Osprey Daylite Plus vs the REI Flash 22: Budget Backpack Battle
Table of Contents
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Today, I’m comparing the Osprey Daylite Plus to the REI Flash 22. Two capable, well built, and similarly priced daypacks, I put them head to head.
I test out important metrics like comfort, features, carrying capacity, and hiking performance. With real world trials in both urban, and outdoor environments, I am working to help you find the best hiking backpack for your needs. Read on to learn more about these two great hiking packs.
The REI Flash 22 vs. the Osprey Daylite Plus. One backpack enters, one backpack leaves.
Osprey Daylite Plus vs. REI Flash 22
| REI Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
|---|---|
Pros
| Pros
|
Cons
| Cons
|
| You Should Get This Pack If... You Need a Lightweight, Affordable Hiking Day Pack Perfect for Most Outdoor Activities | You Should Get This Pack If... You Are a Student, Office Worker, or Traveler That Enjoys Pleasant Day Hikes |
| Where To Find This Gear REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay | Where To Find This Gear Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry |
Osprey Daylite Plus
The Osprey Daylite Plus is Osprey’s premier entry level pack. Designed for nearly any user’s unique needs, the Daylite Plus seeks to make everyone happy. Hikers, students, and travelers (or any combo thereof) are the Daylite’s intended users.
Backed by Osprey’s Almighty Guarantee, built with high quality materials, and a strong suspension system, the Daylite will be able to handle whatever weird thing you can think of. Fill it with butter, feed it to sharks. Doesn’t matter.
Some of the Osprey Daylite Plus’ finer details, taken from Osprey’s Website:
- Come is One Size
- Unisex
- Capacity: 20L/1220 cubic in.
- Weight: 1 Lb
- Compatible with several Osprey Backpacking and Travel Packs
- Main Compartment, with several smaller pockets.
- Interior Sleeve for Laptop, Tablet, or Hydration Sleeve
- Front shove-it pocket for easy access to items.
- Removable Foam Frame
Recently, we did a full, in depth review of Osprey’s Daylite Plus. To learn more about the Osprey Daylite Plus, feel free to read our review.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
The Flash 22 is one of REI’s most simple, inexpensive, and capable pieces of gear.
- Weight: 13 Ounces
- Capacity: 22 Liters (1,343 cubic inches)
- Unisex
- Pockets: Main Compartment + 3 External
- Drawcord Closure for cinching close the main compartment.
- Internal Hydration Sleeve
- Tool Loops for Lashing Poles, Axes, or a picnic Baguette
- Detachable waist belt and Sternum Straps
For a detailed, in depth review of the Flash 22, you can read our full review here.
REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay
Features
Osprey Daylite Plus
Between the two packs, the Osprey Daylite Plus has many more useful, versatile design features. The Daylite is designed to be used for a wealth of activities, not just hiking.
I think the two features that set the Daylite apart from the Flash 22 are the Laptop/Tablet sleeve, and zippered opening.
Where the Flash 22 keeps a simple setup, the Daylite Plus seeks to bring in the needs of the modern worker. International Travelers, too, can use the Daylite Plus.
One interesting capability of the Daylite Plus is the ability to attach onto larger Osprey travel packs. The intent is to greatly expand a traveler’s carrying capacity, while having a handy place to stash the Daylite when not in use. It works with several Osprey Packs, including the Aether, Volt, and Farpoint series.
Clearly, Osprey sought to accommodate everyone when drawing together the Osprey. It’s suite of features is equally usable for travelers and students as it is for hikers, and office workers. In my opinion, the Daylite Plus pulls it off well.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
Compared to the decked out Daylite Plus, REI’s Flash 22 feels like a one trick pony. A pony that only has the trick of hiking.
Based on features alone, the Flash 22 is only made for outdoor fun. In my opinion though, this pack fills that role incredibly well. Rather than spreading itself too thin, it has mastered what it does. The Flash 22 touts just as many features as any hiker should need, no more, no less. It has a large main compartment, two water bottles pockets, and adjustable straps. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the Daylite Plus, but it doesn’t need them.
The Flash 22 is not designed to appease everyone. It won’t carry your laptop like the Daylite does, but it’s usefulness stretches far into other outdoor sports. For example, I found it to be a decent crag pack, able to carry a sport climbing rack and shoes with ease. I think it to be the perfect size for carrying up a multi pitch climb, able to store layers, water, or to stash an extra rope. A friend uses his for mountain biking, enjoying it’s non-intrusive shape as he rides down trails.
On the front of the pack, you’ll find an elastic loop. Intended for strapping down trekking poles, it works equally well for a camera tripod. It’s a very handy feature, although I wish an extra daisy chain was included to increase lashing options.
For sheer amount of useful features, I think the Daylite Plus wins in this category.
Winner: Osprey Daylite Plus (for versatility)
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
Capacity
Osprey Daylite Plus
Using a 20 Liter capacity, the Osprey Daylite Plus is large enough for most people’s daily carry. But it’s not so much the volume, as it is the dimensions of the compartments that matter. In the Osprey’s case, it’s capacity is spread out among it’s pockets.
The main compartment is the optimal size for a laptop, books, and binders (or a hydration reservoir), but not much else. Pens, Pencils, Keys, Snacks, and other misc. Items fit well in the Daylite’s smaller pockets. It’s all great for organization, but less ideal if you prefer to keep all of your gear in a main compartment.
One extra feature that I found to be incredibly useful is the Daylite Plus’ front shove-it pocket. It’s really the perfect spot to stash an extra layer. This is the kind of feature that will prove to be extra handy in the shoulder seasons, or if you are living in a region with fast changing weather patterns.
As user friendly as all of the Daylite’s compartments are, I still prefer the single, large scak compartment of the Flash 22.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
With one large, main storage area, the Flash 22 hikers don’t have options for stashing and organizing gear. Yet, it’s simple, and it works. Only two other pockets-one in the brain, and other at the very front-create storage.
Rather than filing things neatly into the Flash 22, the pack almost begs it’s users to cram as much gear as you can get into it.
I found the Flash 22 to be perfect for day hikes, and sport climbing. On day hikes, I am able to fit:
- Two water bottles
- Hydration Reservoir
- Extra Layer
- Camera (with spare batteries)
- Warm Hat
- Buff
- Headlamp
- A snack (or 5)
It’s top pocket is the perfect place to put easy to reach, small items, while I found that maps can fit very well into the front pocket.
Fitting a laptop and notebooks into the Flash 22 isn’t a problem, but this pack is definitely not intended for this purpose. Stick with outdoor gear, and the Flash 22 will shine.
Winner: REI Flash 22 (but just barely)
REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay
Comfort
What good is a backpack, if it hurts?
Osprey Daylite Plus
When the Osprey Daylite Plus is loaded up, with it’s straps tightened and buckled, there are few packs more comfortable. It’s back panel conforms to the shape of your back, and does a great job of distributing weight across your hips and shoulders.
No matter the heft, your gear rides with you as you hike, walk, bike, or commute along. Everything stays put with little sway. Unless you’re packing a heavy load, you’ll hardly notice the daylight as it snugly, but comfortably hugs your shoulders. Padded shoulder straps keep it from digging into your torso.
I’m satisfied with the comfort of the Osprey, but there is one small, but important design flaw. One that limits its capability, and holds it back. I find the shoulder strap system to be too stiff, and too narrow.
Maybe it’s just the shape of my back and neck, but the shoulder straps pinch my upper back. Unless I have fully hoisted the Daylite Plus, tightened, and clipped all of its straps, the shoulder straps press into me. Annoying at first, it becomes tiring and painful after just a short walk.
This is a huge drawback for me. I don’t want to adjust and tighten the straps anytime I need to put the Daylite Plus back on. I’d much prefer to lazily hang it over my shoulders as I travel from place to place. It may seem like a petty complaint, but it is holding me back from adopting the Daylite Plus as my go to backpack. It’s a shame, because it is otherwise a great daypack.
I’ve seen similar complaints in other online user reviews, particularly when it comes to riding a bike or motorcycle.
Maybe my 6’1” frame is a little too much for the Daylite Plus. Someone with smaller dimensions may not feel such discomfort.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
As long as you don’t overpack it, the REI Flash 22 is as comfortable as any pack. Though it has plenty of padding, and rides high on the hips, the Flash 22 lacks a true suspension system. It was comfortable up to a 15 lb load. More than this, and the straps began to dig into my shoulders, and cut off circulation.
To be fair, 15 lbs is a heavy load for a day hike. I purposely overpacked the Flash 22 in order to test it’s limits. Most hikers won’t even get near that limit. Otherwise, the Flash 22 was very comfortable. There is just enough padding to cushion any pressure point. When the straps are all fastened, there is little movement or rubbing.
The Flash 22 carried well, even with strapped with trekking poles and a tripod. When scrambling around the boulders and cracks of Joshua Tree, I could hardly notice the Flash 22.
When properly adjusted the Daylite Plus is just a tad more comfortable. Yet, I’d much rather wear the Flash 22. Reason being is that I don’t need to fully adjust the Flash 22 to keep it from digging into my back, unlike the Daylite Plus. For me, that makes a huge difference.
Winner: REI Flash 22
REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay
Hiking Performance
Osprey Daylite Plus
Don’t get me wrong. The Daylite Plus is a good hiking backpack, but it pales in comparison to the REI Flash 22.
Nearly anyone can find a use for the Daylite Plus, including hikers, but this is exactly what holds this pack back. It’s spread too thin, putting it simply.
For one, the Daylite Plus just doesn’t have the dimensions that I need in a pack. I need a sack, not a filing cabinet. It’s also fairly heavy. At 1 pound in weight, the weight of your gear will start to add up fast.
As well as Osprey’s internal frames carry gear, the Daylite Plus will still suffer under it’s own weight. The exterior water bottle holders are also poorly designed.
On more than one occasion, my nalgene bottles flew out of the pack upon bending over. This is poor design oversight-I’d hate to lose my water down a chasm just because of poor water bottle holders.
That said, easy day hikes, the kind for when the weather is good, and there is not too much scrambling, are perfect for the Daylite Plus. If this fits your idea of a good time, then the Daylite Plus is for you.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
The Daylite Plus hikes well, but it merely dabbles. The Flash 22, on the other hand, goes full bore into the wilderness. It sports the perfect balance of comfort, features, and capacity. Any day hiker, or fast packer will love capabilities of the Flash 22.
For one, the Flash 22 doesn’t get in the way. When strapped down, and loaded properly, this pack stays quiet. It won’t bother you when you’re hiking up huge trails, or scrambling on remote alpine ridges.
The Flash 22 doesn’t have a strong suspension system. It’s padded and light, but hikers will need to pack carefully, so that gear does not stick into their back. Despite this, there is plenty of airflow keeping you cool on intense, hot days.
Weight wise, the Flash 22 comes in at a breezy 13 oz. This is an ideal weight. Any heavier, and you’ll start to feel it. Any lighter, and the Flash 22 will have to shed more of it’s thin feature set. This pack is minimal enough, thank you.
The Flash 22 may not have the Daylite’s handy front shove-it pocket, but it does have a good strapping system. There is an elastic loop, on the front, perfect for cinching down trekking poles, a tripod, or maybe even a baguette (for lunch, of course).
The Flash 22 may be incredibly simple, but hiking is a simple activity. I only wish that there were more options for external storage. Other than that, REI’s Flash 22 is the ideal day hiking, and fast packing tool.
If you feel that hiking is more important than boring everyday stuff (it is), get the REI Flash 22.
Winner: REI Flash 22
REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay
Lifestyle Use
Performance for the Cosmopolitan Hikers and Travelers
Osprey Daylite Plus
If anything, the Osprey Daylite Plus was made for the hikers and adventurers with a day job. College Students looking to hit the trails after class will find the Daylite much more useful than than the Flash 22.
With a laptop sleeve, a wide zippered opening, and numerous storage options, the Osprey Daylite Plus will be a much better fit for organization, working, commuting, and studying. It can go anywhere, do anything, and will hold up to the rigors of daily life. I think that the features of the Daylite Plus are perfect for students, and have included it on my list of the best hiking backpacks for school.
All of the Osprey’s pockets, as I’ve mentioned, were great for sorting and storing your gear. The front shove-it pocket is awesome for keeping extra layers close at hand.
I don’t think that there is a real contest in this category. For casual, everyday use, the Daylite Plus blows the Flash 22 out of the water.
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
REI Flash 22
Compared to the Daylite Plus, the Flash 22 is less ideal for lifestyle activities. It’s comfortable, and you can store all of your needed items, but it will never carry or organize like the Daylite can.
It’s inner compartment is not made for it. It can fit all you need, but it’s a slight hassle getting objects in and out. The Daylite Plus’ wide, zippered opening is much more suitable. Where the main compartment of the Daylite Plus is shaped like a filing folder, the Flash 22 reminds me more of a grocery bag. You wouldn’t carry your documents around in a grocery bag, right?
The Flash 22’s extra pockets are nice, but they make it harder to store your small items. All those small things, like pens, pencils, calculators, etc, fit well, but are less easy to access.
The Flash 22 is more designed for grabbing and going, where the Daylite Plus’ extra pockets open up to display it’s contents. You can deposit or withdraw your knick knacks, and file them away with ease. With the Flash, you might have to reach in blindly into it’s singular extra pocket. Not a good idea when you’re like me, and fill all of you spare pack space with rabid rats.
For years, I used a pack very similar to the Flash 22 as both a hiking bag, and a lifestyle pack. It worked, but something like the Daylite Plus would have been more ideal for the off trail activities.
Winner: Osprey Daylite Plus
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
Which is the Best Hiking Backpack?
Determining the superior backpack is hard. It’s apples to oranges. The best pack for you will be subjective. One question that you need to ask yourself is: which end of the work-life balance do I fall on?
Day Hikers, Climbers, and all around adventurers will prefer the Flash 22. If you like to mix a hike into your daily routine of school or work, then you may prefer the design of the Osprey Daylite Plus.
If you ask me, I prefer the REI Flash 22. I can take it anywhere, whether it’s the desert, or the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. I’d be happy using it for hiking, alpine climbing, or even just lounging by a lake. Even when testing out these two pack side by side, I found myself reaching for it more often than the Daylite Plus.
Both daypacks are high quality, built well, and backed by excellent warranties. You won’t go wrong with either, I promise you.
Where to Find the REI Flash 22
REI Flash 22 at REI Coop REI Flash 22 on eBay
Where to Find the Osprey Daylite Plus
Osprey Daylite Plus on Amazon Osprey Daylite Plus at REI Coop Osprey Daylite Plus at Backcountry
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Great review. Will check these out.