How To Choose Between Two REI Co-op’s two Best Selling Daypacks
If you’re deciding between two of the Co-op’s best selling packs – REI Flash 22 vs Flash 18, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide compares the two head-to-head in order to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences. What follows is an overview of stats, features, pros, and cons. For more in depth coverage, read our complete REI Flash 22 review and REI Flash 18 review.
When purchasing through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Here’s why you can trust us. Now back to REI Flash 18 vs Flash 22.
The Quick Answer
For a short cut, use the following logic to decide on a pack. And if you still aren’t sure, choose the REI Flash 22 which has more features and is overall the superior pack.
- Choose the Flash 22 for hiking, hydration, day trips, and serious adventures
- Choose the Flash 18 for short outings, everyday use, as a gym bag, or travel accessory
Compare these to more great options in our guide to ultralight daypacks and learn what to pack in our day hiking gear list. And while you’re here, don’t miss our comparison piece between their larger backpacking oriented siblings, REI Flash 55 vs Flash Air 50.
Comparison Table: REI Flash 18 vs Flash 22
| Flash 18 | Flash 22 | |
| Price | $40 | $60 |
| Weight | 9.5 oz | 14 oz |
| Internal Volume | 18L | 22L |
| Lid Pocket | No | Yes |
| Water Bottle Pockets | 0 | 2 |
| Side Zip Compartment | 1 | 1 |
| Interior Pockets | 2 | 2 |
| Back Padding | Foam 1/4″ Sit Pad | Foam 1/4″ Sit Pad |
| Back Panel | Nylon | Nylon + Spacer Mesh |
| Shoulder Straps | Reinforced Mesh | Padded Spacer Mesh |
| Hip Belt Material | Nylon Webbing | Reinforced Mesh |
| Removable Hip Belt | Yes | No |
| Ice Axe Loop | Yes | Yes |
How to Choose Between REI Flash 22 vs Flash 18 – Ask the Following Questions
When deciding between REI Flash 22 vs Flash 18 ask yourself the following questions to know which pack to choose.
What will you use this pack for?
The most important factor is how you will use the pack. While both are billed as hiking packs, the Flash 22 is almost strictly better for nearly all possible hiking scenarios. If you will use your Flash primarily as as hiking pack, you should definitely choose Flash 22 because it has dedicated water bottle storage, a lid pocket, more volume, and comfier hip belt.
How much water will you carry?
Another important question to ask is if you will be carrying water bottles, and how many. The Flash 22 has two large water bottle pockets that can fit bottles as wide as a 1L Nalgene or as tall as a 1L Smartwater. The Flash 18 does not have dedicated bottle storage, but of course, you can still fit one or two in the main compartment. Just make sure to add in a bit of fleece or rain gear to create a buffer between your pack and stiff plastic bottles. The 1/4″ foam pad is not fully sufficient to prevent a Nalgene from digging in if lodged against the inside face of the back panel.
Do you need easy access to snacks or knickknacks?
If you will frequently be accessing small items like an energy bar, map, sunscreen, or bug spray, choose the Flash 22. That’s because it has a lid compartment which is easier to access than digging around in the main compartment. Both packs have a nearly identical side entry zipper pocket that can also be used for this purpose, however, the lid is slightly better suited to it.
Will you frequently access the main compartment?
If you will frequently be accessing the main compartment, such as to pull out a jacket or fleece, the Flash 18 does it quicker. That’s because both cinch closed with a drawstring, but the Flash 22 has a lid on top that requires extra steps to double unbuckle. It is faster and easier to get into the main compartment of the Flash 18.
Will you be carrying a puffy jacket?
For cool or cold-weather use when you intend to carry a puffy jacket in your pack, the extra 4L of storage available in the Flash 22 will be preferable.
Do you dislike hip belts?
If you dislike hip belts, never wear them, and hate when they dangle off the sides, you should choose the Flash 18 because its hip belt is removable.
How much does $20 matter to you?
If it every dollar counts and you’re on a very strict budget, nobody would fault you for choosing the Flash 18. However, for just $20, you get a lot of bonus features and it the upgrade is a good overall value proposition.
For more in depth coverage, read our complete REI Flash 22 review and REI Flash 18 review.
REI Flash 18 vs Flash 22 – Relative Pros & Cons
This section discusses pros and cons for each pack relative to the other.
REI Flash 18 Pros & Cons
- Pro: $20 cheaper
- Pro: 4.5 oz lighter weight
- Pro: Easier access to main compartment
- Pro: Hip belt is removable
- Con: No water bottle or lid pockets
- Con: 4L less internal volume
- Con: Back surface has no aerated mesh
- Con: Hip belt is less comfortable
- Con: Shoulder straps have less padding
REI Flash 22 Pros & Cons
- Pro: 4L additional volume
- Pro: 2 large water bottle pockets and lid pocket
- Pro: Easier access to snacks, drinks, accessories
- Pro: Comfier hip belt and shoulder straps
- Pro: Aerated spacer mesh panels on back surface
- Cons: $20 more expensive
- Cons: 4.5 oz heavier
- Cons: Hip belt cannot be removed
For more in depth coverage, read our complete REI Flash 22 review and REI Flash 18 review.
Editor’s Choice
This is a hiking-focused website, and as such, we strongly prefer and recommend the Flash 22 pack over the Flash 18 pack. The lack of side water bottle pockets is intolerable on the trail, and even a downside for most everyday use-cases. We respect the Flash 18 for its minimalism and simplicity. Many people will enjoy it as a gym bag, carry-on bag, or errand bag, however, it is only marginally better in those use cases than the Flash 22. We feel nine out of ten readers would likely prefer the Flash 22.
REI Flash 22 vs Flash 18 Conclusion
It’s hard to dislike the REI Flash backpacks, and we recommend them for their exceptional value, ultralight weight, minimalist design, and Co-op warranty. What’s more, both packs are available in a variety of striking print colorways, updated seasonally. While we strongly prefer the Flash 22 over the Flash 18 for hiking and adventure purposes, primarily because of the side bottle pockets, both are popular best-sellers that will satisfy outdoorsy Co-op members. Happy trails!
For more in depth coverage, read our complete REI Flash 22 review and REI Flash 18 review.
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