How to Choose a Backpack

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Make long trail days comfortable with the women-specific REI Co-op Flash 60. It hugs your body for great support and load-balancing performance, while a ventilated mesh back panel helps keep you cool.
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View all REI Co-op Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/side/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 8 + main compartment |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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I purchased this pack for a 7-day hike in Scotland on the West Highland Way. It was everything I could have asked for! The size and shape is perfect for someone petite (I am 5'2"), and the hip belt was very comfortable. Scotland's weather definitely tested the backpack's ability to withstand rain and it held up very well the times that I couldn't immediately get to my duck's back. It had more than enough room for everything I needed, useful pockets, and was relatively easy to adjust while wearing. It had just enough pockets, straps, bells, and whistles so that I never felt that it was missing something nor did I feel that it had any superfluous pieces - a perfect balance. I did not have an issue with my 1L Nalgene water bottle falling out, as others have noted. I don't have many photos that show the backpack but thought I'd include these in case they help.
I've had an osprey, a deuter, an arcteryx and i love this pack the best. i've had it for 4 years now and it's the best pack i've ever used. super light weight no wasted weight on a pack especially for those through hikes. I've filled it up to 25/30 lbs. pockets very accessible and smart. i got a rain cover to go with it, works great. i really like the sizing options.. i am short so finding a pack that goes small enough to fit my torso is a challenge. you wont be dissapointed! I haven't torn my pack yet just a small hole and duct tape works great as a patch. i've also thrown it down switchbacks and it survived. only con is if the top is loaded heavily it can be a bit wobbly if its not strapped down all the way.
When I needed a bigger pack for multi day hiking, my top two concerns were weight and my collarbone. This pack is stiffer than the other packs I tried on, with a lot less cushioning. I have lower back problems and I found the tight stiff fit to be more beneficial for my back, almost like a back brace. The packs up lift strap system, when used correctly, also greatly helped my lower back by lifting all the weight higher. In addition, since my pack fit tighter against my back, there was less shifting of the pack overall, which helped prevent any chaffing on my collarbone. Also, I really liked the bungee clips that hold your poles/ice axe. They have a plastic hook that hopefully holds up. Plus, you can hide them when not in use. Such a pretty backpack!! My biggest problem is overpacking. Not the packs fault. :/
I reluctantly needed to replace my backpack of the '90s, and after much research chose this pack. Am I glad I did! Once it is adjusted properly to your torso, it fits like a glove. It rides high on the back, placing all the weight on the hips and legs. The straps were easy to adjust the weight for various terrain, making scrambling through boulders a breeze. It is top-loading, but has a zipper access along the bottom to grab your sleeping gear as soon as you get to camp. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that when you put a full bladder in the bladder pocket, there isn't enough lateral dimension for the bear canister. I placed the bladder on top of the bear canister, which worked fine.
I wanted to start taking some weekend long backpacking trips and decided it was time to invest in my own pack. I spent about 2 hours at my local REI having different ones stuffed and adjusted to me. Ultimately it came down to the Osprey Aura and this pack. Hoping to save a little I chose this pack because of price. This weekend I took it on a trip and it performed amazingly. I definitely overpacked, to the point I had to squeeze things in tight to zip it up, but it felt light as a feather. Over the 30 miles it barely felt like I was carrying anything. There are plenty of adjustments to make it form right to your back. One thing I liked better than the Osprey was the hip belt pockets. The ones on this pack are made of stretchy breathable material which allowed me to put more items I wanted within hands reach. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase. Bottom line though, go to the store and find ones that fit you because no two bodies are the same.
Just finished with my first backpacking trip and I loved this pack. I don't have any aches and pains in my upper body, just from my hips down. That tells me that my legs were just dealing with the extra weight on my body and that weight must have been well distributed. Between the four of us who were backpacking, two of us have the Co-op Flash packs (one male, one female) and the other two do not. The other two backpackers complained about weight distribution on their backs and shoulder aches and pains. Both the fellow Flash-er and I had no issues with ours and were literally happy campers.
I purchased this pack to replace an ultralight pack that I love, but could never get to fit properly. My first trip was a 4-night BMT trip, and right out of the gate this pack was a winner. I had it loaded with about 35 pounds of gear, but thanks to the load lifter straps, and comfortable suspension, I never really felt the weight. For the money, this pack is fantastic, and since I was able to put my coop dividend toward the price, it was an even better deal. I have used it on several trips since that first one, and have been incredibly satisfied every time. The only real criticism I could offer is related to the side pockets, which are angled in such a way that bottles and other objects will fall out when you lean over. However, the external compression straps can often help with that, so I don't see that as a major problem.
I have a petite frame (15" spine, 24" waist) and this pack fits like a dream. With Osprey packs I've always found them to pinch at the shoulders and the waist straps be too stiff to manage. This pack's straps are positioned far enough apart to be comfortable and the waist straps bend at just the right spot to not be annoying trying to get into. Plus, that zipper across the bottom is the best thing I've found in a long time.
I bought this pack halfway through my thru-hike of the AT and loved it. I did not like my Osprey and wanted something smaller and more convenient. It fit all of my gear perfectly, the waist belt pockets were great for snacks and holding my phone, and I loved being able to access my water in the side pockets with little effort. The pack also lets your back breathe more than a lot of other packs so I ended up being more comfortable in the summer heat than my companions. The pack can put a lot of pressure on your lower back when I didn't pack it correctly but the compression straps allow you to adjust the weight a little higher. The only big issue I had was things would fall out of the side pockets pretty easily so I had to check the ground whenever I set it down or fell. After 1100 miles it does not show too much wear and tear and I will definitely keep using it.
I just wore this pack hiking the Wonderland Trail ( 93 miles around Mt Rainier). It is so comfortable, the hip belt fits well and really does its job of taking weight off the shoulders. (I recommend watching the REI video on how to put on a pack - it really makes for a good fit). I also liked the pocket arrangement and lovely color