REI Co-op Flash 55 vs REI Co-op Traverse 60
Quick take: The REI Co-op Flash 55 costs $70 less; the REI Co-op Traverse 60 carries more (60 vs 55 liters); the REI Co-op Flash 55 is lighter (2.81 vs 4.5 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Flash 55 | REI Co-op Traverse 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $269 |
| Rating | 4.2★ (98) | 3.8★ (11) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
| Weight | 2.81 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs | ~45 lbs (tested) |
| Torso Fit | Sized S-L, 15-20 in | 2 sizes |
| Material | 100D ripstop nylon | Not published in the source |
| Back Panel | Framed foam with ventilation channel | Framed suspension; construction not published |
| Adjustable torso | No | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | Yes | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
REI Co-op Flash 55
- ✓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.
- ✗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.
REI Co-op Traverse 60
- ✓A 45 lb rating covers most multi-day trips including bear canister and full water.
- ✓REI's return policy makes a pack this fit-sensitive far lower risk to buy.
- ✓Available to try on loaded in store, which cottage and direct-only brands cannot offer.
- ✓Two frame sizes give better fit than the one-size packs at this price.
- ✓$269 undercuts the Osprey Aether 65 and Gregory Baltoro 65 by $100.
- ✓60 L is the most broadly useful backpacking volume.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓REI's own-brand packs are serviced and warrantied through the same stores that sell them.
- ✗4.5 lb is heavy, half a pound more than the Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 which carries less.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab does not publish the fabric specification.
- ✗No rain cover included at this price.
- ✗Only the 60 L could be confirmed with a current price, though a 70 L exists.
- ✗No ventilated back panel.
- ✗REI's design iteration is slower than the specialist brands'.
- ✗Heavier than the Granite Gear Blaze 60 while carrying 5 lb less.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.