REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack Review
Brand: REI Co-op · Category: backpack · Price: $199 - $199
This pack is for backpackers seeking a lightweight, customizable, and well-ventilated option for weekend trips or shorter multi-day adventures with moderate loads. Skip this if you're an ultralight purist who hates extra features, or if you consistently haul loads above 35 lbs and need a heavy-duty workhorse.
Specs
| Volume | 53-57 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 11 oz - 2 lb 13 oz |
| Pockets | Removable Packmod hipbelt pockets, removable shoulder strap pocket, front shove-it pocket, dual side pockets, exterior mesh pockets, lid pocket |
| Rain Cover | Not included |
| Fabric Denier | 100D recycled Robic ripstop nylon body; 210D base |
| Hipbelt Range | Not specified |
| Load Capacity | 35 lb |
| Frame Material | Spring steel perimeter frame |
| Torso Fit Range | S: 17-19 in; M: 18-20 in; L: 19-21 in |
Strengths
- Light for a feature-rich framed pack
- Adjustable torso length improves fit across sizes
- Modular Packmod system lets users remove or add pockets and straps
- Roll-top closure and removable lid add compression and flexibility
- Excellent pocket organization for water, snacks, and small gear
- Comfortable ventilated back panel and contoured hipbelt for moderate loads
- Strong value at a $199 price point
Complaints
- Max comfortable load is lower than some heavier internal-frame packs
- Modular accessories can make the system feel more complex than simpler packs
- Not fully waterproof despite the roll-top and DWR finish
- Packed features can encourage overpacking for ultralight users
- Fit and carrying comfort are less ideal for loads above about 35 lb
Carrying Comfort
The Flash 55 shines with moderate loads, meaning around 35 lbs or less. It features a spring steel perimeter frame, which is an internal wireframe that helps distribute weight evenly and prevent the pack from collapsing on itself. Coupled with a well-ventilated back panel and a contoured hipbelt, it does a decent job keeping you comfortable and your back from getting swampy. However, once you push past that 35 lb mark, don't expect the same level of blissful weight distribution you'd get from a more robust, heavier pack like an Osprey Atmos or Gregory Baltoro.
Value And Tradeoffs
At $199, the Flash 55 offers serious bang for your buck for a feature-rich, framed pack. It's a strong competitor against packs like the Osprey Exos or Deuter Futura, often coming in at a lower price point while still providing good comfort and organization for its intended loads. The main tradeoff is that while it's light for a framed pack, it's not ultralight. Its feature set, while a strength for some, can also encourage overpacking, and the modular accessories might feel like too much fuss for hikers who prefer simpler designs.
Weight And Materials
Weighing in at a respectable 2 lb 11 oz to 2 lb 13 oz, depending on the size, this pack lands squarely in the 'lightweight framed pack' category. The body is made from 100D recycled Robic ripstop nylon; 'D' stands for denier, indicating the fabric's thickness and durability – 100D is on the lighter side, good for saving ounces. The base, which takes more abuse, uses a beefier 210D nylon. While the materials are reasonably durable and have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, don't mistake that for waterproofness; heavy rain will still soak your gear, even with the roll-top closure.
Fit And Adjustability
Getting a good fit is crucial, and the Flash 55 helps with an adjustable torso length. This means you can slide the shoulder straps up or down to match your back length, ranging from 17-19 inches for small to 19-21 inches for large. This adjustability helps ensure the pack's weight settles on your hips, where it's supposed to be carried, rather than digging into your shoulders. This feature makes it more accommodating for different body types than some fixed-torso ultralight options.
Modularity And Pockets
The Flash 55's 'Packmod' system is its biggest party trick. This means you can remove or add hipbelt pockets, a shoulder strap pocket, and even the lid, letting you customize the pack's weight and organization to your trip. This level of modularity is typically seen on much pricier packs, giving the Flash 55 a real edge for those who like to tinker. Beyond the removable bits, you get a generous front shove-it pocket, dual side pockets, and additional exterior mesh pockets, offering excellent stash spots for water bottles, snacks, and layers you need quick access to.