REI Co-op Flash 22 vs REI Co-op Trail 25
Quick take: The REI Co-op Flash 22 costs $40 less; the REI Co-op Trail 25 carries more (25 vs 22 liters); the REI Co-op Flash 22 is lighter (0.88 vs 1.93 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Flash 22 | REI Co-op Trail 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 | $100 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (569) | 4.4★ (192) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 22 L | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.88 lbs | 1.93 lbs |
| Max Load | 15 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size, ~16-19 in | One size |
| Material | Recycled ripstop nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
| Back Panel | Removable foam sheet | Contoured foam pad |
| 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 | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
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.
REI Co-op Trail 25
- ✓$100 for 25 L from a mainstream brand with a full return policy is strong value.
- ✓210D ripstop is a sensible middle ground -- tougher than 70D, lighter than 400D.
- ✓REI's return policy makes buying without trying it on low-risk.
- ✓25 L is the most broadly useful daypack size for a full day out.
- ✓Available to try on in store, which cottage and online-only packs are not.
- ✓Simple construction with little to fail.
- ✓Contoured foam pad is more comfortable than a flat panel against the back.
- ✓Half the price of the Osprey Talon 22 for 3 L more.
- ✗30.9 oz is heavy for 25 L given there is no frame.
- ✗No framesheet; the foam pad is the only structure.
- ✗REI publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗Contoured foam ventilates poorly compared with a suspended panel.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗One size only.
- ✗Basic feature set with no standout capability.