REI Co-op
REI Co-op Flash 22
The Flash 22 is REI's cult-classic minimalist daypack — 14 ounces, $60, and endlessly recommended as the summit pack, travel stuffable, and errand bag that happens to hike well. The removable back pad doubles as a sit pad.
Price and availability on REI Co-op’s site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Features
Pros
- ✓The perennial budget answer on Reddit — nothing under $75 comes close to its weight, comfort, and durability combination.
- ✓At 14 ounces it stuffs into luggage as a bonus pack, which is how half its owners use it.
- ✓The removable foam back sheet doubles as a trailhead sit pad.
- ✓Simple top-loader with a drawcord and cinch — nothing to break, and owners report years of abuse.
- ✓The side stretch pockets fit Nalgenes and stay reachable while wearing it.
- ✓Frequent sales drop it to $40, at which point it's essentially free gear.
- ✓Light enough that runners and fastpackers use it for mellow efforts.
- ✓REI's return policy removes all purchase risk.
Cons
- ✗Frameless with webbing hip straps means loads past 12-15 lbs sag onto shoulders quickly.
- ✗The unpadded back telegraphs poorly packed contents into your spine — pack soft layers against the panel.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets or organization beyond one zip pocket.
- ✗The thin fabric, while tougher than it looks, will lose to granite and thorns eventually.
- ✗One-size fit runs short for tall torsos.
- ✗No raincover and the fabric wets through in sustained rain.
- ✗The drawcord closure isn't secure enough for transit-crowd travel.
- ✗It's a daypack, full stop — owners who try overnights with it regret the hip straps.
Common Questions
Compare the REI Co-op Flash 22
Related backpacks
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REI Co-op Trail 25
The Trail 25 is REI's basic day pack and the sensible default for most day hiking: $100, 25 L, 210D ripstop, and nothing clever. It sits between the Flash 22's minimalism and the Traverse 35's capacity.
Weight
1.93 lbs
Capacity
25 L
Frame
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REI Co-op Traverse 35
The Traverse 35 is the largest daypack in this comparison and the one that crosses into overnight territory. A 400D recycled shell over 210D ripstop makes it durable, and at 52 oz it is also the heaviest pack in the daypack group.
Weight
3.25 lbs
Capacity
35 L
Frame
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REI Co-op Trailmade 60
The Trailmade 60 is REI's entry-level backpacking pack, built around inclusive sizing and a fully adjustable fit at a beginner-friendly price. A huge U-shaped front opening makes it one of the easiest packs to load and unload on the market.
Weight
3.44 lbs
Capacity
60 L
Frame
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REI Co-op Flash 55
The Flash 55 is REI's ultralight value play — a roll-top pack with the co-op's Packmod system of removable pockets and straps, letting owners configure or strip it per trip. It's the cheapest credible ultralight framed pack from a major retailer.
Weight
2.81 lbs
Capacity
55 L
Frame
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REI Co-op Traverse 60
The Traverse 60 is REI's full-featured backpacking pack, sitting above the budget Trailmade and below the ultralight Flash Air. At 4.5 lb it is built for comfort under load rather than for weight, and it is backed by REI's return policy.
Weight
4.5 lbs
Capacity
60 L
Frame
Internal Frame
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REI Co-op Flash Air 50
The Flash Air is REI's ultralight pack, using a shaped spring steel frame rather than stays or a hoop. It is the only pack in this group backed by a mainstream retailer's return policy, which matters more than usual in a segment dominated by made-to-order cottage brands.
Weight
2.0 lbs
Capacity
50 L
Frame
Internal Frame