How to Choose a Backpack
Fourth of July Trail
REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack - Men's
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Loaded for a week or stripped down for an overnighter, the men's REI Co-op Flash 55 pack keeps your load stable and steady. Seamlessly integrated suspension makes your hike cool and comfortable.
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- For a tight load and good balance, Packmod compression straps (included) can be run from any loop to any other loop, so you can sculpt your pack to the shape of your load
- Packmod pockets on the shoulder straps and hipbelt are great for camera, snacks, etc.—or you can take them off altogether to reduce weight
- Roll-top closure lets you snug the pack down to fit the size of your load
- Seam-taped Rainshield lining in the top lid and shoulder-strap pocket protects your gear against drizzly weather (these pockets will not withstand submersion)
- 3D contoured hipbelt and ventilated back panel are comfortable all day with a load of 15-30 lbs.
- Water bottle pockets are positioned forward on the hipbelt so you don't have to remove the pack to grab your drink; snap closures keep a good grip on slim water bottles
- Exterior side pockets are great for storing light items that you want to keep handy
- Top lid is a removable, 5.75-liter pocket
- Breathable mesh front pocket is great for a rain shell or other gear you may need to access quickly
- Attachment loops on the front allow ice axes, tools and more to be lashed on, expanding your carrying ability while keeping the load stable
- Hydration-compatible design
- Removing all Packmod accessories saves 7 oz.
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Material(s) | 100-denier ripstop nylon main body; 420-denier nylon bottom |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
62 people found this review helpful
7 years ago
27 pounds
I just got this pack last week. I was tired of a under utilized Ospreys Volt 75. I was able to get all my gear in plus 1pound of kindling and a firelog and still had lots of room. My final weight was 27 pounds with water. I did a light 6.8 mile in and out trip and camped overnight. This pack felt very good, it never shifted around on my waist, it stayed in place. 3 times I had to crawl or stoop down to go under downed trees on the trail. Never once did the pack shift all contents stayed in place. The only Con at this time is the size of the top shoulder strap pocket. It was very tight on my phone, I was unable to get my phone out without a lot of effort. And trying to put it back in on the trail, forget about it.
I was looking at the Ospreys EXOS 58 but am very happy I went with this pack instead. Plus it’s $20 cheaper and has all the things Ospreys took of the previous EXOS versions. So this pack is a win win.
Yes , I recommend this product
lilsgx
Poulsbo Wa.Most Helpful Critical Review
39 people found this review helpful
6 years ago
One huge design flaw preventing this from being a
I recently finished thru-hiking the AT using this pack and *almost* loved it. In fact, it was a fantastic pack except for one really big design flaw, which didn't present itself until after using it for a while. But, that's not the whole story for this pack so I want to give my complete review.
*** First, the bad ***
The huge flaw is that the waist belt--and to a lesser extent, the shoulder straps--would come loose as I hiked, more often or more quickly if I had to do a larger range of movement with my body (say, climbing or rock scrambling) or if I stumbled while walking. I don't really remember how long I hiked with the pack before I started noticing this but after I did notice it, the problem became steadily worse with more mileage, to the point that by the end of my hike I was re-cinching the belt (and, less often, the shoulder straps) probably every 10-15 minutes. Perhaps this was due to repeated exposure to rain and sweat? I didn't see a lot of other hikers using this pack, but the ones I did see later in my hike also complained of the exact same problem so I would have to say this is a design defect rather than a problem specific to my pack.
OK, so that is a major problem and thus I cannot recommend this pack for a long thru-hike. Having said that, it might never be an issue for more limited, occasional use and assuming REI figures out what is wrong and can fix it with the next edition, this is a pack with a lot to love. (Note that commenter bufo had the same problem and said he fixed it with tri-glides but unless I am misunderstanding his use of the term, the pack already uses them so I am not sure how he used them to fix the problem).
*** The rest of the story ***
Aside from the major issue just mentioned, I think this pack has a lot to offer, with only minor complaints that can and hopefully will be fixed in a future version. Here are some things I noticed in using it so extensively.
1. When properly cinched, the pack carried whatever weight I threw at it comfortably, though I don't think I ever carried more than about 34 pounds and usually was in the 25-30 pound range.
2. The pack held up remarkably well despite the abuse it suffered -- no noticeable wear and tear on any of the fabric, with the exception of the front mesh pocket
3. Speaking of the mesh pocket, it was fine but perhaps adding a bit more volume capacity to it would be a good idea. I also agree with another comment complaining about the hook fastener. It's OK but not great when the pocket is full and is definitely not very secure if the pocket is not full. I would suggest a better fastener for the next edition but having said that, it was never a significant issue for me personally.
4. I loved how the main side pockets were separate from the angled water bottle pockets. I might recommend adding just a bit more capacity to them but that is nitpicking.
5. As for those angled water bottle pockets, I absolutely loved them as they made grabbing my bottles on the go super easy (unlike many of the other packs I saw fellow hikers using). User Beeker79 complained about his Smart Water bottles falling out every time he bent over but that wasn't my experience at all. In fact, I used a 1L Smart Water bottle in one pocket and a 700ml version in the other and only dropped a bottle twice, once during a very technical section and once during a rough fall. Perhaps he didn't use the snaps that are provided for narrower bottles?
6. I used the pack with all the included extra pockets/pouches, including the brain and was glad to have them. The hip belt pockets were great for snacks, my head bug net, some bug spray, and other items I might want in a hurry. The only negative is that perhaps they could be a bit larger (to accommodate a phone) and that they are quite difficult to close with only one hand. The brain was great for things I might want to access somewhat quickly without having to open up the pack and dig through the contents. The mobile phone pouch was mostly good and did a great job the few times I walked in the rain with no poncho to protect it, but it has no real firmness so oftentimes it was a pain to get my phone back in, especially with only one hand. That might be less of an issue for a smaller phone (I think mine is a 6.1" screen) but I would love to see some small guide wires inserted or some other design change made to make getting your phone in and out easier. That and/or making it slightly larger. Another comment mentions the pouch not closing well but I didn't have that problem.
7. One complaint about the brain involves the straps that cinch it on the back side. I am not sure if they are supposed to go over the back panel and internal frame or just off to the side. I think the former, but for me doing so made the pack uncomfortable. It also seemed to cause wear on the fabric near the upper corners of the frame. If it is supposed to cinch to the outside the design makes it seem unnatural to do so and makes it hard to cinch further down the back of the pack. I am probably not explaining it very well, but another hiker I met complained of the same issue.
8. Regarding the hip belt, I believe the fully contoured design might be a big reason the pack carried the weight so comfortably and it also proved quite durable, resisting wear and tear, but it does make the pack inconvenient if you wish to squeeze it into tight spaces or try to use it as a carry-on pack when flying.
9. I am not sure what to write about the back mesh panel. I imagine it did help with ventilation but, of course, when you are hiking 10+ hours a day, sweat is a fact of life, regardless of the back panel. Thus, I cannot say how it compares with a design like the ones Osprey or Zpacks packs use, but I imagine it is better than the packs like HMG that simply rest directly on your back. I can say that while the mesh doesn't look especially robust, it also survived the entire hike without a single tear or any sign of wear at all.
10. I found the trekking poles attachment to not snugly secure my poles.
11. One interesting thing I noticed -- and perhaps this is common to similar packs? -- is that when fully loaded the pack tended to fall forward (toward the front mesh pocket side) a bit too much and wasn't always stable to just sit on the ground. Perhaps that was the way I packed it, though I tended to put my heavier items closer to the bottom and the back panel so I am not sure how I could have packed in a way that would have made it more stable. This was never a significant issue, just a small thing I mention in trying to be thorough with this review.
12. A couple of reviews said that this pack is waterproof. It is not. I don't really think it's too water resistant either so I definitely recommend using a pack cover.
13. The final thing I would note is that the sizing for this pack is very restrictive in that each size is a single torso measurement. Perhaps because of that I found the fit to be more comfortable for me than the Osprey Exos or Granite Gear that I also tried on, but if you are between sizes (or too short/long) it may mean you are out of luck. And, unlike some packs (e.g., Gossamer Gear or ULA) that offer removable hip belts, there is only one size, fully integrated hip belt. That means if you have mismatched torso and hips you may be out of luck. Likewise, if you do a long thru-hike and end up losing a lot of weight (thus, inches from your waist), you may also have issues. If REI made the sizing more flexible this would appeal to many more hikers.
So, what's my final verdict? I would say that if REI fixes the cinching problem this pack is a great and inexpensive long-distance pack option. If they fix that and a few other smaller issues it will be a home run that should become a staple long-distance hiking pack for years to come. Until then, I would probably not recommend it for very long distances but it might be perfect for more occasional use. Of course, with REI's great warranty policy, I guess you can just give it a try and see for yourself.
mojamba
AustinLocation:Oklahoma
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
4 years ago
Light, Rugged, Adaptable
Yes , I recommend this product
Quality build with great bones and adaptable rigging. I highly recommend adding a few REI accessory straps with buckles. I dragged this pack through the thick loaded with 65 pounds of gear. The pack is no joke, light weight and easily adaptable or stripped down. Today this Flash 55 learned about thicket thorns and she's a honeybadger, she didnt give one single F.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Location:Hawaii
Age:55–64
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:5'11"
4 years ago
Great pack at a great price!
Yes , I recommend this product
I'm writing this first review based solely on my experiences from opening the box last night. I have borrowed a Flash 55 from a friend on a few occasions for an local overnighter at the beach parks, as well as an Osprey Rook 65 a couple of times. I will do a follow-up review as soon as I take it the Flash on the trail with my full compliment of gear. First, the color - while not my first choice, I ordered the Olive Oil color as the Asphalt version was already sold out by the time I finally pulled the trigger on buying. The website pictures make it look a lot more like a bright yellow than it really is. It truly is the color of olive oil and is even just sightly darker or "muddled" in color than the images I have added to this review pics) and honestly while I prefer a pack color that blends in well, this color has grown on me - I really like it. The weight (or lack thereof) is extraordinary for a pack in this price range (I purchased it during the recent Spring Sale at $139), and I am pleasantly surprised in the quality of the pack after my first overall inspection. No errant threads, all of the panels and stitching feels solid. The fit is great, I am on the stocky side (5'11"/248lbs) and was concerned about finding a pack that would fit my body shape. I've lost about almost 50lbs in the last year and wanted a pack that will still fit as I keep "downsizing" myself. I was on the fence between a M or a L as my torso measurement is 19" - and I ended up going with the L after an online chat with an REI team member. It would also fit well if I was 260-270lbs. I filled up a 4L Sea to Summit water bladder just to get a feel for the pack and it was exactly as I imagined and hoped it would be. This pack will get a lot of weekend use in the beginning with long weekends and 5-7 day mainland trips planned for June and July. I do a lot of interisland travel for work and spend a lot of time in Volcanoes NP on the Big Island and have mostly (over)used a large 22L Camelbak for those 3-5 day trips, which can be really limiting for such trips. I prefer going as basic as possible with any luggage when traveling to avoid checked in bags like the plague, so I bought this to be my main backpacking/travel pack. I have not had a problem with getting onboard as a carry on with the borrowed Flash 55 in the past, but I'm not sure of that would still be possible with a typical full week load out, I tend to pack just the what I need so YMMV. The only thing missing from the Flash is a separate compartment for a tent, but I mostly hammock camp and adding a tent to the main compartment isn't a big deal to me as my former backpack was a heavy, exterior framed one bought and used for a '79 trip up Mt. Whitney. If I was doing longer trips of 7 days or more, or section hikes and through hikes on the mainland, I probably would prefer a pack that had one. The Flash 55 is also of the weight and "compact-ablity" to use as a day hike bag and has a hydration bladder space as well like my Camelbak. Having said all that, I can’t wait to get this pack out on the trails and put it through its paces and post review from the field!
Age:55–64
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Location:Indianapolis, IN
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
5 years ago
Comfortable, versatile, lightweight pack!
Yes , I recommend this product
I absolutely love the REI Flash 55. I have taken the pack on several trips now, most recently tackling 45 miles along the Teton Crest Trail over 4 nights. From start to finish my total pack weight was 32 to 25 pounds and the Flash handled that load with ease and comfort. My favorite features are the easily reached water bottle pockets (a gamechanger!), large mesh stuff pocket, one hand operable hip belt pockets, and truly comfortable hip belt and shoulder straps. I also love that I could unload most of my gear at camp, remove the top lid, and roll and compress the bag down making it light enough and small enough to effortlessly use as a day pack for excursions from camp, even allowing me to fly fish with the pack on. No complaints. Highly recommend.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Location:Earth
4 years ago
Perfect Pack for Traveling
Yes , I recommend this product
I was worried I wouldn't be able to take it as a carry on in the plane, but had no issues at all, it fit in the overhead compartment like a glove. Traveled internationally and was able to easily fit 2 weeks of clothes (with compression bags) and still had plenty of room inside. It is super lightweight and comfortable. My only complaint is that the zippers on the hip belt pockets are almost impossible to close when wearing the pack.
Location:Shenandoah Valley, VA
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
4 years ago
Light Backpack Perfect for LASH
Yes , I recommend this product
I used this pack for over 1500 AT miles and also in Spain. I found it much lighter than my OSPREY and very durable. I really like the adjustable straps. For me, the way I carry gear, this pack was perfect. I attached a water bottle holder at the waist and I carry my phone in the added pouch that comes with the pack.
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Location:Atlanta, GA
6 years ago
Light Weigth, Fits Me Well
I purchased this because it was lighter than my Osprey 65AG. I used it for a week on the AT to test drive it prior to a planned through hike next year. For me it was very comfortable - no hot spots or pressure points. Based on that experience I plan to start my through hike with this pack. I am having to adapt and get used to the differences from my other pack - where to put stuff to best fit my routine. The back web pouch is very roomy as well as the two adjacent side pouches. The bottle pouches work fine but you have to get used to loading them from the top as opposed to the option for pushing them straight in as in the Osprey. It was hard for me to get a grip on the 1 liter smart bottle but solved this by putting a small length of cord on it. No problems putting the water bottle back. Problem solved. One issue that took a little more to overcome was with the removable pouch that you can put on the shoulder strap. It is ideal for phone, map or other item you want to keep handy but the flap keeps popping open/up. This will let water in or increase the risk of your item falling out. Their design used a magnet to keep it closed. I guess to keep the weight down they used a small/wimpy magnet. I modified mine and added Velcro; sewed it on an added seam sealer behind it and where the threads penetrated. That ought to solve it. I've worked on my gear so that I can stay under the thirty pound capacity limit and plan to used this as my go to pack to start the AT. Recommend this product and will try to post an update after the hike. Make sure you get a light weight pack liner to keep your stuff dry. I've had no issues yet but they claim it is resistant not waterproof... but I hear that even if you have a pack that is advertised as waterproof, use a water proof liner if you go on the AT.
7 years ago
Revolutionary Pack
Yes , I recommend this product
I've had this pack out on 5 trips now and it has blown my mind. For a super affordable pack, it hits the ultralight mark and keeps durability. With the snaps on the two forward side pockets, the pack carries bear spray and smartwater bottles easily. The water bottle side pockets are the most genius thing ever. I have no shoulder flexibility and can reach the pockets easily. The hipbelt pockets are massive and can fit a big phone or each one can fit an entire days worth of snacks. The two things I don't like are the front pocket loop attachment and the hipbelt pocket zippers. The front pocket loop attachment comes undone when the pocket is empty often and just doesn't seem secure. I rather have a buckle. The zipper on the hipbelt pockets is hard to fully close with one hand.
Location:Fayetteville,WV
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:6'1"
4 years ago
Made it the whole AT
Yes , I recommend this product
Great backpack for both quick trips and thru hikes. I used this pack from Georgia to Maine with no issues and have very few complaints. The whole thing that sold me on this pack was the ease of use for the water bottle pockets, and they worked amazing. The waist belt straps loosened up on their own occasionally but I fixed them with a bit of tent sealer on the straps. The single large pouch and brain was all I really needed to carry everything I needed for 6 months. The phone pocket was great for stowing my phone and listening to music but the inside kept slipping out with the phone so I eventually just moved my phone to my fanny pack. It’s still in decent shape but I’m going to retire it and hang it on the wall. Gonna buy me another one for the Arizona trail this spring
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Location:Ontario
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
4 years ago
Best feature the water bottle pockets
Yes , I recommend this product
I recently sold two packs i no longer use and put the money toward this pack . After watch many reviews on this pack and hearing how well loved it is. i decided this might be the pack for me . the price is right on this one at 199.00 but when i went to order mine i got a bonus as part of a spring sale i got it for 30% off . The only problen which is not really a problem is i could only get the olive oil colour in Medium . I love the modularity of this pack and during fitting i discoverd the the buckles that secure the top lid can be move to the shoulder straps and just behind the side pockets and the top lid can be used s a chest pocket . i loaded the pack with some gear and two nalgenes full and walked around the top lid chest pocket works great even with about 2 lbs of stuff in front. doesn't swing too much in front . just had to share this as i dont think anyone has tried this with the top lid. walked around my house up and down three flight of stairs and it is comfortable on me.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Location:Los Angeles
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
6 years ago
Love it
Yes , I recommend this product
So i have taken this on R2R2R in Grand Canyon and TransCatalina (3 and 4 day trips) with lots of ups and down. I did the JMT with the old Flash 65 and it did great. Love this one as well.. My load with full food and 3l of water was 30lb (about 15 without) This thing rocked it and I could easily go 5 hours with out needing to take it off Love the functionality that you don't get with other LW packs. To folks who say this doesn't carry 30lbs comfortably I suggest you look at your fit as it definitely does. Yes the cell phone pocket magnet is not the best but you can always sub in another pouch. This is a keeper.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
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