REI Co-op  Flash 55 Pack - Women's

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The women's REI Co-op Flash 55 pack offers options to keep your load stable and steady no matter how you hike—fast and light or fully loaded. Well-integrated suspension adds carrying comfort.

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Features

  • 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
  • Breathable mesh front pocket is great for a rain shell or other gear you may need to access quickly
  • Top lid is a removable, 5.75-liter pocket
  • 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.
  • 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 Backpacking Packs

Technical Specs

Best Use

Backpacking

Frame Type

Internal Frame

Material(s)

Ripstop nylon; Oxford nylon (bluesign® approved)

Frame Material

Steel

Reservoir Compatible

Yes

Number of Exterior Pockets

9

Hipbelt Pockets

Yes

Gender

Women's

Sustainability

Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria

From a Climate Label Certified brand

REI Co-opREI co-op logo

Better gear is built together

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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        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee
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List of certifications which include The Climate Label certification,
        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee

Reviews
110 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

78 out of 83 (94%) reviewers recommend this product

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Average Customer Ratings

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars
My new go-to backpack!
Destination Backpacker
5 years ago
I bought the Women’s REI Flash 55L backpack at the beginning of June 2019 and have used it on three weekend trips now. I am 5’7” 145 pounds and bought the women’s medium in olive oil. Thank you REI for making a women’s product that didn’t only come in pink, purple, or teal!! The pack weighs 2 lbs, 11 oz on my home scale, including all attachments. Before purchasing the Flash 55, I used the Osprey Aura 50L (2014 purple version, women’s small, 3 lbs, 1 oz on my home scale), which I absolutely loved, that is, until I used the Flash 55L. This is now my favorite, go-to backpack. It is extremely comfortable and didn’t rub or chafe me anywhere. Unlike some purchasers, I did not have any experience with the hip or shoulder straps loosening up while wearing the pack. Once tightened, the hip belt straps are pretty long on me, but I haven’t decided yet whether I’m going to cut and shorten them. I like the two external side-pockets on each side of the pack and am able to get my Smartwater bottles out of them by myself. This was not at all possible with my Osprey. I also like the hip belt pockets which, unlike the Osprey’s, I can reach while wearing the pack. I have not had any issues with the zippers on these pockets. I typically keep snacks, compass and maps, multi-tool, sunscreen, and lip balm in these pockets. I like having the accessory pocket on the front shoulder strap, but I wish it were more usable. It isn’t big enough to hold a Smartwater bottle or my iPhone X (in an Otterbox defender case), so I use it to hold my sunglasses when I’m not wearing them and a bandanna. Also, the flap’s magnetic closure has a habit of popping open—perhaps a stronger magnet or hook-and-loop fastener on the next version? I do plan on buying a couple of extra packmod straps so that I can attach my Helinox backpacking chair to the outside bottom of the pack. The main interior compartment is roomy and seems larger than 55L, and I can easily pack all my gear with significant room left over. In bear country, I carry a BV 450, which can be placed horizontally inside the pack. I like the fold over top, although it does take longer to open and close compared to the Osprey’s string cinch closure. I also like the brain, which can be removed, but I keep it on for managing various small things I need to get to quickly, like first aid kit, toiletries, trowel/tp, Sawyer squeeze, headlamp, trail lunch additional snacks, etc. The large front mesh pocket is nice, but the closure doesn’t stay closed. I would classify myself as a lightweight backpacker with base weight usually around 17 pounds. With 3 days' food, 3L water, and adult libations (one 750 ml flask of wine and a small flask of scotch), my pack weighed in around 32 pounds but felt much lighter. My longest trip was a 16.5 miler out-and-back in 90-degree weather, and the pack held my gear comfortably and close to my body with no shifting. My Osprey felt a bit top heavy, but my Flash did not, even though I packed both packs exactly the same way with the exact same gear. While described as mesh, the back panel is really more of a formed foam pad covered by a mesh fabric. My back got sweaty, but it was that way with my Osprey too, which actually does have a separate mesh trampoline panel that sits off the back of the pack. Even so, my Flash 55 is more comfortable than my Osprey and is the pack I will be using almost exclusively from now on. TL;DR: Despite some small shortcomings, this pack is lightweight, comfortable, and spacious. I love this pack and am extremely glad I bought it.
Destination Backpacker
Orange County, CA
58 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
This bag is almost perfect
tiabih
6 years ago
The amazing: I purchased this bag to replace my Ariel 65. It was a huge change that I was so excited about. I took the Flash 55 on a 110 section hike from PA to Harper's Ferry. My base weight for this hike was 14 lbs. Fully loaded with 5 days of food and two liters of water, I was at 24 lbs. Lightweight heaven! It holds all of my stuff perfectly. The extra snap on the water bottle pockets cinched down on skinny bottles. The two huge side pockets were perfect for storing my wet tent and dirty water bag. The large front pocket held my rain gear and gross camp shoes. The hip belt pockets were the perfect size, and were only slightly annoying to zip closed while hiking, but I got used to them after the second day. Being able to move all of the compression straps and attachment points made it so easy to change how I packed my bag each day depending on how much gear was wet and how much food I had left. After resupply, I could rearrange the compression straps all over again to get a good fit. The rain shield phone pocket and brain are awesome!! Nothing got wet, ever. My gripe: It sounds like the perfect bag, right? Except the hip belt. I will say that the hip belt was comfy. I never experienced bruised hips which always happens with other bags. It was definitely a comfy fit. However, the hip belt would loosen constantly!! Maybe every 15-20 minutes I would realize that all of the pack weight was on my shoulders (again), so I would have to readjust and cinch the hip belt down (AGAIN). For a 110 mile walk in the woods, this was extremely frustrating. It almost took the zen out of my alone time in the green tunnel. After a few days, I tied a knot in the side of the belt that seemed to be slipping more. This meant I only had to readjust every 30 minutes or so, but it was still super annoying. Tying a knot in the hip belt completely defeats the purpose of having an adjustable belt. I still haven't decided whether I'm going to return the bag or not. I'm hoping I just got a bad bag, and maybe the rest aren't like this. I have seen one other review that mentioned the slipping belt. I love the bag so much other than that one super annoying not-so-tiny problem.
tiabih
Richmond, VA
33 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

Lizzydc
Spokane, WA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

The best you can get at this price!

4 years ago

I’ve put about 65 miles on this so far and it’s been one of my best gear investments! I love the minimal design, customization, and utility of this pack. I have not had the same issue with holes in the mesh, but maybe I am just more careful with my pack than most? My fiancé has a very similar style of pack from Gossamer Gear that he paid almost twice as much for. The cushioning is amazing, I never bruise, and although the pack itself is nearly 3lbs, it carries the weight so well that I don’t think I’ve ever been more comfortable carrying a 25lb load. For this price, you really can’t get anything better in my opinion.

Age:18–24
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Destination Backpacker
Orange County, CA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

My new go-to backpack!

5 years ago

I bought the Women’s REI Flash 55L backpack at the beginning of June 2019 and have used it on three weekend trips now. I am 5’7” 145 pounds and bought the women’s medium in olive oil. Thank you REI for making a women’s product that didn’t only come in pink, purple, or teal!! The pack weighs 2 lbs, 11 oz on my home scale, including all attachments. Before purchasing the Flash 55, I used the Osprey Aura 50L (2014 purple version, women’s small, 3 lbs, 1 oz on my home scale), which I absolutely loved, that is, until I used the Flash 55L. This is now my favorite, go-to backpack. It is extremely comfortable and didn’t rub or chafe me anywhere. Unlike some purchasers, I did not have any experience with the hip or shoulder straps loosening up while wearing the pack. Once tightened, the hip belt straps are pretty long on me, but I haven’t decided yet whether I’m going to cut and shorten them. I like the two external side-pockets on each side of the pack and am able to get my Smartwater bottles out of them by myself. This was not at all possible with my Osprey. I also like the hip belt pockets which, unlike the Osprey’s, I can reach while wearing the pack. I have not had any issues with the zippers on these pockets. I typically keep snacks, compass and maps, multi-tool, sunscreen, and lip balm in these pockets. I like having the accessory pocket on the front shoulder strap, but I wish it were more usable. It isn’t big enough to hold a Smartwater bottle or my iPhone X (in an Otterbox defender case), so I use it to hold my sunglasses when I’m not wearing them and a bandanna. Also, the flap’s magnetic closure has a habit of popping open—perhaps a stronger magnet or hook-and-loop fastener on the next version? I do plan on buying a couple of extra packmod straps so that I can attach my Helinox backpacking chair to the outside bottom of the pack. The main interior compartment is roomy and seems larger than 55L, and I can easily pack all my gear with significant room left over. In bear country, I carry a BV 450, which can be placed horizontally inside the pack. I like the fold over top, although it does take longer to open and close compared to the Osprey’s string cinch closure. I also like the brain, which can be removed, but I keep it on for managing various small things I need to get to quickly, like first aid kit, toiletries, trowel/tp, Sawyer squeeze, headlamp, trail lunch additional snacks, etc. The large front mesh pocket is nice, but the closure doesn’t stay closed. I would classify myself as a lightweight backpacker with base weight usually around 17 pounds. With 3 days' food, 3L water, and adult libations (one 750 ml flask of wine and a small flask of scotch), my pack weighed in around 32 pounds but felt much lighter. My longest trip was a 16.5 miler out-and-back in 90-degree weather, and the pack held my gear comfortably and close to my body with no shifting. My Osprey felt a bit top heavy, but my Flash did not, even though I packed both packs exactly the same way with the exact same gear. While described as mesh, the back panel is really more of a formed foam pad covered by a mesh fabric. My back got sweaty, but it was that way with my Osprey too, which actually does have a separate mesh trampoline panel that sits off the back of the pack. Even so, my Flash 55 is more comfortable than my Osprey and is the pack I will be using almost exclusively from now on. TL;DR: Despite some small shortcomings, this pack is lightweight, comfortable, and spacious. I love this pack and am extremely glad I bought it.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Vicki
Sandy, Utah
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Picked small due to color choices

4 years ago

It carried all my gear easily on a 5 day trip. It was light and comfortable, and easily packed up smaller as my pack lightened up.

Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Emily
Unfortunately, NJ
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

First Pack, Good Choice!

6 years ago

Tested this on a weekend trip along the AT, and have been really happy with it so far. The customizable pack mods allow you to strip down the pack fairly well to save weight on bells and whistles you may not need. After a little practice, water bottles can be reached without having to remove the pack. I think the 55L size is perfect, as it prevents you from bringing more than you need. The cellphone pocket on the strap is clutch. I purchased this in-store, and selected it because it seemed to have a more Spartan construction than some of the other packs out there. Take my review with a grain of salt, as it's my first pack, but I would recommend this.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Blistered Toes
Washington, DC
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

This pack is my best friend

4 years ago

I've put probably around 200 miles on this bag, and it's been great so far. It easily fits my bear can, clothes, 20 degree sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad and tent (sans poles) in the main compartment. It's perfectly comfortable, and the pockets are all ingenious. The stretchy mesh pockets *are* showing a bit of fraying and wear -- though so far no holes. The durability concerns there the reason why I docked it one star. The magnetic flap on the chest pocket does tend to flap up, but I don't use it that much, so it's not much of a concern. My *big* smartphone fits in the chest pocket with a bit of fussing. I'm 5 foot 5 inches, about 130 pounds, and bought a small.

Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
alexjm80
Seattle
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

extremely good UL for the cost

3 years ago

This pack has been traveling with me on the PCT through 700 miles of the desert. I love the simple and customizable design options. There is good structure and support while still being lightweight. The big mesh pocket on the back combined with the side pockets make it really comparable to many UL styles. No tears anywhere and only a few small holes in a pocket caused by my tent stakes.The only downside for me is that it’s outgrown me and I now need a smaller size. I would really consider the sizing when you buy it and getting it fitted in store. I went with a size up from what was recommended and wish I hadn’t.

Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Kara
Appalachian Trail
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Don't buy the green one. Fabric is thinner.

3 years ago

I love this backpack. I originally started with the gray one and used the heck out of it. Unfortunately, the hip belt and shoulder straps started to give out (wouldn't stay tight) after 2+ years of use. It was out of REIs warranty, so I had to buy a new one. The green was the only color in stock at the store and since I was hiking the Appalachian Trail, I had to take whatever I could get. I HATED the green bag. It immediately tore on both side pockets and the mesh. My gray pack had no tears in it after 4 months of daily use... I'll likely get this pack again, it was comfortable, but never the green one...

Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
MAK1
St. Paul, MN
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

This pack ROCKS

3 years ago

This pack seriously ROCKS. About a year ago I stumbled into REI looking for a lighter weight pack from my current 6 pound $60 sale pack. This one did NOT disappoint. I took it backpacking 180 miles, and it was the perfect size for my 12 pound base weight + food. It was never at full capacity. Since then, I’ve used it traveling, camping, and will soon be using it for a several month stay backpacking in Europe. Please, do purchase this pack. It’s phenomenal, even if you’re not a regular backpacker (much like myself).

Age:18–24
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
OldBackpacker
Cleveland, OH
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Very good, except the mesh pockets

4 years ago

I used it for a 6-day backpacking trip in Kings Canyon, and it was great. Lightweight enough, but sits well and is easy to carry. I did not have any problems nether with my shoulders, nor with the belt. The design of all pockets is good - they are the right size, easy to use. The 2 pockets that open towards your back is a great idea (I used one for a small water bottle). My only complain is the same as everybody else's - the mesh of the pockets got torn. I am OK with the big pocket having a hole (after all, I use it for large things that are unlikely to fall out), but the same thing happened to one of the small pockets on the belt, and I use it for small and often valuable items.

Age:55–64
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
joco_5941
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Nearly Perfect

5 years ago

This was almost the perfect pack for me. Bought for a 6 day/70 mile JMT trip. (5'7" 125- fit M b/c of torso) Don't have exact #, but think I carried close to 30 (recommended limit) when full. I'm sure you'd be fine carrying 35+. I took the shoulder pocket off, fit phone in one hip pocket & disposable camera + deet wipes in other hip pocket. Bear can (old garcia made in visalia model) fit horizontally (on top of sleeping bag/clothes)! But was a pain to get out. Ended up packing vertically for 4/6 days. Loved the side water bottle pockets -those plus using a sport cap bottle was a game changer for me. Larger side pocket strained to fit Nalgene when pack full. Brain fit sawyer filter/kindle/toiletry bag/headlamp/small notebook. Fleece layer + lunch/snack bag in mesh outer pocket. No breathability/back sweat issues (patagonia silkweight capilene + columbia LS). Didn't miss the sleeping bag compartment. No hip or shoulder bruising. Some bad "hiker's neck" upper/mid shoulder pain, but that probably had to do with my posture. Super bummed because the mesh pocket got a hole on day 1 & a second a couple days later. I need to be able to lean against a tree or slouch against a rock without worrying about that. Rest of nylon held up fine-no holes. Packmod system didn't really give me any bonus points, but the stripped down version is a plus for ultralighters - would prefer buckles on side straps I think.

Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
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