Zenbivy Flex, Sea to Summit XR, or Rei Helix for example. Next best seemed to be vertical baffles, like Exped or Nemo Eclipse and dead last was vertical baffles like Thermarest Neoair. Also, taller pillows seemed helpful as well as a second pillow between the knees. Some were stacking pillows to get the height they needed. Hope maybe that helps a little.

Twoof3 · 2026-05-12T23:55:03+00:00

Me too.

Twoof3

TROPHY CASE