REI Flash 22 Daypack Review

Bottom Line

The REI Flash 22 is a versatile, ultralight daypack that punches above its weight class. Of all the standouts on our list of best daypacks, it’s one of our team’s all-time favorites. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has used the Flash 22 for years as he’s climbed 600+ of Colorado’s 13,000’ – 14,000’ mountains. He loves its impressive comfort, ultralight design, and simple organization. It’s also one of our go-tos for running around town and traveling, too.

We consider the Flash 22 more of a minimalist pack. It has technical features like a removable foam sit pad, breathable back panel, and trekking pole attachments, but it doesn’t have a frame, substantial padding, or load lifters. Its ultralight construction, water reservoir compatibility, and packability make it a great choice for day-long adventures where moving fast and staying agile are top priorities.

However, the Flash 22’s minimalism comes with trade-offs. This frameless pack can feel floppy, especially when underpacked. Also, the two-clip top closure is a bit awkward, and the unusual side pockets make it awkward to store and access gear. But if you’re looking for lightweight efficiency over heavy-duty support, this model is one of our top picks – and for an excellent price, too.

Comfort

This daypack delivers a surprising amount of comfort for a frameless, ultralight pack. Weighing only 14 ounces, it’s as light and easy to carry as a backpack gets. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has put thousands of miles on his Flash 22 models over the years – almost exclusively in the high alpine of the Colorado Rockies. During that time, he’s appreciated how the mesh pads on the backpanel have helped him manage sweat and heat. Plus, he’s liked how the lightweight straps and waist belt have been supportive enough while increasing breathability and decreasing bulk. But, our favorite comfort feature about this little pack? The removable foam sit pad. It doubles as both back padding and a cosy seat for a trail break. 

However, the seat’s minimalist design might miss the mark for people with heavier loads. When we carried heavier items for birding trips, including a tripod and binoculars, we could feel the load jutting into our backs. Plus, the Flash 22 can feel floppy when it’s not fully packed because it doesn’t have a substantial hip belt, internal frame, or cushy padding. 

That said, the Flash 22 continues to be Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s go-to for 15-40 mile days. When he’s hiking from sun-up to sun-down, its smart, ultralight design offers just enough comfort while still feeling agile. 

Organization

The Flash 22 keeps gear neatly organized without overcomplicating things. Its intuitive layout is versatile and straightforward, with dedicated pockets for specific needs. For example, the pack includes two interior organization pockets for smaller items, a top-lid zippered pocket for quick access items, and a large hydration reservoir sleeve that’s compatible with most brands. However, the lack of internal framing means heavier items might shift around, especially in the main storage compartment. 

At 22 liters, the pack offers plenty of room for our essentials for the day, from layers to a first aid kit. Our biggest complaint is the vertical side pocket. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer rarely uses it because it’s awkward to access and a bit too narrow for most gear. That said, it’s okay for items you don’t regularly access like a headlamp or an extra pair of socks. Other small issues gave us pause as well, like the lack of a key clip and the dual-clip lid closure that feels clunky compared to the prior model’s single-clip design. This pack also has ten total lash points, but they can’t support much weight due to the bag’s light and frameless construction. 

Despite these quirks, the pack’s simple organization still shines for folks looking for versatility and minimalism.

User-Friendliness

The thoughtful and simple design of this REI model makes it one of our top picks for day hikes, city adventures, road trips and plane travel. For our tester, the non-mesh water bottle holders stood out because they made it easy to access bottles without removing the pack. The long pull tabs with structured plastic tips are also easy to grab with gloves. Adjusting the straps is quick and hassle-free. Thoughtful details like trekking pole attachments and a sunglasses loop further enhance its usability from the streets to the trails. 

That said, a simple design has a few downsides. The sit pad can be obnoxious to access. Since it’s located in the same pocket as the hydration reservoir, it’s difficult to remove when a reservoir is in place. That said, we’re splitting hairs. None of these issues are dealbreakers. When we’re in the field hiking for hours, they don’t impede our experience.

Weight and Compressibility

The REI Flash 22 is one of the most portable packs on our list. It weighs only 14 ounces, making it a no-brainer for ultralighters and minimalists. To keep weight down, REI uses 70D nylon construction, small components, and a simple design. To further cut weight and bulk, you can remove the sit pad.

Because it’s a frameless pack, the Flash 22 can easily be rolled, folded, and flattened down to the size of a water bottle. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves its compact size for backcountry adventures. He’s often stuffed the Flash in his backpacking pack, so he can drop his heavy pack and bust out the Flash for a side quest like a summit push, lake visit, and mine exploration.

This is an ultralight pack that performs its best with smaller loads and lighter gear. It’s not our first pick for carrying heavy loads or bulky gear. If you prioritize portability over support and structure, the Flash 22 will be a great fit.

Durability

For an ultralight pack, the REI Flash 22 delivers average durability. Our gear analyst found this bag’s 70D nylon effectively resisted abrasions from sharp rocks and rough branches and held up well to the rigors of backcountry hiking in the Colorado Rockies. REI also moved away from mesh side pockets, which was a smart change to increase their longevity without sacrificing stretch or accessibility. Several other thoughtful design features means the Flash 22 can last for years. We should know – Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has had three of these packs and typically retires them after 1,200 miles or so.

But, like many ultralight products, the Flash 22 is not as durable as packs built with more robust fabrics and materials. We found during testing that the bottom will eventually show damage from being set on rocks and dirt, the strap and waist belt mesh can wear thin, and the water resistant liner will begin to flake off. The cinch-top design will break down after thousands of openings and closings. And the lack of a frame means heavy loads can strain its design, especially where the shoulder straps connect to the frame.

These trade-offs are worth considering for anyone tackling intense adventure. That said, we don’t mind the reduced durability too much. The Flash 22 is so affordable, lightweight, and useful, we don’t mind picking up a new one every few years to stay fast and nimble on and off the trail.

Should you buy the REI Flash 22 day pack?

The REI Flash 22 is a great daypack for ultralight enthusiasts, minimalists, fastpackers, and budget-conscious hikers. At only 14 ounces, this is a featherlight daypack for folks whose top priorities are agility, speed and simplicity on the trail. With its removable sit pad, intuitive design, and ability to pack down small, this daypack is a dream for folks who want top-tier efficiency and adaptability on trail and in everyday life. But the Flash 22 isn’t for everyone. Its frameless, minimalist design lacks the structure and support necessary for heavy loads and bulky gear, and not everyone finds it comfortable for all-day outings. But, if you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight daypack for fast and long days on trail, traveling, or commuting, this one may be what you’re looking for.

What other day packs should you consider for hiking?

If this isn’t the right pack for you, check out our guide to the Best Daypacks for Hiking to consider other packs we recommend for hikers: 

LL Bean Stowaway Review: The Stowaway is a highly packable alternative to the REI Flash 22 when it comes to light weight, low price, 22 liter capacity, and solid organization. 

Salomon Trailblazer Review: The Salomon Trailblazer is another ultralight, frameless daypack that stands out for its compact design, but it has better durability compared with the Flash 22. 

Osprey Daylite Plus Review: Similar to the Flash 22, the Osprey Daylite Plus is a solid choice for those who want a more traditional design with superior durability and comfort for easy creekside to cafe transitions.