REI Flash 18 Review
Ultralight, Ultra Basic, Ultra Affordable, Low Volume, & Versatile Pack
The minimalist REI Flash 18 pack is affordable and simple to the core, ready to accompany adventurers on their travels and short hikes. A lack of features, assortment of vibrant print colorways, and correspondingly low price tag separates this pack from the competition. Shop now.
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- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Price: $40
- Materials:100% Recycled nylon
- Back Panel: Modular foam sit pad
- Main Compartment Volume: 18L
- External Volume: None
- See also:Â REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack, REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack
- Pros: Ultralight. Very affordable. Recycled materials. Cool prints. Easy access. Packable.
- Cons: No front mesh pocket or side bottle pockets. Slightly too low volume for serious hikes.
Compare this to its larger sibling in our REI Flash 22 Review, or against more models in our guide to the best day hiking backpacks! Make sure you’re all set for your next day trek with our 3 pound ultralight day hiking gear list.
Construction & Features
What makes the Flash 18 so affordable is its simple design. A cinch-top closure seals off the main compartment; there is no lid overtop. Plastic cinching hardwear holds the drawstring in place and a fabric tab bears the pressure to prevent frequent open/close from damaging the top of the pack. The nice part about this design is that it makes for extremely easy access to your gear.
The Flash 18’s back panel is comprised of a removable foam sit pad sandwiched in between the same nylon fabric as the pack body. This blocks minor lumps, but make sure not to store stiff bulky items like water bottles directly against the inside of the back panel. It’s also a bit of a chore to reinsert the back panel, so probably only worthwhile to remove it for sitting purposes on long breaks. Two small interior pockets add organization to the main compartment.
Reasonably-wide ripstop mesh shoulder straps do an adequate job of dispersing pressure, and are connected by a sternum strap. A removable nylon webbing hip belt secure the pack to your torso to prevent from bouncing as you walk.
Paralleling the back panel on the wearer’s right side is a zippered-entry bonus pocket with a sub-pocket. This could be good for storing a rain jacket or snack for quick access, but the fact that it shares volume with the main compartment means that as one fills up, the other’s volume is reduced.
An ice axe loop is situated on the bottom front with a clever storage compartment to tuck it away. However, it’s hard to imagine anyone using this pack in a scenario where an ice axe is needed.
REI Flash 18 Pack Review Verdict
Choose the REI Flash 18 pack to save money and carry less weight with an elegantly simple design. It’s the perfect companion for short hikes, festivals, and exploring. But look elsewhere for a technical backpack to store your gear on a serious hike.
Compare this to its larger sibling in our REI Flash 22 Review, or against more models in our guide to the best day hiking backpacks! Make sure you’re all set for your next day trek with our 3 pound ultralight day hiking gear list.
