How to Choose Daypacks

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The REI Co-op Flash 18 Pride Edition pack is the way to pack with pride for travel, hikes and daily commutes. 5% of its sales go to nonprofits that connect LGBTQ people to the outdoors.
Shop newer versionBest Use | Hiking |
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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 |
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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I purchased the Pride waistpack and just had to get this bag as well to complete the ensemble. It's very nicely designed both physically and aesthetically. There's a zipper pocket on the outside and a nice big main drawstring compartment with internal pocket organizers and a key clip. It opens and closes easily, and the rainbow accents around the bag really give it character. Just like the waistpack, note that the outside of the bag is a dark blue (not black). I'm so happy that REI rolled out this line so that we can support and celebrate Pride!
Nice job REI, I couldn't resist the fun super-colorful Pride pattern on this pack, even though I already have a Flash 22 orange daypack. I did wish they had this in a Flash 22, for the side pockets and top flap pocket. But I've already used it for a day hike and love high ultra light it is, and can still fit water, food, a jacket, first aid kit, etc. Having the limited space is good for me so I don't bring unnecessary junk just for a hike.And cool to show my Pride outside when I'm leading hikes for Great Outdoors (Los Angeles). I like that the pattern has hidden shapes if you look closely.
I love this backpack. I was wearing it when I was arrested at a blm protest, and this bag held up better than I did! Even though the material is super thin and lightweight, but sturdy enough to be dragged across the concrete with only a few small rips. It's also much more water resistant than I realized, great for being out in the rain and keeping mace off things that can't be easily cleaned. The padding is enough that I can comfortably wear it while caring extra water, and the removable straps are more than sturdy enough to keep it from sliding around or coming off. In addition to having plenty of places to attach things to the outside, there's also an internal lanyard to keep keys and such easily accessible. All that AND a nice rainbow stripe down the back! Amazing, I love it.
I was looking for a medium-sized pack for when I got hiking around the Asheville area and want some extra supplies of snacks, beer, or swimming supplies. I just got this pack and broke it in this weekend and it was great! I fit my chacos inside of it, then after playing in a waterfall clipped my muddy sneaker to the outside on the gear loops. It easily fit two water bottles, four beers, and a 2 liter water bladder. I love the foam pad for keeping weight distributed on my back. I did a pretty intense at times gymnastics-like hike with it, and even without clipping the chest or waist bands it stayed perfectly in place on my back. It's so minimal and light while also having perfect little details like a water bladder pound, key ring, two small inside pockets, an outside access pocket, and gear loops. I also love the design of this pride one! It's a solid navy pattern with rainbow detailing. Other reviews have mentioned a learning curve with the opening/closing mechanism, but I have had multiple other packs that open and close in a similar way and it didn't seem odd to me at all.
I was looking for a small day pack, and this absolutely delivers. Just enough to pack a sweater, a hydration pack, and some snacks--the essentials! It has two small pockets on the back panel on the inside main compartment, plus a small, zipped external pocket on the front (with the orange zipper pull on the right side. That part doesn't really read clearly on the website, but the pockets are there. It's also super light weight so good for runs, too. I do wish there was a mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle. The colors are absolutely perfect. Just get it. It's a steal for the price.
I’m not great with word so my review won’t be as descriptive as others. I spent hours looking for a bag that would meet United Airlines personal allowance limits (which are lame). So excited to have found this! It’s within the size allowance, fits way more than I expected in it, is super colorful and fun, and of course was a purchase with a cause. I love the Pride them so much that I bought the matching waist pack and Nalgene bottle. Can’t wait to use them in Maui!
I certainly didn’t need another backpack, but I couldn’t resist the bright beautiful colors of this bag. I like the fact that it is not just a traditional rainbow and that it has hearts, trees, and geometric shapes in the print. I am not a girly-girl and I don’t use a purse, but I still have to carry all my stuff around (wallet, keys, sunglasses, water bottle, phone, sunscreen, chapstick, brush, etc). This bag fits my needs perfectly and even has room to spare for a jacket, a book, and my lunchbox. It has a key clip and three internal pockets as well as an outside zippered pocket to keep everything organized. I have been using it since it arrived 5 days ago and I have received numerous compliments on it. I plan to remove the waist and chest straps which are not needed on such a small light bag because they just get in the way. I now have a new favorite everyday bag which goes with everything!
I bought this in the hopes of using it as a commuter bag so I could run to work in the mornings, and boy has it delivered. It requires a bit of trial and error with the straps to find a setting that prevents the bag from moving around too much while on a run, but once you get there this bag holds up incredibly well for the price. It holds a full change of clothing (sans shoes) with ease, and plenty of room to spare for a water bottle or small book. I wouldn't put too much weight inside, but for running you wouldn't want to anyway. Its lightweight material prevents any excess bulk on runs, but it was also a bit of a concern when it comes to preventing sweat or other moisture from entering the pack and ruining a clean change of clothes. So far that hasn't been an issue at all, though. The interior pockets help keep things like cell phones from bouncing around, and the exterior zipped pocket provides easy access for any essentials. One wish: better strap management on the exterior of the bag. I have to be a bit careful when running past someone that a loose strap doesn't fly out and hit them mid-stride.
The bad has a lightweight feel and lots of loops to hang stuff off. can hold my camelpak 1.5L hydration pack with ease. the top keeps things covered and is very similar to a drawstring bag for easy access. also has a front zip pock for quick easy access.
This Flash Pack is so lightweight and surprisingly roomy that I have been pleasantly surprised how much I can get in it. I haven't been camping yet, but I intend to use it as a stuff sack in my main pack (it is completely collapsible with a removable foam piece that provides "structure" to the back) and then as a day pack for hikes to and from camp. My Osprey hydration pack fits easily, making this even more useful. Until I get to the mountains I'm using it as a gym bag and it works well for this purpose, too. The open/close mechanism for the main compartment is easy to use. My only (slight) complaint is that the front side pocket is a little awkward to access. Also, I love the rainbow on this Pride Edition!