How to Choose Daypacks
Bend, Oregon
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
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Handy in town, on trails and for short hikes away from basecamp, the REI Co-op Flash 18 pack cleverly converts into a stuff sack when you turn it inside out.
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- Breathable, stretch-mesh shoulder straps have fold-over padding that softens contact with your neck and shoulders
- Back panel is lightly padded; pad slips out for use as a sit pad
- Hipbelt and sternum strap can be detached to save weight
- Updated pack shape makes loading and access easier
- Hydration-compatible design includes a hose exit port and an internal sleeve for a reservoir (reservoir not included)
- Single-handed, quick-pull drawcord with small weather flap seals top
- Pack exterior has a zippered pocket and daisy chain with ice-axe loop
- Exterior loops can be used to lash on extra gear, add compression or tie the Flash 18 to a larger pack
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
- 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
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Daypacks| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Frameless |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,100 cubic inches |
| Weight | 9 ounces |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 16 - 20 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | 26 - 42 inches |
| Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 1 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17 x 10 x 7 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Best bang for your buck!
HailSeitan695 years ago
I have beat the living heck out of this pack. It’s been climbing, it’s been my morning commuter, and I’ve dragged it up and through caves. It’s survived torrential PNW downpours, bike crashes, and being dragged through dense brush. I’ve only noted a few small abrasions, but nothing that compromises the integrity of the backpack. It dries out quickly, and if you need a waterproof option, It fits a 20L dry bag comfortably. I’ve managed to fit lunch, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a 15 inch laptop and numerous other items in it without any problem. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the strips were a little more robust. But other than that, it’s great. There’s also a pocket for a reservoir.
HailSeitan69
Pacific Northwest
19 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Great multi use & perfect size day pack.
sadbag6 years ago
Was gifted to me this last Christmas and have been using this to carry a water bottle and sweater everywhere. Unfortunately, the lining is coming off and falling apart. Can't find anything online on how to fix this. Backpack doesn't last. :(
sadbag
Los Angeles, CA
46 people found this review helpful
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Ranger2004
New York, NY
Exceeded expectations
5 years ago
Very rarely do I find something that meets my requirements exactly (features, price, etc.) without looking for months. Fortunately for me, I went to REI first and found this awesome backpack. I use it to hold water, snacks, wallet, and extra/alternative layers while skiing or hiking. Perfect daypack and it’s hard to beat the price! I also like that you can remove the chest and waist straps, so on a pinch I can use this as a work backpack (holds my laptop easily). The built in whistle on the chest strap was a nice touch. The one outside pocket is perfect for my wallet and keys. Love how easy it is to open and close. Very easy to pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
kaugliera
Denver, CO
My favorite bag!
5 years ago
I went rock climbing with my friend and was so envious of hers that she used to hold all her climbing gear. She said it was cheap and she got it at REI so I went browsing and saw they had different colors! The tumbleweed color had me hesitant at first, not gonna lie. But I ordered it and it absolutely LOVED it when I saw it in person. I use it for my climbing gear but I was bummed I couldn't use that bag if its designated for my climbing bag! So what was my solution? Order ANOTHER one! same color! Definitely my favorite bag, so lightweight and I get lots of compliments on it. Its the perfect carry-all!!
Yes , I recommend this product
HailSeitan69
Pacific Northwest
Best bang for your buck!
5 years ago
I have beat the living heck out of this pack. It’s been climbing, it’s been my morning commuter, and I’ve dragged it up and through caves. It’s survived torrential PNW downpours, bike crashes, and being dragged through dense brush. I’ve only noted a few small abrasions, but nothing that compromises the integrity of the backpack. It dries out quickly, and if you need a waterproof option, It fits a 20L dry bag comfortably. I’ve managed to fit lunch, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a 15 inch laptop and numerous other items in it without any problem. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the strips were a little more robust. But other than that, it’s great. There’s also a pocket for a reservoir.
Yes , I recommend this product
sadbag
Los Angeles, CA
Great multi use & perfect size day pack.
6 years ago
Was gifted to me this last Christmas and have been using this to carry a water bottle and sweater everywhere. Unfortunately, the lining is coming off and falling apart. Can't find anything online on how to fix this. Backpack doesn't last. :(
Zach
Tulsa OK
Most used backpack I've ever owned
5 years ago
I've had this pack for about 4 years, and it has become one of my favorite pieces of gear. I've hiked with it, used it for school, gym clothes, and adventure cycling. It's super lightweight, and it's held up to multiple washes in the washing machine and hundreds of miles of dirt and mud. It's a simple pack, and that's why I like it so much. I usually throw my phone in the front pocket, all my gear in the main pack area, and a 2L bladder in the hydration slot. I can't say enough good things about this, and I highly highly recommend this to anyone in need of a small, simple, lightweight, bombproof backpack.
Yes , I recommend this product
taterbug
Franklin, TN
Lightweight day-hiker
6 years ago
The Flash 18 is a very good, basic day pack. I recently used it to hike the Alum Cave Trail to the top of Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains. It held my rain jacket, first aid kit, 1 liter Nalgene bottle, binoculars and a few other small items. The pack wore very well even without using the lap belt. (I'm 6'4" tall and the only negative is that the lap belt rides a little high). Even without it, is carried the weight very well and is easy to access everything with the single drawstring opening. The outside pocket is perfect for a map or notepad. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a small, simple, lightweight pack for day hikes. It could probably also be used as a stuffsack on longer backpacking trips.
Yes , I recommend this product
carmax
SF
Love this guy!
5 years ago
Love this day pack. Light and functional to pack backpacking for day hikes. I used this as a stuff sack for dirty laundry at the end. It feels light and easy on your back. Would also be great to pack in your suitcase traveling for hiking. The black is stylish/sleek enough to pull off for non active use with the chest/waist straps removed. A bit sticky to open and close. Fits my 3L Gregory bladder.
Yes , I recommend this product
James
Huntersville, NC
Excellent day pack.
6 years ago
I bought mine some years ago when REI was offering them at a very reduced price as a close out. I actually packed it in my backpack for a week-long backing trip into the Weminuche Wilderness in CO as an optional dayhike pack from campsites along the route. In the years since I have used it extensively and it has held up well. I generally use it for day hikes in the 4-10 mile range. Also for bushwhacking--it never gets hung up on brush due to its low profile. There are a few things I have to leave out when I use it, such as my larger camera tripods. But it holds everything I need, plus emergency items. Sits comfortably on my back and I've never had any complaints or problems with the pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Paul
Springfield, VA
Survived the Grand Canyon
5 years ago
I've had this pack for years. It's my go-to pack for a quick trip or errand when I need to carry a small number of items. Last week I tried it out for a serious hike: the Grand Canyon, 17 miles from rim to river and back again, down South Kaibob and back via Bright Angel. I had just enough room for a 3L water bladder, small first aid kit, basic survival tools, food for the day, and a layer or two of extra clothing. With all that, there was no extra room. I was surprised by how perfectly the pack worked for the trip. It was lightweight, just the right size, and the hip and chest belts distributed the weight and prevented shoulder strain. The pack is now proudly beat up and dirty and I have no plans to ever clean it up.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
AmyB
Salt Lake City
A classic REI Product
5 years ago
This is my 3rd iteration of the Flash pack, not that they are flimsy but I use mine a lot. It's super light-weight and unfussy. No zipper to break! Just a sack with a drawstring. I like the addition of interior pockets. My daughter uses the exterior daisy chain to attach little stuffed animals, which makes this a great pack for kids. For backpacking I use it as a stuff sack for my sleeping bag so that I can have a functional day pack along. I sometimes line it with a drybag to use as a bow bag for packrafting.
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
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