How to Choose a Backpack
REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack - Men's
$199.00
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Loaded up for a week or stripped down for an overnighter, the lightweight REI Co-op Flash 55 men's pack keeps your load stable. Integrated suspension and an adjustable torso help you hike in comfort.
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- Recycled ripstop nylon shell fabric offers excellent durability in this lightweight pack that's built for the long haul
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) helps moisture bead up on the surface
- Adjustable torso provides a fine-tuned fit
- 3D contoured hipbelt and ventilated back panel are comfortable all day with loads up to 35 lbs.
- Roll-top lid provides weather resistance and allows compression and adjustment of internal volume
- Lid is also removable and forms a simple waist pack using top lid cinch straps—or it can also be left at home to reduce weight
- For a tight load and good balance, included Packmod compression straps can be run from any loop to any other loop, so you can sculpt your pack to the shape of your load
- Included Packmod pockets on the shoulder straps and hipbelt are great for your phone or snacks—or you can take them off altogether to reduce pack weight
- Also compatible with Packmod Hipbelt Extender, Packmod Rainshield Pocket and Packmod Mesh Pocket (accessories not included)
- 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
- Internal sleeve can accommodate up to a 3-liter hydration reservoir (not included); tube can be routed over either shoulder
- Exterior side pockets are great for storing light items that you want to keep handy
- Large front pocket is great for a rain shell or other gear you may need to access quickly
- Attachment loops and removable tool keeper allow trekking poles, ice axes and more to be lashed on, expanding your carrying ability while keeping the load stable
- Daisy chain with multiple attachment points allows for tailoring exterior loads
- 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
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Gear Capacity (L) | S: 53 liters M: 55 liters L: 57 liters L Torso x S Hipbelt: 56 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S: 3,234 cubic inches M: 3,356 cubic inches L: 3,478 cubic inches L Torso x S Hipbelt: 3,417 cubic inches |
| Weight | S: 2 lbs. 12 oz. M: 2 lbs. 13 oz. L: 2 lbs. 14 oz. L Torso x S Hipbelt: 2 lbs. 13 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | S: 17-19 inches M: 18-20 inches L: 19-21 inches L Torso x S Hipbelt: 19-21 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | S: 32-40 inches M: 34-42 inches L: 36-46 inches L Torso x S Hipbelt: 32-40 inches |
| Material(s) | Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved) |
| Frame Material | Spring steel |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 + main compartment |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Removable Daypack | Yes |
| Dimensions | S: 29 x 14 x 12 inches M: 30 x 14 x 12 inches L: 31 x 14 x 12 inches L Torso x S Hipbelt: 31 x 14 x 12 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Great lightweight and very versatile pack
Downhillfromhere2 years ago
Received free productThe designers of this pack have done a great job of reducing weight while increasing versatility.
I'm 6'2" with a 32" waist, and I have the Large Torso x Small Hipbelt pack. The listed capacity for this size is 56 liters, which is smaller than my other backpacking packs. Nonetheless, the Packmod compression straps along with the multi-point, adjustable daisy chain system allowed me to really load up the gear on this pack. My first trip with the pack was for weekend backcountry camping with my wife, 5 year old, and 2 year old. I have a lot of lightweight gear, but I was still surprised at how much I could fit with this pack -- and how comfortable it was. In the attached photos, my pack was loaded with: 4 sleeping bags, 4 sleeping pads, 4 camp pillows, 2 32 oz. Nalgenes, waterfilter, cookset (stove/pot/fuel + bowls and utensils for 4), 3 dehydrated meals, 1 hammock, first aid kit, 4 headlamps, a change of clothes and a couple additional layers for me, my coat, and our 4-person Big Agnes Copper Spur ultralight tent and footprint. Most people wouldn't need to carry so much gear for other people -- but this pack was surprisingly perfect for this for the weekend.
The base pack is lightweight. The shoulder straps, frame, and hipbelt are very comfortable. Combine this comfort with the fact that the pack itself is not adding much weight, and I was very surprised at how comfortable it felt even when I fully loaded the pack.
In terms of versatility, I really like the Packmod compression straps and the adjustable daisy chain system. You can change the position/location of all of the straps, so you can customize the fit and stability for whatever you're carrying. Personally, I wish the connection points went up higher on the back of the pack to give more space for the top lid on top of the pack -- but I was still able to customize by repositioning straps.
A couple other notes about this pack. There's no rain fly. The pack material itself is water resistant, but the seams are not taped/sealed. Any gear on the outside also obviously wouldn't be covered in a storm. The main compartment is a single tube accessed solely from the top; there's no lower zipper for access, so you need to plan your packing accordingly. Although my waist is at the low end of the sizing for the small hip belt (sized at 32-40 inches), I found the padding ended just past my hip bones. If your waist is 34" or larger, I'd recommend you try out the sizing in person if you're considering the smaller belt.
DownhillfromhereReceived free product
NC
40 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
great features but shoulder yoke is flawed
BeermanofEP2 years ago
Bought this pack based on price and features. REI staff push this very hard as the best pack; especially vs Osprey. I wanted this pack to work but for me, but there's a design flaw. The shoulder pads/yoke protrude out farther than back padding. As a result, there's constant pressure on your shoulder blades. Gave me shoulder pains at shoulder blades after 30 mins.
BeermanofEP
MN
28 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Brian Sooter
Oklahoma
Best pack for the buck!
1 year ago
Love this pack. I was looking to lighten up my gear and spent hours researching packs. Finally I decided on the Flash 55 and glad I did! It carry’s fantastically well, hardly even notice it’s there with the trampoline style back. Plenty of storage capacity I haven’t even come close to filling it all the way and this is with winter gear. The water bottle holders are angled forward so you don’t have to spider monkey to get your water bottle on trail. Tons of customization options with the pack of system, or if you want to go lighter remove everything including the brain. For the money you won’t find a better lightweight pack. All in all great purchase and I don’t see this leaving my gear closet even when I buy the next bag.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
David and Moose
Received free product
Bow, NH
A pack full of features.
2 years ago
First, let me say, “I love this pack.” The nice thing about large packs like the Flash 55 is there is the opportunity to add plenty of features, and REI has done it with the Flash 55. I found the fit to be very comfortable and easy to adjust the torso length. I especially love the large storage pockets on the sides. They’re large enough to store my Jetboil MicroMo stove with plenty of room remaining and in the other side pocket to store a small tripod. To me, the side storage pockets are a game changer. The other feature I love is the attachment loops and the daisy chain type attachment points. I never understood why manufacturers have gotten away from that. I especially like this for attaching large items like snowshoes. I’ve never been much for using hip pockets, but the pockets on the Flash 55 are great. This is the only pack I’ve come across that I can actually zip/unzip the hip belt pockets with one hand. It’s also nice to see the addition of a shoulder strap pocket. To top it off, the fact that the shoulder strap pocket, the hip belt pockets, and the top lid can all be easily removed, I like the fact that the front stash pocket is solid material on the front with the mesh only on the side. That makes for great ventilation, but still have a solid material if items like snowshoes are attached to the front. Now, let’s talk about what would I change about the Flash 55. I’m going to be very picky, there is really no problems with the Flash 55, there are simply changes I would make to fit my own personal needs. First, I miss not having pocket under the top lid. I was surprised it didn’t have one. A couple other changes I would make, and these are real personal changes that may not affect anyone else. I love that a shoulder strap pocket is included, but I wish it was not mesh, but solid material for storing a phone. Lastly, I wish the straps/buckets were larger. I wear an XL glove/mitten, so I found that sometimes I needed to take a mitten off to unhook the buckles.
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
The Trooper
San Bernardino Mountains
Lightweight and comfortable, but a little delicate
2 years ago
Compared to other boutique brand ultralite backpacks, this thing is a bargain. It's light and comfortable, and carries a load well. I am concerned about the durability of the mesh pockets. After my first 11 miles, I found the rear mesh had torn apart. Did a hard-edged item in the back pocket wear through it? Did I snag it on some brush? I don't know. It's understandable that lightweight gear sacrifices durability to save weight, but this might be a little too delicate for me. Nonetheless, it's a great pack. You just can't be a hamfisted operator like me.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Doc Savage
Received free product
Black Hills, SD
Golden Retriever Approved
2 years ago
I’ll admit initially the color put me off. Then I starting discovering features and had to give it a chance. The more I wore it, refined the fit (plenty of options), and added weight the more I grew to appreciate this pack. There is more than enough pockets and separation to keep your gear organized. The bladder sleeve is in a good place and easy to load a full 100oz bladder. The hip belt road better when loaded. The pocket attached to the hip belt is a perfect place for Scooby Snacks for my boys, yes you could put your needs in there too but dogs always come first. The top closure is a great place for a shell. We started out in down coat weather that switched to freezing rain and was happy I could grab it quick without getting too wet. The boys and I will be looking forward to exploring new trails with all our “stuff” at hand. And I like the color now.
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Downhillfromhere
Received free product
North Carolina
Great lightweight and very versatile pack
2 years ago
The designers of this pack have done a great job of reducing weight while increasing versatility. I'm 6'2" with a 32" waist, and I have the Large Torso x Small Hipbelt pack. The listed capacity for this size is 56 liters, which is smaller than my other backpacking packs. Nonetheless, the Packmod compression straps along with the multi-point, adjustable daisy chain system allowed me to really load up the gear on this pack. My first trip with the pack was for weekend backcountry camping with my wife, 5 year old, and 2 year old. I have a lot of lightweight gear, but I was still surprised at how much I could fit with this pack -- and how comfortable it was. In the attached photos, my pack was loaded with: 4 sleeping bags, 4 sleeping pads, 4 camp pillows, 2 32 oz. Nalgenes, waterfilter, cookset (stove/pot/fuel + bowls and utensils for 4), 3 dehydrated meals, 1 hammock, first aid kit, 4 headlamps, a change of clothes and a couple additional layers for me, my coat, and our 4-person Big Agnes Copper Spur ultralight tent and footprint. Most people wouldn't need to carry so much gear for other people -- but this pack was surprisingly perfect for this for the weekend. The base pack is lightweight. The shoulder straps, frame, and hipbelt are very comfortable. Combine this comfort with the fact that the pack itself is not adding much weight, and I was very surprised at how comfortable it felt even when I fully loaded the pack. In terms of versatility, I really like the Packmod compression straps and the adjustable daisy chain system. You can change the position/location of all of the straps, so you can customize the fit and stability for whatever you're carrying. Personally, I wish the connection points went up higher on the back of the pack to give more space for the top lid on top of the pack -- but I was still able to customize by repositioning straps. A couple other notes about this pack. There's no rain fly. The pack material itself is water resistant, but the seams are not taped/sealed. Any gear on the outside also obviously wouldn't be covered in a storm. The main compartment is a single tube accessed solely from the top; there's no lower zipper for access, so you need to plan your packing accordingly. Although my waist is at the low end of the sizing for the small hip belt (sized at 32-40 inches), I found the padding ended just past my hip bones. If your waist is 34" or larger, I'd recommend you try out the sizing in person if you're considering the smaller belt.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Skippy
Detroit, MI
My Best Ever Pack!
2 years ago
I am hiking the PCT using this pack and I am absolutely thrilled with how it is performing. Much more comfortable than my ultralight osprey was and after 350 miles the durability is holding strong with only a minor tear where I really… reallly snagged it on some shrubs. Has not spread at all. The weight is almost always on my hips but the loss lifters work great if I need to change that. I love this pack. If I need another one, this is it. Its features are so hiker friendly and make my life on trail so easily organized and workable. I am so so happy with this pack. Her name is Annabelle. I am a Woman but use the men’s pack because I don’t have wide hips and it was a great choice!
Age:18–24
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Amanda
WI
Noisy material
2 years ago
Mostly love it. Great fit. But it is loud. The material between shoulder straps and pack rub together (right under ears). Doesn't make for a peaceful hike listening to wmsounds of nature.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
Manivan Adventures
Royal Oak, MI
I miss old features, but still a great pack.
2 years ago
I have the previous model of the Flash 55 and to me, it was the perfect pack… I’m sad to say that I feel that the new model is a downgrade in many ways. I do like how the torso can be adjusted now and I also like that the front pouch has a strip of protection down the middle, instead of being all mesh, but speaking of the front pouch, let’s start with the negatives/downgrades there… The mesh on the front pouch, water bottle pockets, hip belt pocket, etc. is much more stiff and is not elastic like the mesh on the previous model. I thought the mesh on the previous model was amazing! It was stretchy, allowing me to stuff quite a bit of stuff in the one mesh hip belt pocket and exterior storage pouch on front. The only problem I had with the old mesh was getting some abrasions on the front exterior storage pouch, from leaning my pack on trees, rocks, etc. This is why I love that they added a protective strip of ripstop material down the middle (This alone made me want to “upgrade”), but I just wish they used the old stretchy mesh. Another thing that really bummed me out and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me is that the brain is no longer waterproof… I just can’t understand why they would downgrade the pack like this. Speaking of waterproof… They also replaced the waterproof shoulder strap phone pouch that had the nice magnet system to close it with a mesh one (obviously not waterproof) that has velcro. Again… total bummer and why? Lastly, and honestly least important to me, is that the pack is a few ounces heavier than the previous model. Sure, the torso adjuster is a nice addition and I know that is probably going to add a little weight, but the weight of this pack is part of what draws me to it. It’s a few ounces, so not a big deal, but still worth mentioning. The couple things I really did like were the ripstop material down the middle of the front pouch like I had already mentioned and they replaced the little hook that secured the top of the front pouch to the pack with an actual plastic clip. Also already mentioned, the adjustable torso is a nice touch, but if that is what is responsible for the increased weight, I’d rather do without it. With all of that being said, I still love the Flash 55 and it is a great pack at a great price. I just see the newer model as a little bit of a downgrade and hope REI considers going back to the waterproof brain/phone pouch and stretchy mesh for the next model. Cheers and hope this helps!🤙🏼
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Bones
Utah
My favorite of many packs!
1 year ago
I have owned many packs and this is my favorite as far as weight of the pack vs carrying capacity/comfort, by far! Which is probably the most important metric to me. So many packs I have purchased have belts that collapse, slide down my waist to my thighs, or have shoulder straps that dig in. Packs that are supposed to have a much higher carrying capacity. I don't have a ton of miles on this pack, so durability is still not known but I have the REI warranty to back me up in case it fails. My only wish is for a version with a super burly pack bag so I can take it to the southwest and not tear it to shreds on sand stone.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Yuan
Singapore
Excellent
2 years ago
I brought this pack on a 7D6N expedition recently, base weight 8kg. It was extremely comfortable throughout the day; the load carrying capability of this and my precious Traverse 70 are consistently good. For this pack, I especially like the daisy chains along the whole bag that are very convenient for attaching straps (provided with the pack) to cinch down the pack at any angle you want, but hide very well when not in use. Each attachment point is well-thought out. The roll top is great because you can then remove the top lid if you wish to further reduce weight. The one disadvantage to this pack is that the mesh outer pocket is not stretchy, so don't expect to store much stuff inside.
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