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REI Co-op Flash 22
#6 — Best Budget Day Hike Pack

REI Co-op Flash 22 Review (2026)

Thirteen ounces, sixty dollars, and a removable pad that doubles as a sit pad

★★★★★
9.0/10
Reviewed by William • Updated August 2026 $60

The Flash 22 has been the answer to 'what daypack should I buy' on a budget for a decade. Thirteen ounces, 22 liters, $60, and a removable foam back panel that pulls out to become a sit pad at lunch. It is frameless, so loads above about 15lb press into your back, and the shoulder straps are lightly padded rather than plush. Within its range it is hard to argue with — nothing else offers this weight and capacity at this price.

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$60 retail
TrailCraft Score

What Works

  • 13oz — lighter than most packs at any price
  • $60
  • Removable foam pad doubles as a sit pad
  • Compresses well when partly loaded
  • Simple design with little to break

Limitations

  • Frameless — uncomfortable above about 15lb
  • Minimal hipbelt, essentially a stabilizer strap
  • Thin fabric shows wear on rock
  • No hipbelt pockets

At a Glance

Capacity22L
Weight13.0oz / 369g
FrameFrameless, removable foam pad
HydrationReservoir sleeve
HipbeltWebbing stabilizer
SizesOne size
WarrantyREI 1-year satisfaction

Score Breakdown

Value for Money
9.9
Comfort
7.8
Organization
7.6
Ventilation
7.4
Durability
7.8

What Sets It Apart

This is the pack to hand someone starting out, and plenty of experienced hikers never replace it. The removable pad is the detail that earns loyalty — pulling it out to sit on wet granite at a lunch stop is worth more on an average hike than most of the features on packs costing three times as much.

Thirteen ounces, sixty dollars, and a removable pad that doubles as a sit pad

Who This Is For

New hikers, anyone on a budget, ultralight hikers wanting a summit pack, and hikers who keep loads under 15lb.

Note: Prices are current as of August 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

Also Consider

See the full comparison

All 14 options in this category ranked side by side.

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Common Questions

Is frameless a problem?
Only above about 15lb. Below that, packing carefully with soft items against your back is entirely comfortable.
How durable is it?
Adequate for trail use, marginal for bushwhacking and scrambling. The fabric is light and will show abrasion on rock.