Introduction

Welcome to our review of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack! If you’re an adventurous woman who loves spending time in the great outdoors, then you know the importance of having a reliable and comfortable backpack. The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of female hikers and backpackers, offering a perfect balance of functionality, durability, and style.

Designed by REI, a well-known and trusted brand in the outdoor industry, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is a top contender when it comes to gear for your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend camping trip or a longer multi-day hike, this backpack has got you covered.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the design, features, comfort, durability, storage options, weight, and overall performance of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack. We’ll also compare it to similar backpacks on the market to help you make an informed decision.

So, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner looking for the perfect gear to start your outdoor journey, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into all the details of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack!

 

Overview of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is a versatile and high-performance backpack designed specifically for female outdoor enthusiasts. It strikes the perfect balance between lightweight design and ample storage capacity, making it an ideal choice for both weekend trips and longer expeditions.

One of the key features of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is its adjustable suspension system. This allows you to customize the fit according to your body shape and size, ensuring optimal comfort on the trail. The backpack also features a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, which distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your body.

When it comes to storage, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack doesn’t disappoint. With a spacious main compartment and multiple additional pockets, you’ll have plenty of room to pack your gear and essentials. The top-loading design with a floating lid allows for easy access to your belongings, while the side compression straps keep everything secure and stable during your trek.

Another standout feature of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is its durability. Constructed from rugged and water-resistant materials, this backpack can withstand the elements and endure years of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking through dense forests or trekking across rocky terrain, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack will hold up and protect your gear.

Furthermore, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is designed with comfort in mind. The lightweight construction and ergonomic design help to reduce fatigue and keep you comfortable during long hikes. The breathable mesh back panel provides ventilation, preventing excessive sweating and discomfort.

Overall, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is a reliable and well-designed backpack that caters specifically to the needs of female outdoor enthusiasts. It combines durability, comfort, and ample storage capacity to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free backpacking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just beginning your outdoor adventures, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is a backpack you can trust.

 

Design and Features

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of female hikers and backpackers. Its sleek and streamlined design not only looks stylish but also enhances functionality on the trail.

One of the standout features of this backpack is its adjustable suspension system. The shoulder straps and hip belt can be easily adjusted to fit your specific body shape and size. This ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to carry the weight of your pack without strain or discomfort.

The Flash 55 Women’s Backpack also features a top-loading design with a removable floating lid. The lid can be adjusted to accommodate larger items or be removed altogether to reduce weight when necessary. This versatility allows you to customize the backpack to your specific needs.

In terms of storage, this backpack offers ample space for all your gear. The main compartment is roomy and features a hydration sleeve, allowing you to conveniently carry a water reservoir for easy access on the go. There are also multiple external pockets, including hip belt pockets, stretch mesh side pockets, and a front pocket, providing additional storage options for items you need to access quickly.

The Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is constructed from durable and water-resistant materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. It also features reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers to ensure long-lasting performance. Additionally, the backpack is equipped with compression straps that allow you to cinch down the load and maintain stability during your hike.

Another notable feature of this backpack is its compatibility with a range of accessories. It has attachment loops and gear loops that allow you to attach trekking poles, ice axes, and other gear to the outside of the pack, further increasing its carrying capacity and versatility.

Overall, the design and features of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack are carefully considered to provide convenience and functionality on the trail. Whether you need to adjust the fit for optimal comfort, access your gear easily, or carry additional items, this backpack delivers with its well-thought-out design and features.

 

Comfort and Fit

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is designed with comfort in mind, providing a great fit for female hikers and backpackers. The adjustable suspension system allows you to customize the fit to your body shape and size, ensuring maximum comfort and support on the trail.

The shoulder straps of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack are padded and contoured to fit the female torso. This design not only provides cushioning but also helps distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. The straps can be easily adjusted to find the perfect fit, preventing chafing and discomfort during long hikes.

In addition to the shoulder straps, the hip belt plays a crucial role in the overall comfort of the backpack. The Flash 55 Women’s Backpack features a padded and ergonomic hip belt designed specifically for the female form. The belt helps transfer the weight of the pack to your hips, reducing pressure on your shoulders and back. It is also adjustable to accommodate different hip sizes, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.

The back panel of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is constructed with a breathable mesh material. This allows air to circulate, keeping your back cool and preventing excessive sweating during intense hikes. The ventilated back panel, combined with the padded shoulder straps and hip belt, enhances overall comfort for extended periods of wear.

When it comes to fit, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers a range of adjustments to suit your unique body shape. The torso length can be easily adjusted using the ladder-lock mechanism, ensuring the pack sits comfortably on your back. Additionally, the shoulder straps have multiple points of adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune the fit for optimal comfort and support.

Overall, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack provides exceptional comfort and a secure fit for female outdoor enthusiasts. The adjustable suspension system, padded shoulder straps, ergonomic hip belt, and ventilated back panel all work together to ensure a pleasant and comfortable backpacking experience. Whether you’re embarking on a short hike or a multi-day trek, this backpack will keep you comfortable every step of the way.

 

Durability and Performance

When it comes to durability and performance, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack truly shines. Built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the demands of the outdoors, this backpack delivers exceptional durability and performance in various conditions.

The Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is constructed from rugged and water-resistant materials, ensuring it can withstand the elements. The main body of the pack is made from durable nylon, which is known for its strength and abrasion resistance. This ensures that the backpack can handle rough and rocky terrains without tearing or wearing down.

In addition to the durable materials, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack features reinforced stitching throughout the pack. This enhances its overall strength and durability, preventing seams from coming apart even under heavy loads or prolonged use. The sturdy zippers also contribute to the backpack’s durability, ensuring they can withstand frequent opening and closing without breaking or getting stuck.

When it comes to performance, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack excels in terms of weight distribution and stability. The adjustable suspension system allows you to fine-tune the fit and ensure the weight of the pack is evenly distributed, preventing strain and discomfort on your back and shoulders. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt provide additional support, making long hikes more manageable.

Furthermore, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is designed to offer stability on the trail. The compression straps allow you to cinch down the pack, minimizing unnecessary movement and keeping the load secure. This ensures that your gear stays in place even during challenging terrain, enhancing your overall stability and balance.

Overall, the durability and performance of the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack are excellent. Designed with high-quality materials and reinforced stitching, this backpack can withstand the rigors of the outdoors and endure years of use. Its superior weight distribution and stability features make it a reliable choice for hikers and backpackers seeking durability and performance in their gear.

 

Capacity and Storage Options

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers ample storage space and a variety of storage options to accommodate all your gear and essentials for your outdoor adventures. With its well-designed compartments and pockets, organizing and accessing your items is convenient and hassle-free.

The main compartment of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack provides generous space for your larger items, such as a sleeping bag, tent, and clothing. It features a top-loading design, allowing you to easily pack and access your gear. The compartment is also equipped with a hydration sleeve, accommodating a water reservoir to keep you hydrated on the go.

For smaller essentials and items you need quick access to, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers multiple pockets. There are hip belt pockets that can hold small items like snacks, a compass, or a phone. There are also stretch mesh side pockets that can comfortably fit water bottles or other items you want to keep within reach.

In addition, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack has a large front pocket that is perfect for storing wet clothes, rain gear, or a trail map. The pocket is easily accessible and keeps your wet or dirty items separate from the rest of your gear.

When it comes to external attachments, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack does not disappoint. It is equipped with attachment loops and gear loops that allow you to secure trekking poles, ice axes, or other gear to the outside of the pack. This increases the carrying capacity and versatility of the backpack, allowing you to bring along additional equipment as needed.

The backpack also features side compression straps that help secure and stabilize your load. This is particularly useful when you have a partially filled pack or want to compress your gear to make it more streamlined.

Overall, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers a spacious main compartment and multiple storage options to accommodate all your gear and essentials. With its well-designed compartments, pockets, and external attachments, you can easily organize and access your items, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable outdoor experience.

 

Weight and Portability

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is designed with weight-conscious backpackers in mind. It strikes a great balance between offering ample storage capacity and keeping the overall weight of the pack down.

One of the standout features of the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is its lightweight construction. The pack is made from lightweight yet durable materials that help reduce the overall weight without compromising on durability or performance. This makes it easier for you to carry the pack for extended periods, minimizing fatigue and strain on your body.

Despite its lightweight design, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers generous storage space. With its main compartment, multiple pockets, and external attachment options, you can pack all your gear and essentials without sacrificing portability.

In terms of portability, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack excels. It features padded and adjustable shoulder straps and a comfortable hip belt, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The lightweight construction, along with the ergonomic design, helps to distribute the weight evenly, making it easier to carry the pack over long distances.

In addition, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is designed to be easily compressible. The side compression straps allow you to cinch down the pack, reducing its overall bulk and making it more streamlined. This is particularly useful when the pack is not fully packed or when you want to make it more compact for easier maneuverability.

When it comes to portability during travel, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers convenience as well. It meets the carry-on size requirements for many airlines, allowing you to bring it with you on your adventures and avoiding the hassle of checking it in.

Overall, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack excels in terms of weight and portability. Its lightweight construction, thoughtful design, and compressibility make it a great choice for backpackers who value a lightweight and easily transportable pack without compromising on storage capacity or comfort.

 

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack has its pros and cons. Before making a purchase decision, it’s important to consider these attributes to determine if the backpack meets your specific needs and preferences.

Pros:

• The adjustable suspension system ensures a comfortable and customizable fit.
• The backpack is constructed from durable and water-resistant materials, offering excellent durability.
• Ample storage space, including a spacious main compartment and multiple pockets, allows for efficient organization of gear.
• The top-loading design with a removable floating lid provides versatility in packing and accessing items.
• The backpack is lightweight, making it easier to carry during long hikes or treks.
• Compression straps help to stabilize the load and maintain balance on the trail.
• The backpack is compatible with various accessories, such as trekking poles and ice axes, enhancing its versatility.

Cons:

• The backpack may not fit all body types perfectly, as individual torso lengths and body proportions vary.
• Some users may find the shoulder straps and hip belt to be less padded or less comfortable than desired.
• The interior organization of the pack may not be ideal for those who prefer numerous compartments or specialized pockets.
• The backpack does not come with a rain cover, which may necessitate an additional purchase for wet weather protection.
• Although relatively lightweight, some ultralight backpackers may still find the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack to be slightly heavier than their preferred weight range.

It’s important to carefully consider these pros and cons based on your specific needs and priorities. The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack offers many benefits, but it’s essential to weigh them against any potential drawbacks to make an informed decision.

 

Comparison with Similar Backpacks

When choosing a backpack, it’s helpful to compare different options to find the one that best suits your needs. Here, we’ll compare the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack with a couple of similar backpacks on the market to help you make an informed decision.

Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpack

The Osprey Aura AG 65 Women’s Backpack is a popular choice among female hikers and backpackers. Like the Flash 55, it offers a customizable fit with an adjustable suspension system. The Aura AG 65 has Osprey’s Anti-Gravity suspension system, which provides exceptional comfort by distributing the weight evenly across the body. It also boasts a larger capacity of 65 liters, making it suitable for longer trips. However, the Flash 55 is lighter in weight, making it more suitable for those who prioritize lightweight backpacking. Additionally, the Aura AG 65 comes with superior organization features, including multiple compartments and pockets, that can be more appealing to those looking for a high level of organization.

Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL Women’s Backpack

The Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL Women’s Backpack is another contender in the women’s backpacking market. With a capacity of 60 liters expandable to 70 liters, it offers ample storage space. The Aircontact Lite features an ergonomic design similar to the Flash 55, with adjustable shoulder straps and a padded hip belt. It also incorporates Deuter’s Aircontact ventilation system, providing excellent airflow to prevent excessive sweating. However, the Flash 55 excels in terms of weight as it is significantly lighter than the Aircontact Lite, making it a better choice for those who prioritize minimizing weight. The Flash 55 also offers a more streamlined design and a removable floating lid, adding versatility to its packing options.

While these are just a couple of examples, comparing backpacks based on their design, features, capacity, weight, and price will help you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences. Consider your priorities, such as comfort, storage requirements, and the duration of your outdoor adventures, to make an informed decision.

 

Conclusion

The REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is a versatile and well-designed backpack that caters specifically to the needs of female hikers and backpackers. With its adjustable suspension system, durable construction, ample storage space, and comfortable fit, it offers exceptional performance on the trail.

Whether you’re embarking on a weekend camping trip or a longer multi-day hike, the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack has the capacity to accommodate all your gear and essentials. Its thoughtfully designed compartments and pockets allow for efficient organization and easy access to your items.

The Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is not only functional but also lightweight, making it a great choice for those who prioritize weight reduction. Its adjustable suspension system ensures a comfortable fit, while the durable materials and reinforced stitching contribute to its long-lasting performance.

While considering different backpack options, it’s important to understand your specific needs and preferences. Comparing the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack with similar backpacks on the market will help you determine the best fit for your outdoor adventures.

In conclusion, the REI Co-op Flash 55 Women’s Backpack is an excellent choice for female hikers and backpackers seeking a reliable, durable, and comfortable backpack. With its impressive design, ample storage capacity, and lightweight construction, it provides everything you need for a successful and enjoyable outdoor experience. So grab your gear, hit the trails, and let the Flash 55 Women’s Backpack be your trusted companion on your next adventure.