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REI Flash UL Pack

REI Flash UL Pack

Item # 747522
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

This versatile, lightweight daypack cleverly converts into a stuff sack simply by turning it inside out!

  • Turn inside out and it's a stuff sack to help organize your gear; once at basecamp, reverse it and it's a daypack for short hikes away from camp
  • Hydration-compatible design with an internal sleeve to hold a hydration reservoir, sold separately
  • Top-loading entry features a single, efficient drawcord that cinches skirt closed with single tug
  • Lightweight shoulder straps for comfortable load carry; adjustable sternum strap adds stability and helps keep straps ideally positioned
  • To raise or lower sternum strap, remove attachment clips from horizontal webbing on shoulder straps and reattach them to one of the other two straps
  • Front of pack features a lightweight webbing daisy chain running vertically and an adjustable tool loop at the bottom
  • Highly organized storage sleeve inside features slots sized for the Ten Essentials
  • New, 140-denier nylon ripstop construction provides increased durability without added weight; polyurethane coating offers weather resistance

Imported.

Item 747522

REI Flash UL Pack Specs

Specification

Description

GenderUnisex
Frame typeFrameless
Approximate volume1,037 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric17 liters
Average weight9 ounces
Average weight - metric0.26 kilograms
Adjustable torsoNo
MaterialNylon ripstop
Number of pockets1 main compartment
Access / LoadingTop

REI Flash UL Pack Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Flash UL Pack
 
4.4

(based on 60 reviews)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (22)
  • Versatile (14)
  • Adjustable (13)
  • Large capacity (13)
  • Comfortable (5)

Cons

  • Small capacity (5)

Best Uses

  • Day trip (48)
  • Hiking (35)
  • Backpacking (27)
  • Car camping (11)
  • Travel (3)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid adventurer (32), Casual adventurer (30)
  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist (20), Comfort driven (5)

Reviewed by 60 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Light pack is part of my standard equipm

By kc7sqd

from Seattle, WA

About Me Avid Adventurer

Pros

  • Super Light
  • Versatile
  • Very adjustable

Cons

  • Thin Shoulder Straps

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Day trip

Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

This bag has become one of my standard pieces of gear on almost every trip I go on. I use it as a stuff sack in my larger backpack and then use the bag alone as a day pack for smaller excursions. There is plenty of room for everything I need for a day trip from base camp or a stand-alone day hike. The only con is that the shoulder straps are engineered to be as light as possible and can bunch up to create pressure points.

  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist

(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Great Air Travel Pack

By NorCalHiker

from San Francisco, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Good destination bag
  • Nice and thin
  • Packs well in luggage
  • Right size for air travel

Cons

  • Don't need tool loops
  • Don't need waist belt
  • Draw sting dangles
  • No key ring
  • No zipper pouch
  • Terrible color choices

Best Uses

  • Ultralight travel

Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

I need a bag to carry my "seat side" items on long trans-Pacific flights, something that can double as a day bag for city use in SE Asia.

Since my other bag is a Rick Steves Classic and uses up my carry-on "luggage" allotment, my second bag definitely has to be small enough to pass muster at the check-in gate as a "personal" bag, and this bag is excellent for such purposes since it doesn't waste any space on thick materials (bag or straps) or useless pockets. I cut the waist strap off mine so I'd have fewer straps to dangle and catch on things. I like the top loading feature with drawstring, ymmv.

I wish there was one zippered internal pouch to hold my keys etc. I use a packing cube or ditty bags for organization. The "water bladder slot" is useful, however, for tickets, papers, magazines. The lack of padding is not a problem, I'm not peak climbing with it. Ditto on the thin straps, plenty strong enough for my intended use. Horrible colors make it less appealing to a thief (easier to see them trying to slip away with it).

Service and delivery comments:

I find it easiest to get the stuff I want from REI by ordering on-line for store pick up. Otherwise they might be out of stock or have a hard time locating the item you want when you walk in.

  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Lightweight summit/travel pack

By spike

from Chicago - moving soon

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Site Member

Pros

  • Dual purpose stuff sack
  • Large capacity
  • Lightweight
  • Packable

Cons

  • Chest strap
  • Not for long distance

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Day trip
  • Travelling

Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

This pack does everything it is designed for. It is the lightest weight pack, functions as stuff sack and actually holds a lot of stuff for its small size. It is not designed to be a true daypack so don't expect it to be comfortable carrying 20 lbs in it all day. It is great as a summit pack, stuff sack or a pack to throw in your suitcase for a quick hike. I will be taking it on a business trip to Hawaii to do a quick hike after a conference. I don't have space to bring a full daypack, so this will be perfect. It would be nice to have a simple flap on top just to know there is some cover from rain, but that would add more complexity. The only downside for me (at 6'2'') is that the chest strap is totally useless and I may just cut it off. It practically goes across my neck. Other than that, the Flash delivers on everything it was designed for. Great idea and design.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

great, versatile daypack

By Minnjohn

from minnesota

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • durable
  • Great double purpose
  • Light weight

Cons

  • none so far

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Day trip

Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

I first purchased this for use as an occasional daypack, and for use backpacking. I liked it so much I bought a second for my son. It is one of the best small packs on the market for its intended use. Using it as a daypack, I occasionally insert a frame sheet into the large pocket, although with a hydration bag this is not necessary. For its size and weight, I have found it to be remarkably durable, even when overloaded. It's best use (for me, at any rate) is as a summit/daypack to accompany me when backpacking. I use it as a stuff sack for my sleeping bag, and then as a daypack on short hikes away from camp. Given its size and weight it is unbeatable -- and the price makes it the best value in the market.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Good things come in small packages

By Midwest James

from St. Louis, MO

About Me Athletic Student, Casual/ Recreational

Site Member

Pros

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Ultralight

Cons

  • Padding

Best Uses

  • Camping
  • Day trip
  • Hiking
  • Travel esp airports

Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

This bag is great for short day hikes from your main camp as well as traveling especially in airports. I have used this many times for small day trips into the wilderness. During my last trip exploring parts of Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, and Badlands National Parks I typically carried my camera, tripod (strapped to the outside), gps, map, 2 liter hydration pack, long shirt, vest, hat, white towel, some snacks, and my ten essentials. This bag was full but carried all this gear comfortably. Having the hydration pack makes carrying the bag more comfortable. This bag lacks any frame but that is the price to pay for being so light. Two things that would make this bag better would be external pockets and a small pocket on the front strap for small gear such as chap stick, pocket knife etc.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Amazing all-purpose pack

By Nick P

from Triangle, North Carolina

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Site Member

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • durable
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking
    • Day-to-day
    • Day trip
    • Hiking

    Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

    This pack is the best all-purpose lightweight daypack I have ever used. It is extremely durable. The two mesh pockets and single pocket for the bladder give it just enough room to organize. Any more pockets, and it would not serve its' purpose well. What is its' purpose, you ask? Well, anything really. I have found quite a few uses for mine. On day hikes, it is perfect for a lunch, small electronics, a second layer of clothes in case it gets cool on top of that mountain. On long hikes, flip it inside out and store extra clothes or other items in it, then set up camp, and turn it back to a daypack for wandering off from camp. Or, use it as a hydration pack when you go for a long bike ride around town. A standard bladder fits perfectly, and the chest and waist straps keep it on tight. Plus, it has plenty of room inside too. Stop by the mall, put your helmet in the pack, and there is still room left over for making a few small purchases to carry back home with you. School books? No problem, one notebook or folder makes a great internal frame to keep the pack comfortable on your back. Actually, my confession is that people at the office give me weird looks because this has even replaced my briefcase. yeah, it's that good. I use this pack everyday, and it still looks and feels brand new. For the price, this is the very best multi-use daypack on the market.

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great Price for an Awesome pack

    By 1xjisatsu

    from Los Angeles, CA & Milwaukee, WI

    About Me Casual/ Recreational, Spontaneous Tripper

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Easy to pack
    • Internal Pocket
    • Large capacity
    • Quick to dry
    • Super Light
    • Very adjustable

    Cons

    • No Top Cover

    Best Uses

    • Beach Bag
    • Day trip
    • Hiking
    • Overnight trip

    Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

    This bag is a great value. I bought it to replace a small Camel back bag for day trips mainly to the beach. It stays super clean from sand since there is nowhere for the sand to get stuck. It's easy to carry, dries quickly and is more comfortable than expected. Easy drawstring closure allows it to hold much more than you would think. Also allows for many exterior clip on carry options.

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Ditch pack

    By barefootnavigator

    from Secret spot WA

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Lightweight

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Car Camping
      • Day trip
      • Hiking

      Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

      I've had this for almost a year now and it is by far my favorite pack. I use it for daily use, jumping a quick flight to the islands and short and long trips. This spring I plan to use it as my backpack for the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. This is a simple and beautiful(minus the color) pack. I always have it packed with enough stuff that I can freak out and ditch town in 10 seconds. If I could only keep one of my possessions (and I have allot of kewl stuff) this would be it. I have been traveling the globe out of a daypack on and off since the mid eighty's and this pack finally got it right. Go small, go simple, go now!

      Current contents

      Dog fish knife

      Journal

      Pen and pencils

      Canon g9 digital camera

      Ultralight waterproof jacket

      Pouch of organic tobacco and rolling papers

      Lighter

      Passport & cash

      Head lamp

      tiny light with XS beener on outside

      Poncho tarp ( I can borrow a small fleece blanket from the plane )

      One clean T-shirt and a spare pair(doubles as emergency swim suit) extra wool socks

      1 package ramen noodles and 5 sleeves of peanuts

      reusable water bottle.

      See you out there

      • Gift:
      • Yes
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Perfect for my needs

      By capsize

      from Olympia WA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • durable
      • Lightweight
      • Versatile
      • Water Resistant

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Day trip
        • Hiking
        • Supplemental oxygen tote

        Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

        I have to pack supplemental oxygen and I've been looking for something lightweight but industrial strength. I wrap the tank in a light towel (O2 tanks are chilly) and run the tubing out the top cinch hole.

        It is so much easier than the medical bag they gave me! Plus, I get the tech gear cred with it.

        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Minimalist

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Excellent all-weather bag

        By MonsieurBon

        from Portland, OR

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Large capacity

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Day trip
          • Hiking

          Comments about REI Flash UL Pack:

          This is my favorite backpack. I've been using it on every hiking, snowshoeing, or other travel over the past 8 years. It has held up remarkably well, especially for the lightest and cheapest bag REI sells.
          When my buddy lashed my snowshoes to the bag, pointy side in, I saw the points puncture the bag. But when I pulled them off, the holes were gone! I find that unbelievable, but it's true!
          I have an older version that doesn't have the polyurethane coating. In heavy, wet, snow, I did notice water soaking through the bag.

          • What Is Your Gear Style:
          • Minimalist

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