REI Co-op Trailmade 60 vs REI Co-op Flash 22
Quick take: The REI Co-op Flash 22 costs $129 less; the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 carries more (60 vs 22 liters); the REI Co-op Flash 22 is lighter (0.88 vs 3.44 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 | REI Co-op Flash 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $60 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (700) | 4.5★ (900) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 60 L | 22 L |
| Weight | 3.44 lbs | 0.88 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 15 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 15-19 in | One size, ~16-19 in |
| Material | Recycled ripstop nylon | Recycled ripstop nylon |
| Back Panel | Ventilated foam with steel perimeter frame | Removable foam sheet |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee |
Pros & cons
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
- ✓Regularly cited on r/CampingGear as the best sub-$200 starter pack because the torso, hipbelt, and load lifters all actually adjust.
- ✓The giant U-shaped front zip opens the pack like a suitcase — beginners rave about how easy packing and finding gear is.
- ✓Inclusive size runs (including extended hipbelts) fit bodies that mainstream packs ignore.
- ✓At 3.44 lbs it is lighter than most budget competitors and even some $300 packs.
- ✓Dual hipbelt pockets, bottle pockets, and a front stuff pouch cover the organization basics without add-ons.
- ✓REI's return policy effectively lets new backpackers trial it for a season risk-free.
- ✓Frequent co-op sales push it near $140, at which point Redditors call it unbeatable.
- ✓Simple, durable construction with few failure-prone gimmicks — reviews show very low defect rates.
- ✗The 35 lb comfort ceiling arrives quickly; loaded for a week it sags onto the shoulders in a way step-up packs don't.
- ✗The foam back panel runs sweaty on climbs — there's no real ventilation channel.
- ✗No raincover included, and the fabric wets out faster than coated premium cloth.
- ✗The hipbelt padding is thin, and several reviewers report hot spots on bony hips by day two.
- ✗No removable lid or top-access flexibility; the design is take-it-or-leave-it simple.
- ✗The steel perimeter frame is heavier material than the aluminum in pricier packs.
- ✗Bottle pockets are tight to reach with the pack on.
- ✗It's a starter pack by design — most owners upgrade within a couple of seasons, so factor resale into the math.
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.