In reply to yodadave:
Hi Dave,
We tend to focus on the product at hand within the individual product reviews, hence not mentioning the Flight. Most of this is to avoid opening up a minefield, as it requires the reviewer to have used each and every other product within the category, which isn't always possible. That said, I'm always happy to answer such questions within follow-up on the thread - especially when I have used the alternative in question.
I have used, abused and destroyed a Flight back when they were first released by DMM, so have a good idea of how it performs. Much like the Outcast, I used my Flight for both sport and trad, with it taking a particular beating as my pack of choice for a month long trip to Arapiles/Grampians a few years back.
When it comes to what the Flight has and the Outcast hasn't the basics are, as mentioned above, grab handles and a helmet carry system. I'd certainly have preferred it if these had been featured on the Outcast, but they're not. Clearly Lowe Alpine have their reasons for this, and I'm sure they'd be interesting to hear, but whether or not we ever find out is another matter altogether.
To look at it the other way round, what does the Outcast have that the Flight doesn't? There are two major benefits in my eyes, the first being the back system and the second being the pack's overall durability. The back system on the Outcast has actually got some degree of support to it, which makes carrying slightly heavier loads that bit more comfortable. The Flight is much floppier in comparison and I know that I had issues with stitching unpicking on the shoulder straps as a result of the weight I was carrying.
When it comes to durability, the materials used throughout the Outcast are just a cut above those used on the Flight. By the time I retired my Flight it was totally battered and utterly threadbare. I couldn't see the same happening with the Outcast.
There's a number of other differences, all of which are covered in the review. See if you can get into a shop to try one out, as it'd be interesting to get your thoughts.