REI Co-op  Flash 22 Pack

Love the concept of the pack, not too happy with the construction. I have the Flash 18 and got this one so that my wife and I could both have good day packs for out trip to Panama for 2 weeks. Used the pack for my carry on and daily use with a hydration pack, extra water, snacks etc. Never had more than 10-15 pounds in it at a time, pretty light use. About 4-5 days into the trip I noticed fraying of both shoulder straps where they attach to the top of the pack and fraying at spots on the shoulder straps as well.

I JUST purchased this daypack (highly recommended by REI employee) for my extensive 3 month trip to Indonesia. I used the pack as my carry on while flying. I hadn't even made it across the Pacific when I noticed the fraying and unraveling at multiple areas on the pack. In particular, the mesh is separating from the stitching and elastic. Hoping it keeps together for the next couple months, but I see a replacement in my near future. Maybe its just a lemon, but dang there are three areas of damage and I haven't even pushed the pack yet.

I never loaded this pack with more than 10-12lbs. The shoulder straps started to tear after the first use and continued to fray throughout subsequent uses. I think that the problem lies in the elastic trim lining the shoulder straps. I suspect that if it didn't stretch so easily, they would be a little more resistant to the wear-and-tear from light loads. I hope that REI fixes that feature because save for that, it would be a nice day pack.

Used once so far on a backpack and it performed just fine. I removed the thin foam backpad so that it packed up small in the backpack and then used it for side hikes. I like the two mesh pockets for Nalgenes plus the internal and external zipped pockets. Much more useful than the Flash 18 because of that and also a better configuration than the comparable Marmot Compressor. Does its job well. I don't like the orange version but the gray is fine.

I bought this pack for the Jungle that is Disneyland. The two large exterior mesh pockets are PERFECT for holding twin 32 oz BPA Free bottles. The super light material is comfortable and strong. I found this bag ideal for a 14 hour day of walking in the hot sun. I now use it for morning hikes with the dogs at the mountain preserve.

I am an ultralight backpacker, having switched years ago from external frame packs (which I liked) and overbuilt internal frame packs (which I didn't). My backpacking pack is currently a frameless pack that rides like a dream -- but only when I've loaded it up sufficiently to use the gear to provide some structure. That does not work well when I'm just going to do a nice five or ten mile hike in the mountains during the afternoon. I've relied on the Flash 18 for the past couple of years, and it's a swell pack. It's plenty big enough for a day's supplies (including the essentials that I always carry in the wilderness: first aid kit, mylar "space" blanket, whistle, etc.) and rides comfortably on my back. I have worn out one and am wearing out my second. It has one major flaw for me: no water bottle pockets. I'm sufficiently old school that I don't use bladders. I think they're difficult to fill, a pain to keep clean, and I tend to drain them without realizing it. I need a bottle in my hand to know how much water I have left. In the arid mountain west, I don't have the luxury of finding much water on the go: I carry it all with me. So running out mid-hike is a pain. Bottles allow me to monitor how much water I have left and ration appropriately; bladders do not. The one-big-pocket in the Flash 18 means my water bottle was always awkwardly at the bottom of the pack, often at an uncomfortable angle to my back. The side pockets on the Flash 22 solve that problem beautifully. They're big enough that I can easily fit a liter bottle in one (not a nalgene, for heaven's sake: those things weigh a ton). I can slip one shoulder out of its straps while I walk, pull out the bottle, drink, and replace everything without breaking stride. It's great. The top pocket has been useful as well. I love keeping my phone/camera, sunglasses, bandana, and binocs in there. I keep a snack in the other side pocket. It's not rocket science. Most importantly, it's light. Only a couple of ounces more than the Flash 18, the weight penalty is well worth the comfort and convenience. It's durable enough. It's not bulletproof, which is OK by me, because bulletproof=heavy. It's sufficiently durable for me to take down slot canyons (sometimes dragging the pack, sometimes having it scrape the walls as I squeeze through), but I try to be careful. I don't throw it down things. I avoid abrasions whenever possible. I don't put sharp objects into it. (Pro-tip: I carry a small piece of ripstop tape in my essentials. Should a small rip occur in the pack, I can fix it immediately. This has happened a couple of times with my Flash 18. A used-and-repaired pack is a beautiful pack. A perfectly clean and flawless pack is a sad, silent pack.) In short, I'm not a thoughtless dope who just throws junk into his pack. This is not a pack for thoughtless dopes who just toss junk into their packs. I don't baby it; but I don't abuse it, either. I treat it thoughtfully and responsibly -- the way I try to treat the wilderness. Look, I'm just a guy who has walked many, many miles in the wilderness over the past 30+ years. I'm a guy who still, regularly, walks many miles in the wilderness. This is my pack of choice at present; it's a good pack.

Recently bought one of these back in March. I loved the design, zippered top pocket and mesh zipper pocket inside. Theres no lack of places to put stuff on this and was happy to get out and put it to use. After about 2 weeks of use I noticed some fraying in the location of the webbing strap meeting the mesh. I returned it and swapped for a second one to give it another chance. So far so good with pack #2. It's ben on several day hikes and most recently a 3 day stay in Joshua Tree with heavy daily use. I've put a full 100oz bladder inside with a few snacks, wind breaker, first aid kit and camera and its been great. For the price it's my favorite simply for all the extra little pockets. If you're looking for something that may be a little more durable in the same size and storage options you may look to spend a little more.

Perfect for short hikes from camp or home without having to lug a full pack. Great lightweight day pack that's hydration compatible with good storage for snacks, light clothing, poles and various pocket items. Looked at waist packs but for the same price get triple the utility. Just what I was looking for at a good price.

I was really excited with this purchase until I noticed that the shoulder straps were ripping after two days of light use. The pack was exactly what I wanted, but low quality. I'm returning it. I did order the REI Stoke 19 to replace it. I'm waiting to see if that pack is better.

I bought this bag a month ago to go into the field for 2 weeks for work. I was hiking around as well as riding in a motor boat. This bag was perfect for the purpose of carrying the necessities - snacks, water, light jacket, lunch, camera and GPS equipment. I have used it a couple times since for day hikes with a little more weight and it works great. I love the ample water bottle holders on the sides. They completely fit a standard nalgene, so when I was bending over I didn't have to worry about getting smacked in the head by a falling water bottle. I think what needs to be remembered is that this is a light weight day pack. I can definitely imagine that the integrity of the pack would be compromised if it is overfilled. But if you are looking for a pack to carry just the basics. It works perfectly for that.