REI Co-op  Flash 22 Pack

I spent three hours in REI looking at every conceivable design of backpacks suitable for a woman who was 5'2". I hated most of them. A Service Associate pointed out this one to me almost immediately but I dismissed it as 1) I didn't like the color 2) Seemed flimsy and cheap. Oh how wrong I was. I took it to Hawaii for hiking and it was perfect. It was very comfortable, light, didn't make my back sweat and just the right size for a day pack. I now also love the color, gives it character. Trust me, I tried on every pack in REI, if you have a small torso, and want something for just the basics/day. Look no further, I did the work for you :-)

I already reviewed but I've used this bag on a bunch of hikes now and I love it even more than before. Had to use a different bag on one hike and I got soooo sweaty. Never a problem with this one, it spoils you lol. And the straps never dig in if you use the waist belt, which is what it's for. As for the guy whose stuff got wet: Line your pack with a plastic bag, dude! Works every time. The best tools an outdoorsman has are resourcefulness and common sense.

I used this pack on a 2 week trip to the Czech Republic. It was perfect for full day exploring of Prague when we needed to carry extra layers and a bit of water. While on hikes in their beautiful National Parks we filled it for long, full day hikes. Water bottles fit easily in the 2 side pockets, the camera was easily accesible in the top zip. Pack very comfortable to wear fully loaded or not, love it! Shoulder straps could use a bit more padding but not a big issue. Just wish it came in more colors as 2 of my kids have it as well and we all got the green (the grey is just too dull).

This is a good bag. I wish it had waist belt pockets and more padding on the shoulder straps. It's a great bag - love the interior zip and the lid pocket. But it's actually too big for the amount of padding and support it has. If you stuff light and fluffy stuff in there, great. But if you get near 10lbs of clothes, food, water, etc, and you're wearing a tank top, the straps really rub and dig in. They aren't rigid enough to stay flat, so they kind of curl and cut into my shoulders and clavicles. The bag could use compression straps (because of the volume - when it's not full it sags) and more padding. I'll probably just add something myself.

Jesus, I love this bag. I can stuff everything I want and it looks amazing. It has a piece of removable plastic for support but I've been thinking about taking that out and putting a thin piece of foam in. Side pockets are massive and having only one large space and a smaller zipper space is perfect for my type of organization. Only wished it had more padding in the shoulder straps. They rub when I'm wearing a tank top but are ok with a normal tshirt. Also if it was waterproof it would officially be a perfect bag but the way it is already, pretty freaking close.

I bought this to replace my smaller Flash for High Adventure. I stuffed this sucker with a ton of junk that a good Scout leader would need including a huge first aid kit, my rain gear, TP, my knife, keys, wallet, 3 liters of water, etc and tons of snacks as we ventured into the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Did a hike every day we were there for 6 days. Wished the shoulder pads were better padded and a bit bigger (as I am a bigger guy) but I love this pack!

I got this as a birthday gift for myself and took it on the first hike up Mt Tallac in Tahoe. I got up and down and the pack for the 10 miles was comfortable lightweight and for the most part easy to adjust. I had used this pack just once before it broke. The biggest problem is the chest strap. They are not easy to move around to a comfortable spot. Be VERY CAREFUL when adjusting the buckles for adjustment. If you do not make sure they are strapped in right they will come off. Mine did at the end of the hike when I had unbuckled eveything. It feel and I did not see it or hear it. Very disappointed. I took it back to REI for a replace/refund but no joy since it was not complete. The guy from the pack department was able to find me a new hook but it is not the same as what is on the bag. I am having to cut the strap slide the new one on and resew the strap to the pack. Thankfully there is enough extra to make it happen but I am having to spend more money to make it work. Change the buckles REI so that this issue does not happen to others. Otherwise I like the pack. But as it is right now I can not endorse the pack.

I love this pack. I can echo other reviewers that it adds just enough to the Flash 18 to make it perfect--those few extra liters expand hugely the number of uses to which you can put this pack. I own and am a fan of the Flash 18. Like others, although it was a great pack, I found myself wanting side pockets, a flap top, an extra interior pocket and *just* a little more size. This pack delivers, along with slightly more structure. I took this pack with me as my only travel pack to a conference in snowy weather, and to work. I fit all my clothes, snow gear and laptop (in a sleeve) in this pack, so I could carry-on the flight. It swallows more than you think but is not bulky or heavyweight.

I bought this pack to use while on vacation to Mexico. I used it mainly for day trips to the beach and hiking. The pack performed well and I was so glad to have it. However, The straps have very little in the way of padding and while carrying a heavy load they dug into my shoulders. A word of advice don't carry more than 15 lbs. if you have a choice. Also, The sternum strap on many occasions came off. Overall I love this pack for quick trips to the Food Coop and cycling around town. I hope the designers of this pack take notice and add more padding on the straps.

I bought the Flash 22 packs for my wife and I to use on our trip to Hawaii, and they worked great! The packs fit perfect under plane and tour bus seats, held tons of beach gear, souvenirs and our daily must have gear (battery packs for phones, water bottles, et cetera). If you want a great minimalist bag for travel and day hiking the Flash 22 is the one to get.