Loaded for a week or stripped down for an overnighter, the lightweight REI Co-op Flash 55 women's pack keeps your load stable. Integrated suspension and an adjustable torso help you hike in comfort.
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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) | XS: 53 liters XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 54 liters S: 55 liters M: 57 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | XS: 3,234 cubic inches XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 3,295 cubic inches S: 3,356 cubic inches M: 3,478 cubic inches |
| Weight | XS: 2 lbs. 10 oz. XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 2 lbs. 11 oz. S: 2 lbs. 11 oz. M: 2 lbs. 12 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | XS: 15-17 inches XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 15-17 inches S: 16-18 inches M: 17-19 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | XS: 30-38 inches XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 34-44 inches S: 32-40 inches M: 34-44 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 | XS: 27 x 14 x 12 inches XS Torso x M Hipbelt: 27 x 14 x12 inches S: 28 x 14 x 12 inches M: 29 x 14 x 12 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Types of packs
Backpacking packs can be 30 to 70-plus liters. To choose the right capacity, consider trip duration and the gear you’ll bring.
Backpack features
Think about the frame type, location of important pockets, padding and ventilation, among other things.
Backpack fit
Your pack should be correctly sized for your torso length (not overall height) and hip circumference. A fit-expert at an REI store can help.
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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This backpack is a nice lighter option. The pocket for the nalgene on the side is GENIUS! however this pack seems much smaller than my other 55 osprey packs. I think it has to do with the dry bag closure. You lose space. I miss the outside straps that you can hook your sleeping pad too, this pack doesn't have them. My chest strap broke off the track immediately too, which I suspect is just a defect. Hopefully they can fix it, otherwise it wont be worth keeping since I cannot properly distribute weight. The hip belt is one of the softer ones I've used, but it still gave me bruises. Maybe that's a me thing?
First of all, the adjustability of the size of the pack (torso) is generous so as long as you get close - the pack should offer a custom fit for your body. I’m 5’9, short torso- got a M. I played with the sizing quite a bit to find what felt right. Easy to adjust (and felt secure) and happy with ultimate result. Nice green color. At first I was dismayed with just one main area for gear vs separate areas for sleeping bag, gear, etc. (old school I know) but once I started throwing stuff in my pack and digging through on trail I was fine with it. Recommend packing cubes or something to separate gear inside pack to help with organization. Pack can adjust to large size to accommodate a lot of gear, or compressed to be a day pack. I like the roll top option by removing top. I tried both and depending on preference both work well! The hip belt was very sturdy and held/balanced weight well. I tied my husky’s leash to hip belt during hike and the hip belt didn’t slide open. That’s pretty awesome! I usually have to wear my skijoring belt when hiking with him because he pulls the waist strap out. My favorite features are all the pockets!! When hiking I could reach 4 pockets (2 each side) to stash water bottles snacks, selfie stick, etc. that does NOT include the two zipped pockets on hip belt (one mesh) where I put snacks and car keys, this also does NOT include the pocket on the left arm strap that fit my phone. I didn’t prefer my phone in there (easier to pull out of pants pocket) but if you didn’t have another option it’s another great location for pocket with sturdy velcro closure. It’s a solid workhorse of a pack with the extra benefit of all the pockets. This pack has everything you need, but not maybe not everything you want (in the sense of, it’s a honda civic not a Tesla). For beginners or seasoned backpackers, it’s a solid pack.
She's come with me on short overnights, taken beatings being dropped down on the rocks of the PA section of the AT, and survived freezing temperatures on a 30 mile 3 day weekend in Shenandoah. As an occasional overpacker for short trips, she handles the extra gear beautifully, and easily accommodated a bear cannister when it was required. After many miles, and not always the gentlest handling, there's no damage other than cosmetic. I love how many attachment points there are on this bag, and the generous front pocket. The brain also transforms into a small bag, which is helpful when stashing the bag in order to summit and still having your necessities. Extremely comfortable, even after multiple double digit days. Would definitely recommend this bag to anyone getting in to backpacking!
I used a 75L BP on my last trip (inexperienced, couldn’t/wouldn’t pare down) resulting in hauling 10-12 more lbs than suggested. This time, w/my beautiful, 55L pack (determined to reduce my load) I happily carried my 25lb load, navigated challenging terrain, felt rejuvenated @ the end. Loved this pack’s side pockets, roll-top for easier access, front pocket & detachable “brain” to throw stuff into. This pack got lots of compliments (from men & women backpackers on the trail). Look fwd to the next adventure.
Bought this in hopes to have a lighter weight pack for hiking the Wonderland trail in 6 days. Our longer days ranged from 19-25 miles and gaining 4,500 - 7,000 vert each day. So i really wanted something lightweight but needed the ability to carry all our food! It was very comfortable carrying a full load, and I really appreciate how many pockets it has. Felt like a good upgrade from my old heavier pack, without committing to the ultra light life. Overall happy with my purchase and excited to take it on more adventures!
I used this pack on my PCT thru-hike, and while it was generally easy-to-use and fairly comfortable, there are a couple dealbreakers. 1. About halfway through my hike, the stitching connecting my load lifters to the straps began to come undone. Not wanting to risk total failure in the backcountry, I exchanged it for a new Flash 55. Less than three months later, the new pack had the exact same issue. I don't expect a pack to come out of a thru-hike unscathed, but this is a pretty significant structural issue. 2. I dropped some weight on trail and eventually the hip belt was simply too large for me, even tightened to the max. I finished the PCT with sleeping pad segments duct taped to the hip belt to act as spacers. I am on the smaller side, but not so small that I should expect a women's small to not be able to accommodate me. 3. More minor, but the sternum strap will pop off at the slightest provocation, and while it can be slid back on the track, it's very annoying to do so. The external pockets and features seem thoughtfully designed, and there was no significant wear and tear on the fabric. I generally enjoyed using it. This would be a lovely pack for shorter hikes (if you can get a good fit), but it did not hold up to heavy use. I expected more from a pack that's become fairly popular among long-distance hikers, and I'd like to see more size inclusivity in both directions.
This bag is about perfect, except the chest strap. It pops apart when tightened or sometimes during adjusting it. I wanted to love this bag since it is perfect for both bagpacking and traveling because the light weight, the adjustable height (can fit to the carry on), and several functional pocket. It is very comfortable to carry. I used it for AV2, it stays with me even during the very challenge hiking. But the chest strap troubled me a lot, it is not easy to put it back especially during a cold day. I had to return it, but I truly wish REI can have the chest strap fixed, then it will be a perfect bag.
Just got back from a 11 day trek in the Dolomites - I was concerned about the weight of my existing pack and decided to try the REI Flash 55 Pack - I LOVED IT. Here's why - though I only cared 23 lbs - it's truly light weight, the interior is easy to pack - I love the roll-top closure and the flexibility to use or remove 'top pack' which I didn't because I liked the easy access. The four side pockets are fabulous. I was able to stuff a hat a sandwich even shoes in these pockets and still had room for two water bottles. The best feature was the large back pocket - easy to stuff a rain poncho, rain fly etc. The hip belt fit great and the two small zip pockets were small enough not to bother me but large enough to hold my phone and a few snacks for the trail. The shoulder straps and design fit my frame perfectly - and I was able to make micro adjustments where needed.I honestly never write product reviews but this pack was a game changer - I saw at least 4 other women hikers on my trek and we all felt the same way - Thank you REI!
This pack looks great when you first look and read about it but when you load your gear in it you quickly find that the 55 L is broken up under multiple compartments so you can’t put anything large in there like a sleeping bag and a bear can if you’re doing anything longer than a two day hike. I have another pack same weight but a 44L that held the gear I tried to fit in the pack but could not make it work. It’s not what expected at all, the return clincher was just trying it on loaded with 20 pounds the shoulder straps started fraying although I never took it farther than my garage. Epic fail for this 30+ year outdoor wanderer!
Purchased 2 of these packs, both packs chest straps unhinged about 3 days into a 12 day hike on the AT. Wish i could give a 5 star rating because everything else about this pack was on point, but once chest straps are not functioning, it messes up the fit of the pack.
