REI Co-op REI Flash 55 Women's Backpacking Backpack vs Gregory Deva 60 Women's Backpacking Backpack

Comfort is crucial for long hikes, as it directly impacts your endurance and enjoyment. A comfortable backpack should have cushioned shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, and good ventilation to prevent discomfort and hot spots. The REI Flash 55 excels in comfort with its cushioned shoulder straps and padded hip belt, making it one of the most comfortable backpacks for carrying weight without creating pain points. It also features a stiff foam that contours to your body, providing excellent support. The Gregory Deva 60, while also comfortable, has a slightly lower comfort rating due to fewer mentions of supreme comfort and more complaints about pressure points. Therefore, if comfort is your top priority, the REI Flash 55 is the better choice.

A good fit ensures that the backpack sits well on your body, distributing weight evenly and reducing strain. The Gregory Deva 60 stands out in this category with its higher fit rating, thanks to its adjustability and fine-tuning options for the torso fit. It is cut specifically for the female form and offers three different sizes, making it easier to find a perfect fit. The REI Flash 55 also offers a good fit with adjustable shoulder harnesses and hip belt sizes, but it has more complaints about the fit being wonky. If you need a pack that fits like a glove, the Gregory Deva 60 is the way to go.

Effective load transfer is essential for carrying heavy loads comfortably, as it shifts the weight to your hips rather than your shoulders. The REI Flash 55 has a higher load transfer rating, with buyers praising its ability to carry up to 30 lbs of weight comfortably. It features a well-designed pack with stiff foam and a wraparound hip belt that transfers weight efficiently. The Gregory Deva 60 also has good load transfer capabilities, but it has more complaints about weight distribution. For better load transfer, the REI Flash 55 is the superior choice.

Ventilation helps keep you cool and dry, which is especially important in hot weather or during intense physical activity. The REI Flash 55 has a higher ventilation rating, with buyers appreciating its mesh material for air venting and breathability. It keeps your back cool even on hot summer days. The Gregory Deva 60 has a breathable system and an air cushion back panel, but it has more complaints about heat and airflow. If ventilation is a key concern, the REI Flash 55 is the better option.

Good organization makes it easier to access your gear quickly and keeps your belongings well-arranged. The Gregory Deva 60 excels in this category with its smart storage and numerous organizational features, including multiple pockets, separate compartments, and outer loops and attachment points. It offers a place for everything, making it easy to find and access your gear. The REI Flash 55 also has good organization with pockets and compression straps, but it has more complaints about the lack of a separate sleeping bag compartment. For superior organization, the Gregory Deva 60 is the clear winner.

Accessibility is about how easily you can reach your gear without having to dig through your pack. Both the REI Flash 55 and the Gregory Deva 60 score highly in this category, with buyers praising easy access to water bottles and hip belt pockets. The REI Flash 55 has forward-facing water bottle pockets and one-hand zipper operation, while the Gregory Deva 60 features angled water bottle holders and easy-to-reach gear. This category is a tie, as both packs offer excellent accessibility features.