How to Choose a Backpack
REI Co-op Flash 50 Pack - Women's
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Generous in features and miserly in weight, the multiday REI Flash 50 women's pack has a balanced mix of light weight, versatile features and comfortable suspension.
Shop similar products- Removable framesheet/stays and top lid let you create a minimalist configuration for incredible weight savings
- Minimalist configuration weighs a scant 29 oz.
- Precurved hipbelt is designed to cradle hip bones for a natural fit and to distribute weight without sagging
- Hipbelt webbing system lets you use a natural forward pulling motion for quick, easy cinching and precise adjustment
- Hipbelt has a zippered pocket for on-the-go access to essentials such as snacks and lip balm; lash points on the other side let you attach camera and GPS pouches
- Precurved, dual-density padded shoulder straps match your anatomy for nonbinding comfort and stability on and off the trail
- Backpanel and lumbar feature mesh-covered perforated foam for breathability and a fixed suspension system for low weight and easy use
- Twin aluminum tube stays and precurved, perforated HDPE framesheet maximize structure and minimize weight
- Underneath the lid, over-the-top compression strap pulls load in close to your back and provides a place for lashing on bulky items such as climbing ropes
- Over-the-top compression strap has a thin storage pocket to stash a few small essentials; clip for key and a rip-and-stick closure keep cash and ID secure
- Deep catch-all front pocket keeps large often-used items within easy reach for long day trips and peak bagging
- Large, gusseted mesh side pockets hold items for quick access
- Water-resistant zippers on top and front pockets, and a rip-and-stick closure on pocket underneath lid allow you to stash valuables away from the elements
- Multiple lash points on top pocket and front of pack let you strap on bulky gear (such as a bear-proof canister) or add your own bungee system
- Quick-release side compression straps secure both large and small loads for increased stability
- Hanging inner sleeve and clips provide 2 options to hold a variety of hydration reservoirs (sold separately); dual exit ports allow drinking tube to route over either shoulder
- Simple, lightweight tool attachments let you quickly stash trekking poles and ice axes
- 140-denier nylon ripstop construction provides durability without increased weight; polyurethane coating adds weather resistance
- 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
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
| Frame Material | HDPE/aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 2 |
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel | No |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | 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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B4ckp4ck3rUr Andy
Oregon
Great pack for what I paid...
14 years ago
I got this at the used gear sale. Someone thought it had a rain fly, found out it didn't and returned it. I use a garbage bag. Paid less the half of what it would normally cost. I fill it to around 27 lbs. and it does fine. I know if I tried to fill more than that it would stress the seams. I use this pack for everything even though I bought it for some weekend trips and such. I've even taken it on sections of the PCT. I like the waterproof zippers and the removable frame and top piece for ultralight backpacking. The only problem is I usually wear a Large backpack and this is a Womens Medium. It's a little narrow in the shoulders for me, but nothing to complain about because I knew it was a medium when I bought it. It still works great. When it dies I might buy a Large.
Yes , I recommend this product
Nancy J.
San Joaquin Valley, CA, USA
A great pack
15 years ago
I got this pack in spring of '09 and used it all summer to hike in Yosemite. I had it out once each month from trips ranging in length from overnight to 7 days (over Labor Day). I pack light, and I had some space to spare even on the long trip when I carried a small bear canister. The fit is very comfortable and adjustable, and I can really make the pack fit tight against me when I want to, which is often my preference. I was able to strap my sleeping pad vertically to the back by adding some shock cord, and the mesh pockets on the side are just the right size for the things I need to carry in them (including folded tent poles). I was uncertain at first about the large pocket that forms on the front of the bag, but it has turned out to be useful for carrying some items and especially good for sorting gear when the bag is off at night. I am really happy with this backpack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Lillyfrog
Walnut Creek
Great Bag for a Great Price
15 years ago
I bought this bag at the beginning of summer for Yosemite. I love it so much, this pack is very adjustable and light. I have a very small frame, I am about 5"1 and this pack fits me very comfortably. Most trips I carry about 35 - 40 pounds. I also used it on a week trip around several national parks and it carried everything I needed. I like all of the pockets for small things and it has many loops for other attachments, the clips at the bottom are excellent for your sleeping bag. I would recommend a hydration pack since it has the compartment and is easy to use, because the mesh pockets on the side are hard to reach if you have small arms.
Yes , I recommend this product
Zippy1
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Great pack
15 years ago
I used the Flash 50 on a recent 6-day hike and am very happy with it. Like another reviewer, I pack light and had space to spare, even with a bear canister. It's comfortable, has the option of lots of tie-ons (which I didn't need to use), and good pockets. My two small complaints are that the sternum strap is a bit low and the side pockets don't stretch enough to put much more than a small fuel bottle in one of them when the main pocket is full. All in all, though, this is the pack I've been looking for for the past three years -- ultra-light, comfortable, fits enough gear for a week-long hike, and is designed to fit a small (5'2") women. Nice design, REI.
Yes , I recommend this product
theonlykanga
a-town
impressed
13 years ago
i bought this pack on the recommendation of a friend because i broke my go-to pack and it was back to the company for repair. i only needed something for a few days so i ran down to rei and bought this one. very pleasantly surprised. it is a really tough pack for the price! i've always wanted a front stash pocket so i was happy about that. also, it ended up being almost a pound less than my jade. i did miss the air contact frame from the jade, but it was winter so it wasn't that big of a deal. i'd say other than the back frame, it's my new favorite pack. the suspension was great and the harness was comfortable. i was also surprised at the little extras considering the weight. really nice pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
coach
Central Washington
Great lightweight pack
16 years ago
This a great pack. I am a guy and my local store was out of the larger sized Flash 50's in the mens size, so I got the womens instead. I see no difference expect in color. I was able to fit all my gear for a 3-day trip into this bag, with nothing strapped to the outside. There was still room to spare at the top of the bag. My old bag weighed 6.5 pounds and was cavernous, I found myself carrying around upwards of 40 pounds. With such a small bag like this I am really forced to think about what I am packing. I made this last trip with a scant 26 pounds on my back!
Yes , I recommend this product
MGazzia
Bradenton, FL
Just what she needed
14 years ago
Perfectly adjustable and comfortable for my 6' fiance. She was very happy with the load distribution, size, and style of this pack. A great fit!
Yes , I recommend this product
Janice Leigh Le
Duluth, Mn
Perfect fit!
14 years ago
I love this pack! I took it recently on a 10 day trip to Washington state. I spent most o my time in rainy Seattle and had no leakage issues with the awesome material and water proof zippers. The front compartment kept wet stuff away from the rest of my clothing and items and everything was perfectly accessible. On top of accessibility and the lightweight yet surprising load capacity it was perfect for getting on and off the plane as a carry on and stood up to being lugged around some rough and tumble sorts of instances.It was airport security friendly as you can easily open the one large compartment. I was always comfortable, but be conscientious of how you pack it. I ended up with several books that I mistakenly waited to pack last when leaving the hostel and the pack was a bit top heavy because of this. BUY THIS BAG!!
Yes , I recommend this product
Sierra Fisherman/Euro Traveler
Loomis, CA
Took on my European Adventure
15 years ago
I used the Flash 50 on a 5-week trip through Europe, and it was wonderful. It worked as a carry-on size for the plane which was an absolute necessity. I used/carried it almost daily, on and off trains, in and out of hostels, around the streets of Paris, Berlin, and Rome. I packed it full--about 30lbs and really feared it would rip, but there was never a problem. I plan on using this on some backpack trips in the mountains of California next summer.
Yes , I recommend this product
purplelilac
Portland, OR
Good Enough
13 years ago
This is my first backpack. I used it for 40 days straight on a cross-country hike and, although it did its job, I was not impressed. The outside pockets are handy, but there is only the one top opening into the main space. Also I found that, after a couple weeks, I had to adjust the straps more often to keep the weight distribution comfortable. I'm going to keep using the bag but I won't be replacing it with another of the same.
No, I do not recommend this product
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