How to Choose Daypacks

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Whether you want to stand out or blend in, there's an REI Co-op Flash 18 print daypack for you. It's hydration-compatible, ultralight and comfortable for day hikes and rambles away from base camp.
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View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op DaypacksBest 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 | 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.
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At only 10 oz. this is a lightweight, versatile, and comfortable pack made with strong, water resistant material. The elegant top loading, drawstring design makes it fast and easy to access contents. The zippered side pocket and small pockets in the main compartment allow for better organization of smaller items. Comfort: Whether doing a small grocery run or taking a day hike, the shoulder straps with a sternum strap and hip belt keep this pack on securely whether riding a bike or walking. The removeable frame pad keeps the pack comfortable when fully loaded. Nine accessory loops along the outside allow for the attachment of additional light items. I laced in a bungee strap which I used to attach a trekking pole. I found myself in a rain shower in which the contents of bag stayed dry after 20 min. I did not use the hydration pocket but noted it along with the sternum emergency whistle and key clip are consistent with the REI product line of packs which customers have come to expect and a worthwhile selling point to keep with this pack. Completely empty, this pack is 10 oz. and folds or packs flat in a suitcase to be brought along on a trip as a daypack. I admired the ingenious loop-through attachment system for the hip belt straps which are simple to remove when not needed. The color I received is nicely muted blue/gray tie dye finish which blends in well with the environment which I think is fine. Limitations: Being made of lightweight materials with no rigidity to it, this product is limited to light and fast activities on the go. It would not be practical as a laptop/book bag for a student or lashing on snowshoes. Suggestions: There is no retro-reflective feature on this bag. If possible, the accessory straps or product badge could be made retroreflective, so the wearer is better seen under certain conditions.
I've been meaning to buy a new daypack and it was so convenient that I got to try this one out! It has everything I wanted: sternum and waist straps (which are also removable!), space for a 2L hydration reservoir, an easy access zippered pocked for my phone, and internal volume to hold an extra layer (and more!). It's very comfortable and I love the minimalist style. The whole pack weights about 6 oz. Great for day hikes and trail running. This will be replacing my more expensive pack that has the same volume but is so much heavier!
I was very pleased by the organization opportunities presented by this pack. There are two internal pouches perfectly sized for wallet and keys as well as phone, items i worry about falling out of a pocket while either biking a trail or hiking to a photo destination. I was able to easily fit a 3ltr water bladder into the internal sleeve and the tube presented thru the top in a manageable way. The remaining area inside the pack is more than ample for a camera including its' carrier and accessories. The shoulder strapping is positioned in a comfortable angle and the adjustable sternum strap is a nice feature. I can see many future outings with this well made very light weight pack both hiking and getting out for a long bicycle ride. Overall a well made, well thought thru designed pack, i highly recommend it.
Great pack, you can really stuff alot into this bag, water bottles, jackets, lunch, it's amazing how much you can put in this bag. And the greatest part it's waterproof in case your water bottle isn't completely closed :) The adjustable straps are a nice feature.
If you don't want to haul any added weight and have a small load, this is a solid pack choice. I've been enjoying mine for day hikes as well as my school backpack (wouldn't fit many textbooks, but works great for a tablet, a notebook, lunch, and a warm layer!) The straps are comfortable, though I'd ditch the hip straps if I could. I don't think I'd ever put enough weight in it to find them useful, and even if I did, they're not padded or anything... but maybe that's just me. The main pouch is a slick drawstring set-up which took me a few times to appreciate, but now I love it.
Nice day pack, just the right just to carry my basic necessities for a day hike, easy to pull zippers, light weight, easy to get my water bladder in and out of. The only thing o personally would change for me are the shoulder straps. I am a bit large chested and they have no padding to them so they just bunch up in my armpits. So far it hasn’t caused any blistering but does rub a bit. Overall a good bag
The pack seems on the smaller side but it fits a surprising amount of gear. There’s room for a water reservoir and I was able to fit all my climbing gear and snacks inside. Perfect for a day hike or trip out bouldering. The material is sturdy, didn’t rip and accommodated all my climbing gear.
Packed the new REI Co-op Flash 18 Print Pack for my weekend get-away to the beach, sand dollar hunting. When I hike the beaches, combing for the sand dollars, I pack for about 4-6 hours (there and back). So, in my Flash Pack I had: two 16 ounce bottles of water, 2 power bars, a long-sleeved layer, my wallet plus phone and keys, a light wind jacket, a full sandwich, a bag of chips, hand sanitizer, 32 ounce bottle and baby wipes container (both for collecting the sand dollars)... all of which fit in to my 18 without sticking out. The cinch-down top was easy enough to undo and tighten. The shoulder straps light weight, with a chest strap that I adored - as it came with a built-in whistle (safety never takes a holiday). The pack fit and flowed easily with my body (I'm petite at 5'4") and balanced weight well, whereas I did not feel any "tip-over" effect when I would kneel to pick up sand dollars. LOVE this pack as a travel pack - easily folded, wadded, stuffed, and holds everything I need for a day hike or beach walk.
Lightweight, perfect size, all the features you need. This is the pack I kept wishing someone would make. It is perfect for hikes or rides where you just want to bring an extra layer or two, some water, a snack, and a few other essentials – more stuff than you’d like to fill your pockets with, but not enough to justify a large, heavy pack. Plus, it packs super flat or can be rolled up to stash in a larger travel bag, giving you a nice day pack or gym bag to bring along on trips. I never travel without it. It has one pocket with a smaller pocket inside and a key clip – all you need. Also, there’s a sleeve inside for a water bladder – perfectly set up, slim, and totally functional. The only thing I’d add is a clip or magnet to keep the water bladder hose out of the way. I have just been slipping it through a spot on the chest strap, and that works fine though. Just a minor suggestion. I saw one review saying this pack is flimsy and the material is too thin, but that’s the point. It’s an ultralight, streamlined pack for when you want to move fast and just carry a few things.
I always get compliments on this bag. It's a simple design which makes it an easy go to. I also have the flash 22, and I would say the only reason I often prefer the 22 is that it has water bottle pockets on the sides (and the good ones that actually deep enough your bottle doesnt just fall out)