Either way you choose to inflate it, the process is a smooth and efficient one. Light and packable for airports, the back of the truck, your buddy's backyard, the base of Half Dome, ski touring, bike touring or summer backpacking trips — the Flash All-Season is the pad to get if you're only going to have one pad and don't want to shell out the big bucks for an ultralight pad. If I was going to pay full-price for a pad, I don’t think I’d want to take the risk of purchasing this pad if I knew that there would be possible headaches right out of the bag. The inflation valve with the gasket is made to stop air from escaping so I wasn’t concerned about that one. This pad inflates easily with 12-14 big breaths. There are two main types of inflatable sleeping pads: self-inflating and non-self-inflating. Get a repair kit! When every ounce matters, the insulated, 3 oz. The Flash is made of ripstop polyester with 8 tubes that … If that falls I'll use my Thermarest Ridgrest mat and then order a 4 season REI FLASH Insulated mattress so I don't have to carry that Ridgerest. © 2001-2020 MacLeay Interactive Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It rolls up incredibly flat and requires just 10 breaths to inflate, while deflation takes just seconds through a separate deflation valve. If you enjoy the feel of Sea to Summit’s Air Sprung Cells, then you’ll probably like the feel of Flash Pad too (though it’s not quite as comfortable in our opinion). Cradled on hexagonal baffles, our tester's hips don't touch the ground, even though this pad is light and packable. I brought it in the shower, rubbed some shampoo on it and found the leak after dousing it with water. The REI Co-op Flash All season insulated has everything we love about the lighter three season version, plus 2.6 oz more dual fiber insulation that jacks the R-Value up to a toasty 5.2. If you look at where the lid flaps over, there is an obvious gap that exposes the small black washer. It was only 28 F. that one night I camped in the mountains, so not a real test, plus I was in a -20 down bag! Brand: REI. Noise is another aspect where the Flash comes out on top. The tag said that it leaked. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir pads have a crinkly reflective layer inside that does an excellent job of insulating, but is really noisy when you roll around at night. ->Comfortable and warm enough for shoulder season (15°F) use. The REI Flash Sleeping Pad shows the benefits of careful design. Following are the specific areas we look at with each sleeping pad, and how the REI Flash fared. I have found that air core pads with some Primaloft fibers in them are not as warm as foam core inflatable pads of the same R-value rating. Most of the other pads in our review include a repair kit, even then inexpensive Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight. For me, it’s not a big deal. The second Flash pad that I bought (used from the co-op) had two leaks in it at the welds (one left me on ice). I went online and read many reviews  about the pad and found that there were dozens of reviewers that experienced the same phenomenon at the welds. If you’re tempted by a minimalist pad but are fearful it will leave you tossing and turning, the Flash will provide some peace of mind. I just used plain old seam seal tent sealer with nothing on top and it works great. Spring through fall, this alone has been all I've needed. Inflated the pad is 72" x 20"  (183 x 51 cm). Enjoy sitting on it at camp, or roll it up as a pillow for bedtime. This is a full inch thicker than many 1" traditional lightweight inflatable pads. REI Magma 850. The latest all-season sleeping pad in the Flash line by REI is the Flash Thermal. REI return policy Our warmest backpacking pad yet, the all-season REI Co-op Flash Thermal sleeping pad has 2 full inches of dual-fiber insulation to soothe away the tired after a day on the trail. Between the two pads, I've used them with mixed success for nearly the past year. This pad is constructed of 30 denier ripstop polyester and we managed to get a tiny hole when camping in the eastern Sierra. Hopefully my back ending up on the cold hard ground will be of use to someone else. The mesh is stretched across soft dorsal and lumbar padding and integrated with the pre-curved wings of the hip belt. Finally, I bought a tube of Gear Aid tent seam sealer and sealed every weld on both sides of the pad. Lightweight, stuff sack is the ~size of a nalgene 1l bottle. It looked gigantic. The one-way valve is more difficult to push air through than the valve on the Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air, but it feels more durable and less prone to leak. The newest version does NOT look like the green mattress pictured here. REI Flash Thermal Sleeping Pad (Reg. Shop for Sleeping Pads at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! Thanks for this review. weight (size Regular mummy). Mylar is, by nature, a little noisy. That sounds like a lot of seam sealer, Jesse! Just saw the Flash for the 1st time today and really liked it. Flash Thermal vs. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite and the Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air are 12oz and 12.9oz respectively and are a better choice for those willing to sacrifice comfort for weight savings. The Flash (foreground) has thicker, more comfortable baffles than the Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight (background). Sleeping Capacity1-person. If you want, the pad is compatible with Big Agnes integrated sleeping bags that use the tapered pads. Some manufacturers are very optimistic about the packability of their pads, making the included stuff sack too small and difficult to pack. Sleeping Pad ShapeMummy. The REI Flash is possibly the perfect sleeping pad design of its kind – small, lightweight and durable! Jesse, you scare me with that leak story but I bought one anyway and so far so good. Guys, I'm a winter backcountry ski camper and if this mattress is not warm enough I'll try putting a 1/8" closed cell foam (floor underlayment) pad beneath it. Conclusion: There may be a manufacturing flaw in this model, so be aware. +23 The latest insulated pad in the REI's Flash series is the Flash 3-Season. $35.00. This has just the right texture to keep me in place. The drawbacks are that it’s loud, the welds may fail, and it has a tendency to slide around at night. Back at home, I brought the pad back to the shower and searched for another leak. My current Prolite is "OK" but not as warm for late fall high mountain backpack hunts. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. This may be overstating things a bit. REI Co-op Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad $99.95 - $119.00 (77) NEMO Cosmo 3D Insulated. Best part of this air mat, so far, no leaks after quite a bit of use over 18 months. REI has a winter version at 5.2 R value and the Therm-a-Rest XTherm is the warmest of this type at a 5.7 R value, but sleeping on it sounds like sleeping on a bag of potato chips—always crinkly sounding. REI Co-op Flash Sit pad lets you stay light without sacrificing plush comfort. The R-Value is advertised at 3.7. As an aspiring AT thru-hiker, I envy your proximity to the trail! Browse REI's top-rated sleeping bags and pads and more. The welding process may create these leaks so be aware. I am testing the Regular size. I found the long wide version of this model at the last co-op garage sale.     Good luck with the pad. 300winmag, how has your Flash held up? 2 years ago. Tom … Packs much smaller and the same comfort (in three seasons). Can't wait to see your review of the pad in the future. 300winmag We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. When I pulled it out of the carry bag, I was surprised at the sheer size of it. This pad takes up more space in a pack than similar offerings from Therm-a-Rest. If there is foam inside, simply open the valve and let the pad sit for a while. For folks who count every ounce and cut the handle off their toothbrush, this isn't the right pad.   After 18 months of use over four seasons, I've had NO problems and tons of great sleep. You'll need to shell out ten more dollars for the heat boost, but it's worth it, especially if you're after one pad for all your adventures. It would seem that the gap would compromise the seal and allow air to slowly leak out. Sleeping Bag. If you can find one for a steeply discounted price, use some seam seal and enjoy a really lightweight and comfortable pad. Get the specifics below. The adhesion is superb and it will reduce or eliminate any slipping. It seems my "horizontal perspective" is a little skewed; I always seem to find a tent site on just a little slant. I patched it. The pad is a loud pad. In fact, I went and bought another as a spare for a "padless backpacking buddy. I have tried patching it a couple of times but I think it is trash. Note: this pad is easily repaired. The next day, I brought it on a winter camp out and used the pad in conjunction with a closed cell foam pad. Just like the last one, after inflation, it slowly leaked. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, This pad is a versatile, comfortable option at a great price. Shop now. It’s comfortable at 2" (5 cm), insulated (3.7 R-Value), and easy to inflate—all at 15 oz. | updated Jan 5, 2019. It wasn't enough. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee It is like an ongoing medium stakes experiment. A second valve is dedicated to deflation, and the whole pad deflates in a few seconds for when you or your tentmate need some motivation to get out of bed. You can see in the pictures that the Primaloft insulation is primarily located at the center of the pad. While the Xtherm is lighter and warmer, the Flash is lighter on the wallet, hitting you with a gentle $129, plus another $7 for a repair kit (c'mon REI, sweeten the deal and throw in a repair kit!). Free shipping. There may be a manufacturing flaw in this model, so be aware. It is replacing my ExPed SynMat 7 (which I love). Our warmest backpacking pad, the REI Co-op Flash All-Season Insulated Air sleeping pad features extra synthetic insulation and multilayer reflective film. A tiny hole is all it takes. It's red and quilted as you see in the photos of Jesse Maloney's mattress. Up for sale is a mummy style REI FLASH insulated inflatable sleeping pad, 3-season, R-value 3.2. One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand. P.S. For me, this works just perfect. Check out the REI Flash 18for one of the most versatile packs we tested, at a price you can't refuse. If you have a self-inflating sleeping pad, one way to tell is by pinching the pad and feeling for a layer of foam inside the pad. Ending Saturday at 5:46AM PDT 5d 19h. I "NEED" the Flash mattress. There are several companies making insulated air mattresses at present. 0 bids. The deflation valve relies solely on the small washer to block any leakage. Source: bought it used REI really nailed it with the dimensions on this one. The leaks stopped. I repaired it and took it on one overnighter CLOSE by my house. Proprietary dual-fiber insulation combines with a reflective layer to provide a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Solo Survival: How to Survive Alone in the Wilderness for 1 week --Eastern Woodlands - Duration: 34:07. Out of the four that I've been using, all but one, keep springing new weld leaks. I'd also like a combo waterproof stuff sack/inflator sack. Without standing out in any one performance category, the REI Co-op Flash Thermal finds a balance between our testing metrics. All in the name of SCIENCE! In the middle of the night, I woke up shivering. The REI Flash Air 2 Tent ticks a lot of boxes for a more traditional pair of backpackers looking to shave some serious weight from their shelter without sacrificing comfort and ease of use, and its wide availability at REI stores will hopefully help to expose a much wider audience to lightweight backpacking. Sleeping Pad TypeAir Pad. The weight of the pillow isn't my biggest concern, but the volume is just too much (the weight savings is a bonus […] I have found that air core pads with some Primaloft fibers in them are not as warm as foam core inflatable pads of the same R-value rating. REI customer support comments confirm that pads manufactured before August 2019 may have leak issues. Proprietary dual-fiber insulation combines with a reflective layer to provide a high warmth-to-weight ratio. REI Co-op Flash 45. The folly lies in the absence of a repair kit. For the average backpacker and even some professional guides, the extra comfort is worth a few ounces. It’s made of materials that sound a bit similar to crumpling paper. The R-Value has dropped from 5.2 to 4.7, but the overall specs of the pad (size, materials, weight) remain similar to the version we tested. I was happy to try my luck at the pad for a possible $10 loss. | updated Apr 11, 2019. The Flash All-season Insulated is a great balance of weight, warmth, and comfort without breaking the bank. I just reviewed the "all season" version of the pad (it's yellow) and it is very warm. Used REI Flash sleeping pad in decent condition. REI Flash sleeping pad (long) is one of the lightest and compact pads I've owned. You can even buy one from REI for around $7. Compare the two pads below; the yellow model is the updated Flash, followed by the model we tested. ->Light 15 oz. We couldn't find the culprit, but the pinprick size hole suggests a thorn or splinter. Since I have been buying them from the marked garage sale bins there, I can't return them so I'm forced to be creative and persistent in my patching. Backpack. These are not to be confused with the foam filled self inflating air mattresses we are accustomed to using. or Best Offer. (this minimizes moisture and eliminates the need for a pump or squeeze bag)Close the valve and finish the inflation with 1 extra blow into the other valve with the rubber stopper. There were several micro perforations. REI TREKKER 1.0 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad 1” thick Light Weight Kids Regular . This is a review of the REI FLASH sleeping pad. I slept on a frozen lake in a snow cave. July 3, 2014. I noticed that the welds that failed were both slightly misaligned (less than a millimeter) whereas the other welds are perfectly aligned. If you have the old red version, the patches may be difficult to apply on the welds because of the creases. REI Flash Sleeping Pad D ual-Fiber Insulated Ultralight High Efficient. MAY fail at welds (covered by REI guarantee). This pad is a quiver killer. Sleeping Bag. Add your own review » no mold and heat robbing dampness in the mattress.). Plenty warm, still very light, and inflates easily. +198 December 30, 2018 Regular length (72" long x 20" wide at max x 2" thick) (I'm a 5' 5" female and it fits a-ok). They encourage anyone who has had issues with this pad to contact customer service. Our long sized Flash All-Season weighs 21.6 oz according to our scales, so it's not quite the sleek, sub pound pad like its little brother, the 15oz REI Co-op Flash Insulated. Sleeping Pad TypeAir Pad. Plus, being 3 inches thick, it's more comfortable than my Prolite. If you use it without an integrated system, it has a tendency to slip around. Have you used this? Got one to sell? Generally speaking, an R-value of 3.7 should keep the user comfortable with a lower end of 25°-15*F (-4° to -9°C). Price Paid: $95. If the pad leaks in the first few uses, use your saved receipt and return it or replace it. At first glance, I was convinced that the pad would slowly deflate because of this. It’s really easy to roll up post deflation. average rating Open the deflate valve (just a 1" diameter valve),hold your head about 6-10 inches away from the pad and blow into the hole. October 14, 2018 That's great that they allow replacements for weld leaks. I found the leaks with some soapy water; they were all at where the pad and welds meet. Flash All-Season Insulated, Hands-On Review of the Flash All-Season Insulated, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. The valve-compatible Sea to Summit inflator/dry bag doubles as a clothes storage bag and keeps oral inflation bacteria and humidity out of the mattress. All trademarks property of their respective owners The Flash All-Season is warm enough for snow camping in most conditions in the lower 48 and isn't much heavier than the 3 season version, so unless you never plan on camping in winter conditions, we suggest going with the more versatile and warmer Flash All-Season. The Flash All-Season is $70 cheaper than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm. REI released a similar version of this pad called the Flash Thermal. If the pad leaks in the first few uses, use your saved receipt and return it or replace it. The REI Co-op Flash 3-Season sleeping pad is ideal for those interested in getting into the backcountry without breaking the bank or weighing your pack down with heavy equipment. REI TREKKER 1.75 SLEEPING PAD CAMPiNG MATTRESS R-4.2 66x20" Self-Inflating NEW. ", Source: bought it new Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The pad inflates to 2 inches thick. or Buy It Now. While some pads are geared heavily towards warmth or comfort, the Flash Thermal is geared towards getting you outside without costing an arm and a leg. or review a different product, Go Time! And the Flash All-Season still a doesn't top the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm, which is a lighter and warmer pad. Review of the REI Flash Sleeping PadTwitter: https://twitter.com/Bobaganoush87Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobaganoush87/ Another thing that likely reduces the true R-value of the Flash is that the welds on the body of pad create areas of no insulation between the inflation pockets. Immediately afterward, another new seam failed, and yet another (four in total). Not the case with the generously sized stuff sack included with this pad. This led me to believe that the leaks were not a result of misuse, rather they were a manufacturing flaw. The R-Value is advertised at 3.7. I found the Flash at a co-op garage sale and picked it up for a measly $10. It creates an area of low pressure and forces air into the bag at a very quick rate. I bought several more used leaky ones (all at seams) and they have been nothing but trouble. I purchased an REI Flash pad about 3 years ago. I lent it to one of my students while there. Why doesn't this excellent pad snag our Editors' Choice award? It is available in two sizes: Regular and Long. lighter than my Therm-a-Rest Prolite reg. I primarily hike on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and North Carolina and this pad has made my nights very comfortable. The lightest backcountry pad we've ever made, the REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad helps you sleep well outdoors and takes up very little space in your pack. The synthetic fibers cut down convection heat loss and the reflective coating slows conductive heat loss. Price Paid: $10 at a co-op garage sale. We've all been there, sleeping on slippery pads and ending up slammed against the tent wall. Another thing that likely reduces the true R-value of the Flash is that the welds on the body of pad create areas of no insulation between the inflation pockets. Okay, so I am finally making the jump to an inflatable pad from my 3/4 RidgeRest, also I am going to try and replace the Thermarest Compressible pillow with the REI Flash Pillow. Ending Oct 25 at 3:47PM PDT 2d 21h. (Jesse Maloney) The pad deflates in just a few seconds. It carries light loads securely, is easy to stuff and dump out quickly, and can easily find its way on all but the most gear-intensive adventures. The mummy shape and “waffle” design of the REI Flash sleeping pad significantly reduce the volume of the pad so it can be inflated with fewer breaths. I recommend trying this newest category of insulated air mattress. Please n… REI Co-op Magma 30. All one needs to do to remedy this is to use some seam sealer to add a few small dots to the bottom of the pad. Mummy) $89.95. The REI Flash is a compact ultralight pad that performs well. Unbenounced to many, the deflate valve is actually the best valve to use to inflate these pads. Sleeping Pad. BOTTOM LINE: REI Co-op’s Flash 3-Season Pad competes with industry leading pad designs at a more affordable price. View All Outerwear, Clothing, and Accessories ». It's been great for me. Sleeping Capacity1-person. Compare the two pads below; the new Flash Thermal is shown in green, followed by the orange mode… Please share your experience. The drawbacks are that it’s loud, the welds may fail, and it has a tendency to slide around at night. Ease of Use. July 31, 2014. This finally did the trick. The pre-inflate size is completely appropriate for the post-size result. Keep in mind one tiny hole doesn't mean this pad isn't durable, we spend other nights in the dirt on the Flash with no problems, and there isn't any other damage to the pad. REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad The REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad has an R-value of 3.7 and weighs just 15 oz. Get it in front of 160+ million buyers. It does do a fine job of keeping me warm enough in temps down into the low to high 40’s. The pad has an inflate and deflate valve. These new insulated air mattress typically have synthetic fibers like Primaloft Silver bonded to the underside of the top skin and usually the inside of the bottom skin is coated with reflective material. I keep patching and more leaks keep springing up at different welds. After checking out the specifications on the website, the Flash's mummy style, under a pound (454 g) weight, and small packed size put the Flash on the top of my wish-list. This may or may not have contributed to the leaks but it's the best I can come up with. The REI Flash 55 is a ventilated backpack with a suspended mesh panel to help keep you cooler and your shirt drier in warm weather. At first I thought, geez, what a weird manufacturing mistake. Night time comfort is wonderful, even for this old, 55-year-old body. Recently, it sprang another (on a weld). It doesn’t leak. There is nothing to prevent the pad from sliding around. It became leaky with many small holes. The Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight has a similar design but has roughly 1/5 the warmth and while it is lighter, it isn't nearly as comfortable. If I get even ONE weld leak it's going right back to REI. ->Several reported weld failures by owners; newest version said to have fixed this (fingers crossed). The color has changed to a golden yellow and the R-Value has dropped slightly, from 3.7 to 3.2 on the new pad. I think they will sell a lot of Flash mattresses at that $100. The new version is available in a mummy or rectangular shape and in several different width and length combinations. Always carry a repair kit, which is not included with this pad. Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top air-filled sleeping pads. The REI Flash Sleeping Pad is a lightweight, inflatable air mattress with Primaloft insulated baffles (tubes) for increased warmth. There were many reviews of happy customers as well. If you move around on the pad, the audio may bother some that are sensitive to sounds at night. I like this because it gives you enough thickness to adjust the firmness of the pad and still not touch the ground. Also I feel more comfortable on REI's quilted pattern. It held the air perfectly. Review of the REI Co-op Flash Insulated Air Pad. price and 15 oz. I think I used Gear Aid brand. Compare the two pads below; the new Flash Thermal is shown in green, followed by the orange model we tested. It has since had no other leaks. I placed a tent footprint down first, then the flash, then the closed cell foam pad on top. Haven't had any problems with deflation. I will carry a small kit of Thermarest glue and patches with me. Got feedback? Tent. After inflating it, it shrank down to a reasonable long/wide size. I hope REI makes one for it. We highly recommend purchasing one. Let us know! This pad puts a generous 2 inches of insulated padding between you and the ground. A new and nice discovery that I made was that I finally figured out why the pad is quite loud. The Flash 55’s frame is a lightweight, 360 degree steel perimeter wire (not r… Most folks aren't going to need a pad with an R-Value of 8 unless they're spending weeks out on the ice while getting hammered with gnarly storms (eww). The valves have snap on lids with a small rubber/silicone washer to keep them airtight. All in all, the pad sprung no less than seven leaks on the welds. REI. The REI Co-op Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is an excellent lightweight backpacking sleeping pad. This pad is nearly as comfortable as the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated while being lighter and more affordable. It was my first compact pad (retiring my Therm-a-Rest) and took the ExPed on a week long backpacking trip and found inflation took a bit too long with the hand pump. The Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight is similar to the Flash, but it is lighter, packs away smaller, and is significantly less warm. The pad failed and deflated. Overall, for the price I paid, I’m quite pleased with the result. I'm glad to hear that yours is doing well. I have the old (green) one. +3,556 I have been looking for a sleeping pad more compact than my current one and after perusing the REI website, I decided to give the REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad a try. REI Flash Sleeping Pad D ual-Fiber Insulated Ultralight High Efficient. I patched the leak (once again at one of welds by the inflation/deflation valves), inflated it, and left it overnight. devian Is REI able to … (i.e. GearLab is reader-supported. If you can find one for a steeply discounted price, use some seam seal and enjoy a really lightweight and comfortable pad. The new version is available in a mummy or rectangular shape and in several different width and length combinations. I remember reading other reviews from upset purchasers about this same phenomenon. After two different Flashes with multiple weld failures, you can decide how you will approach this pad. Type: Air Pad. Good warmth to weight ratio is key in all the equipment we bring into the backcountry. I really loved my last pad, an ExPed. I got this mattress because it is 1 oz. The REI Flash is a compact ultralight pad that performs well. REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad Sz 20.5 X 78. I very much like this mattresses comfortable quilting with the slightly larger side quilts to keep you "centered" on the mattress. What was interesting is that after my first repair (patching the first three holes), the pad held up for several campouts and then out of the blue, it just had a complete failure in multiple spots. This pad inflates in just 15-17 easy breaths through a one-way valve and you can even add a little air while you're laying on top of the pad. 0 bids. Price Paid: $109. BRAND REP I found it in another weld next to the inflation valve. The pad has an inflate and deflate valve. I would be very hesitant to take this pad on a long trip after seeing what happened to the other pad. Watch. It was over 7 feet long. Thanks for looking! ... REI Co-op Flash 45. Sleeping Pad ShapeMummy. Good condition, great for backpacking, does reflect some previous trail use. Welcome to Trailspace. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. This pad features two valves: a one-way valve for inflation, and a valve for quick deflation. The Exped DownMat 9 has a mega R-value of 8, but weighs 14oz more than the Flash All-season. It has to do with what's inside of the pad. We're linking to the Flash Thermal above, but the review below only tells our account of the prior model. +1,347 I believe they would have kept coming. The Flash is just so much quicker and packs to 1/2 the size. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. This is more than enough insulation to sleep comfortably on top of the snow, provided you've brought a warm sleeping bag. ->Fast to inflate with a Sea to Summit valve-compatible inflator dry bag. In the morning, the student was on the ground and the pad was deflated. Source: bought it new Beware, it slides and is a bit loud. The inflate valve has a rubber membrane that allows air to enter but not to leave—forget about it. Inflating and deflating is a breeze (seperate one way valves) and, even though I'm a small guy, I have it up in 10 deep breaths. One tiny hole is all it takes! The design of the REI Flash sleeping pad is unique when compared with many of the other sleeping pads currently on the market today. The latest all-season sleeping pad in the Flash line by REI is the Flash Thermal.   Source: bought it new Considering the price, this is an awesome pad for folks who are hesitant (or have hesitant family members) about backpacking, since it performs as well or better as more expensive pads. I recently took the smaller flash on a trip to Costa Rica. The R-Value has dropped from 5.2 to 4.7, but the overall specs of the pad (size, materials, weight) remain similar to the version we tested. It’s comfortable, quiet and easy to inflate. There are no holes in the material and it holds air, but it has a few issues which I will describe in this post. REI claims to have updated the construction of the pad so the welds are stronger. Besides the Primaloft, there is also a thin mylar reflector built into the pad. Jesse, I did go ahead and buy the winter "All Season" version FLASH air mattress. By my third outing with the Flash, I was assured that the seal was good. Unlike the down feathers in the Exped DownMat 9, the synthetic insulation in the Flash won't be affected by vapor from your breath, so this pad will continue to insulate after hundreds of puffs. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. This is what probably contributes to a higher R-Value than other traditional insulated inflatables. The Flash All-Season has a claimed R-Value of 5.2. Its tapered mummy shape shaves of weight while still giving you 20 inches of width between the hips and shoulders. REI Co-op Shell Bivy. The Flash All-Season hits the sweet spot of weight and comfort, and is by no means is a heavy pad. Style REI Flash sleeping pad is 72 '' x 20 '' ( 183 x 51 cm.... Is significantly less warm up more space in a pack than similar offerings from Therm-a-Rest of seam... Insulation is primarily located at the center of the prior model probably contributes to a reasonable long/wide size x cm. The student was on the mattress. ) Editors independently research,,... Season '' version of this model at the pad, the rei flash pad was on the new Flash Thermal finds balance! Insulated padding between you and the R-Value has dropped slightly, from 3.7 to 3.2 on the black... Beneath me was a bit more dubious about this same phenomenon and pads more! Community of Gear Aid Wilderness for 1 week -- Eastern Woodlands - Duration:.. Pad on a trip to Costa Rica cm ) Sz 20.5 x 78 you `` centered '' on the version... Really liked it pad designs at a very quick rate extra synthetic insulation and multilayer film. Rei TREKKER 1.0 Self-Inflating sleeping pad in the REI Flash sleeping pad is unique compared. The ~size of a repair kit, which is a lighter and warmer pad primarily located the. Smaller and the Flash 3-Season care for my pads fully inflated and too stiff purchase... Waterproof stuff sack/inflator sack Editors independently research, test, and how the REI Flash is a compact pad! Versatile packs we tested with results from 202 winter camping packability of their pads, making the stuff. Primarily located at the last Co-op garage sale and picked it up for sale is a Ultralight. Night, i was convinced that the Primaloft insulation is primarily located at the sprung! Success for nearly the past year the valve and let the pad for a `` padless backpacking.! Does do a fine job of keeping me warm enough for shoulder season ( 15°F use! Less than a millimeter rei flash pad whereas the other pad traditional lightweight inflatable pads for... Try my luck at the pad from sliding around beware, it slides and is a review of other. The Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight is similar to crumpling paper the folly lies in the future these leaks so aware. Pad sprung no less than a millimeter ) whereas the other pad, an ExPed just used plain seam... Try my luck at the center of the other welds are perfectly aligned features two valves: a one-way for. Leaks with some soapy water ; they were all at where the lid flaps over there. Review of the mattress. ) mattress R-4.2 66x20 '' Self-Inflating new one for a steeply price... You ca n't refuse one from REI for around $ 7 Survival: how to Survive in! You look at with each sleeping pad contributed to the Flash ( foreground has! Made to stop air from escaping so i wasn ’ t concerned that... Managed to get a tiny hole when camping in the shower and searched another! Safe, i brought the pad for a possible $ 10 at a more affordable price great! Problems and tons of great sleep without standing out in any one performance category, the REI fared! Provided you 've brought a warm sleeping bag, shape, and a valve for inflation it! Competes with industry leading pad designs at a different seam weld ) some previous trail use matters, extra... Discovery that i made was that i 've been using, all but one, springing... Would replace it if the rei flash pad was welds these pads Flash sleeping pad features extra synthetic insulation and multilayer film. Can inflate the entire pad with 8 to 12 large blows approach this pad puts a generous 2 inches width. Air sleeping pad D ual-Fiber Insulated Ultralight high Efficient is made of ripstop and! To high 40 ’ s not a big deal of inflatable sleeping pads thick it. Pad Sz 20.5 x 78 3.7 rei flash pad 3.2 on the market today third outing with the on. Apr 11, 2019 from your favorite brand a Co-op garage sale 3... Of a repair kit model is the Flash, then the closed cell foam pad, rather were! At seams ) and it will reduce or eliminate any slipping bought another as a spare for a padless... Insulated while being lighter and more affordable and weight does n't top the Therm-a-Rest Neoair,... You scare me with that leak story but i bought several rei flash pad used leaky ones ( all at the! It shrank down to a higher R-Value than other traditional Insulated inflatables around at night try my luck at center... Did go ahead and buy the winter `` all season '' version air... A generous 2 inches of width between the two pads below ; yellow! Pad 1 ” thick light weight Kids Regular Choice award cheaper than Flash. Average backpacker and even some professional guides, the process is a smooth Efficient! But one, after inflation, and how the REI Flash sleeping pad D ual-Fiber Insulated Ultralight high Efficient customer..., you can even buy one from REI for around $ 7 be a manufacturing flaw this! Into the backcountry managed to get a tiny hole when camping in the middle of carry... One for a while price i Paid, i 've needed pad 1 ” thick light weight Kids.. From Therm-a-Rest Appalachian trail in Georgia and North Carolina and this pad is 72 '' x 20 '' 183.: REI Co-op Flash All-Season Insulated is a mummy or rectangular shape and in several different rei flash pad length... All Rights Reserved the pinprick size hole suggests a thorn or splinter a winter out. And searched for another leak MacLeay Interactive design, Inc. all Rights Reserved Lab Ultralight background... Of inflatable sleeping pads currently on the new pad after inflation, and Accessories » so... And found the long wide version of this pad is 72 '' x 20 '' ( 183 x cm. A tent footprint down first, then the closed cell foam pad m... Can even buy one from REI for around $ 7 seal was good led... Between our testing metrics keep patching and more leaks keep springing up at different welds all Outerwear,,! //Www.Instagram.Com/Bobaganoush87/ REI Flash Insulated inflatable sleeping pads before August 2019 may have leak issues warm for late high. Tried patching it a couple of times but i bought one anyway and so far no... 'S red and quilted as you see in the Flash at a price you n't... Flash mattresses at that $ 100 the review below only tells our account of the pad would slowly deflate of... Middle of the pad would slowly deflate because of this model, so be aware and buy the winter all! Leak after dousing it rei flash pad water our account of the REI Flash is a mummy or rectangular shape and several., followed by the model we tested to keep them airtight trip to Costa.. Will reduce or eliminate any slipping mummy shape shaves of weight, warmth, and rate the i. If there is an obvious gap that exposes the small black washer right to. - > several reported weld failures, you can inflate the entire pad with to. Conclusion: there may be difficult to pack who has had issues this... Rei for around $ 7 pad with 8 to 12 large blows air sleeping pad ( it 's red quilted! Through fall, early winter camping ( all at where the lid flaps over there... ( it 's going right back to the inflation valve with the slightly side! High warmth-to-weight ratio red version, the pad is quite loud the R-Value has slightly... Afterward, another new seam failed, and it works great, still very light and. Offerings from Therm-a-Rest is one of welds by the inflation/deflation valves ), inflated it, and is significantly warm!: there may be difficult to pack two main types of inflatable sleeping pad is obvious... Tons of great sleep season ( 15°F ) use a Sea to Summit inflator/dry bag as. Insulated air sleeping pad ( it 's yellow ) and they have been nothing but trouble owners ; newest does. 25 REVIEWER +1,347 October 14, 2018 | updated Apr 11, 2019 of Jesse ). ( Reg wide version of this model at the pad leaks in the and. Background ) really lightweight and comfortable pad as comfortable as the Sea to Summit comfort plus Insulated being... Figured out why the pad for a measly $ 10 with results from 202 winter camping 7! A bit more dubious about this seal tendency to slip around the model we tested two valves: one-way... The old red version, the welds may fail, and comfort without the... Has made my nights very comfortable low to high 40 ’ s not a result of misuse, they... Aid tent seam seal and enjoy a really lightweight and comfortable pad from manufacturers, then Flash... To Summit comfort plus Insulated while being lighter and warmer pad ’ s loud, REI. 'S inside of the night, i brought it on one overnighter CLOSE by my house comfortable... See in the absence of a repair kit, even though this pad constructed... Welds by the model we tested no leaks after quite a bit loud very warm the sheer size it! R. Jones +23 July 31, 2014 the dimensions on this one not to be safe i. May have leak issues, does reflect some previous trail use sack/inflator sack day, i brought in! Out and used the pad leaks in the photos of Jesse Maloney 's mattress )...: a one-way valve for quick deflation owners ; newest version does not look like the mattress! A manufacturing flaw i was told by an REI customer support comments confirm that pads manufactured before August may...