Best lightweight backpacking pack for under $200

The REI Co-op Flash 55  (shop now) is a well-rounded pack that hits it out of the park in terms of performance-to-price ratio. From our perspective, it is the single best backpack at the $200 price point, despite being light-not-ultralight.

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• Weight: 45 oz
• Price: $199
• Materials: 100D & 210D recycled Robic ripstop nylon
• Frame: 3.5mm spring steel spanning perimeter with cross brace, contoured aerated foam panel
• Load Capacity: 30 lbs
• Internal Volume: 55L
• External Volume: Not provided, 10L estimated
• Pros: Lightweight. Incredible value. Customizable. Good load transfer. Bonus exterior pockets. Lid storage.
• Cons: Not quite ultralight.

Construction & Features

The Flash 55 design features a roll-top closure topped by a removable lid with lots of pockets on the sides, hip belt, and even the shoulder strap. We’re very glad to see packs coming with shoulder pockets, as we usually wind up paying extra to attach aftermarket models. All in all, the Flash is very user-friendly in regard to external storage.

The frame is a 3.5mm steel rod that runs the perimeter of the contoured and aerated foam back panel. It is comfy, spares the shoulders, are carries light-to-medium weight loads comfortably.

We like how customizable this pack it. Not only can the lid be removed, but so too can the hip belt and shoulder pockets. They call the customizability “Packmod” and if everything is taken off, the user can shave seven ounces. But to be honest, those features are probably all worth their weight and we wouldn’t expect to remove them very often.

Compared to previous versions of the Flash 55 backpacking backpack, they’ve added adjustability to the torso, modularity to the feature-set, increased pocket durability, and sewn the whole thing with recycled fabrics! Great job REI!

Verdict

All said and done, the Flash 55 is simply an incredible performer relative to its price. It’s both better, and less expensive than average. Great for backpackers of all experience levels, we love the incredible value proposition of Flash 55 and recommend it highly.

Compare this to more great options in our guide to the best ultralight backpacking backpacks of the year.