REI Co-op  Flash 18 Pride Edition Pack

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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.

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Features

  • Ideal size for short hikes from basecamp; converts into a stuff sack when you turn it inside out
  • Breathable, stretch-mesh shoulder straps have fold-over padding that softens contact with 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
  • Single-handed, quick-pull drawcord with small weather flap seals top
  • Hydration-compatible design includes a hose exit port and an internal sleeve for a reservoir (reservoir not included)
  • Pack exterior has a zippered pocket and center 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
  • To honor and celebrate the spirit of Pride, we're contributing 5% of the sales of this product to nonprofits that connect LGBTQ people to the outdoors; #OutsideWithPride
  • 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
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Daypacks

Technical Specs

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

Buying Advice

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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.

List of certifications which include The Climate Label certification,
        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee
Rei Coop brand gifREI Coop brand tent with a user inside wearing a REI Coop brand sweater
List of certifications which include The Climate Label certification,
        member informed certification and 100% satisfaction guarantee

Reviews
25 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars

100% 20 of 20 reviewers recommended

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Average Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Average Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Customer Images

JoshCMH
Columbus, OH
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

So proud to wear this little bag!

6 years ago

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!

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bmotzbmotz
Los Angeles, CA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Love the colorful pattern & lightweight design

6 years ago

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.

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lili
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Best multi-purpose backpack ever

5 years ago

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.

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
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Ejaco
Asheville, NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Absolutely love it!

5 years ago

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.

Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
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well_actually
Boise, ID
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Lightweight and beautiful pack!

6 years ago

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.

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Misspattyrice
San Antonio, TX
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Such a great and bright find!

6 years ago

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!

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Laura
Athens, GA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Celebrate Pride every day!

6 years ago

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!

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Adam P
Washington, DC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great as a running backpack

6 years ago

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.

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Jessey
Raleigh, NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

versatile pack able bag that can hold a lot!

6 years ago

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.

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hikercrossfitter
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great lightweight multi-use pack!

5 years ago

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!

Age:35–44
Height:5'10"

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
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