How to Choose Daypacks

Lightweight yet big enough to hold the Ten Essentials, our REI Co-op Flash 18 Print pack is a trail favorite of hikers everywhere. It's durable, water-resistant and made with recycled fabric.
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,098 cubic inches |
Weight | 9.5 ounces |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 15-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 26-42 inches |
Material(s) | 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon with polyurethane coating (bluesign approved) |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 1 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 8 inches |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Product meets 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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I only used this small backpack less than 10 times. Unfortunately I have had it over a year. The fabric on the inside top is flaking off so that it is unusable as it flakes off on anything that is put in the bag. It looks like it is a plastic coating and I am concerned that it is not healthy to breathe it in. I used to purchase almost exclusively from REI but things like this and their unwillingness to stand behind their own products for more than 1 year makes me hesitant to buy REI branded items.
Disclaimer: I have not actually _used_ this pack yet. It's a really sweet pack. Here are some things not obvious from the website. - the zipper on the side of the pack is to a water bottle pocket, INSIDE the pack. That pocket has a little pocket inside it. - I got the black one. The inside of the pack is long and skinny and hard to see into, in black. I would get a light color of I ordered again. - the top drawstring is sort of automatic. There is a string and two pull tabs. A quick pull opens or closes the bag all the way. - inside the bag is the big pocket for the back pad and likely also a (not included) hydration bag, two small phone/wallet sized pockets, a key clip, and a blue loop with Velcro, for hydration hose? Also, two eye like slots over where the shoulder straps attach, I guess, also for the hose. Attaching an insideout and a water bottle view picture.
I bought my REI Flashpack 10 years ago, and it has been my go-to daypack ever since. 5 continents, 28 countries. It’s been trekking, sailing, shopping, used as a purse, a pillow, a grocery bag, a stuff sack, a laundry bag, a backpack…this poor pack has been put through the wringer. The one tiny zippered interior pocket in my model was plenty for keys, lip balm, gum and the pack itself is surprisingly capacious. In all the years I owned it, it never came unstitched in any seams, never ripped out along the drawstring channels. The color was fantastic, the straps incredibly comfortable and the only reason I’m replacing it is because it was stolen last month. If you’re looking for a well-made, versatile, functional daypack, this is the pack you want. I just wish it still came in the bright green color I fell in love with so long ago.
Great for travel, I bought this for my trip to Asia and it’s v handy for daily use or when you need it for sites trips, fits a lot and very light. You can also pack it in your bag flat if no need for it. It’s perfect back bag
I am so disappointed in REI right now. I had this bag a little over a year and the mesh strap just tore where it connects on the bottom. I have only used it a handful of times and was upset they wouldn’t exchange it. They obviously do not stand behind their products like they used to. I am not just sad about their customer service but also that they would make a product that would fall apart so easily.
Best duffel bag/backpack I ever bought. Super extremely lightweight! not too big and not too small it’s just perfect. I work in a zipline park and every one in my work love it. Like I have to constantly use the ziplines to get to others platform and sometimes when it rains i get wet and I feel very heavy with all the gear on, But this bag doesn’t even get wet at all, all my stuff stays dry, my phone my portable chargers my headphones, food, jacket ect… I’m literally in love with this bag. Planing to buy another one just because i love it that much. <3 ♥️ the colors, the material, everything. I would it add more external pokets, that it.
Found this to be the perfect day pack: super lightweight, and easy to open and close with the drawstring top (the weight in the pack drops it closed quickly, once you get the hang of it). I packed it with a 32 Oz Hydro Flask Wide Mouth laid horizontally at the bottom, clothing layers, hat, and snacks, etc. on top...Side zippered pocket was easy access to TP/tissues, etc. Cross straps at the top and the waist secured and evenly distributed the load in the pack, making it feel nearly weightless. Seams are secure, with solid construction and tough material(s). I used this for the Camino (I transported my main bag), and it was exactly what I needed!
As another reviewer said, I also had this bag a little over a year and the mesh strap tore off where it connects on the bottom. REI would not repair or replace. I was very disappointed as REI usually has great stuff and stands behind it. It was clear looking at the pack that I had not abused it - it really was poorly made at that seam. Sigh. I really liked everything else about this sweet little day pack.
I bought this pack 10 years ago at a massive REI store in Minnesota just before moving to Costa Rica to work as white water rafting guide. I literally beat the heck out of this back and it just keeps on going! The simple drawstring has proved difficult for randoms to figure out. I love the design. I just sent my 5 year old to school with that very same bag bec i forgot to wash his school bag. 10/10 highly recommend. The only reason im here right now is to buy another.
Definitely feels like the Pandemic hit REI hard as this bag seems cheaper than the previous model. They have made a few changes to the bag to save money but if you haven't had the previous version then you won't notice. The bag itself seems to be made from a thinner material and at some angles in the sun you can see through the bag. The side zipper pocket is now much smaller than before as I am not able to store as much stuff as I did in the previous bag. Finally they got rid of the daisy chain loop so i do not have the same options of attaching things. If this is your first time buying a Flash 18 you won't notice these nitpicks but i really liked the older model and wished they didn't cut corners on the new model.