REI Co-op Flash 22 vs Osprey Daylite Plus
Quick take: The REI Co-op Flash 22 costs $15 less; the REI Co-op Flash 22 carries more (22 vs 20 liters); the REI Co-op Flash 22 is lighter (0.88 vs 1.25 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 | $75 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (900) | 4.6★ (3,000) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 22 L | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.88 lbs | 1.25 lbs |
| Max Load | 15 lbs | 15 lbs |
| Torso Fit | One size, ~16-19 in | One size, ~15-19 in |
| Material | Recycled ripstop nylon | 300D recycled polyester |
| Back Panel | Removable foam sheet | AirScape foam with center channel |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) |
Pros & cons
REI Co-op Flash 22
- ✓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.
- ✗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.
Osprey Daylite Plus
- ✓The Swiss-army answer for 'one bag for hikes and everything else' — its trail-to-commute versatility drives thousands of five-star reviews.
- ✓At $75 with Osprey's lifetime warranty, the value case is nearly unarguable.
- ✓The panel-loading clamshell opens flat, making it far easier to pack than top-loaders.
- ✓The sleeve fits a hydration bladder or a small laptop — the dual-use feature that defines it.
- ✓It docks onto Osprey travel and Farpoint packs as a detachable daypack.
- ✓The 300D polyester wears like iron; decade-old Daylites are common sights.
- ✓The mesh side pockets actually hold bottles securely at odd angles.
- ✓Light and unstructured enough to stuff in luggage as a spare.
- ✗It's a crossover, not a technical pack — the webbing hipbelt does nothing for real trail loads.
- ✗The foam back gets sweaty on sustained climbs despite the center channel.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets, no pole attachment, no raincover — trail features are minimal.
- ✗Loads past 12-15 lbs hang off the shoulders uncomfortably.
- ✗One-size fit runs small for tall torsos.
- ✗The 20L capacity limits it to mild, short hikes.
- ✗The laptop sleeve tempts overloading for commutes, which the straps aren't padded for.
- ✗Serious hikers outgrow it immediately — it's a lifestyle bag that hikes, not the reverse.