REI Co-op
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.
Price and availability on REI Co-op’s site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Features
Pros
- ✓The consensus best-value ultralight pack — r/Ultralight repeatedly ranks it the cheapest pack that doesn't compromise the essentials.
- ✓The Packmod system is genuinely clever: strip the lid, pockets, and straps to drop from 2.8 to about 2.35 lbs.
- ✓Frequent REI sales bring it near $150, undercutting every serious competitor by $100+.
- ✓The roll-top plus side zip gives both compression and mid-pack access, a combo rare at any price.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets come standard and fit modern phones — a dig at the Exos in every comparison thread.
- ✓A BV500 fits horizontally, which canister-country hikers specifically buy it for.
- ✓The 100D recycled ripstop wears better than its weight suggests; multi-thousand-mile PCT reports exist.
- ✓REI's return window makes it the lowest-risk way to test whether ultralight works for you.
Cons
- ✗The 30 lb comfort ceiling is real and arrives abruptly — reviewers agree it sours above that line faster than the Exos.
- ✗The foam back panel ventilates poorly compared to trampoline designs; sweat is the common summer gripe.
- ✗Fixed torso sizes with no adjustability make between-sizes buyers gamble.
- ✗The hipbelt wings flex under load, letting heavy carries sag onto shoulders.
- ✗Shoulder-strap padding is thin, a frequent complaint from higher-load users.
- ✗The bottle pockets angle awkwardly; retrieving a bottle one-handed takes practice.
- ✗Removable pieces are easy to lose and cost real money to replace.
- ✗Its 4.4-star REI average hides a bimodal split: light packers love it, heavy packers don't.
Common Questions
Compare the REI Co-op Flash 55
Related backpacks
More from REI Co-op →REI Co-op
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
REI Co-op
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
Internal Frame
REI Co-op
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
Frameless
REI Co-op
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
REI Co-op
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
Frameless
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.
Weight
0.88 lbs
Capacity
22 L
Frame
Frameless