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.
