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A month ago, I shared with you my favorite Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packs that went on sale for $15. Today, I saw this deal with REI and thought I’d share it here as well. It’s the REI Co-op Flash 45 Men’s or Women’s Backpack. Owners of this backpack have used it as their carryon, and have easily placed the backpack in the overhead cabin.
What’s the deal
- REI Co-op Flash 45 Men’s or Women’s Backpack is on sale for $79.93 (Regular price $149)
- Shipping is free, or free store pickup (available in some areas)
- Limited clearance quantities
- Available in the following options
- Men’s – Titanium (click here)
- Available in Medium and Large
Image courtesy of REI
- Women’s – Seattle Mist (click here)
- Available in Small and Medium sizes
Image courtesy of REI
Features, specs, and reviews
Features of the Men’s REI Co-op Flash 45 Backpack
- REI UpLift™ Compression technology pulls the pack load up and in, closer to your center of gravity, to improve your balance and stability
- A 3D contoured hipbelt provides all-day comfort and stability
- An REI Packnit™ back panel with triangle foam increases airflow and breathability
- Water bottle pockets have secure snap closures and are positioned forward on the hipbelt so you don’t have to remove the pack to grab your drink
- Removable top lid offers customizable pack volume
- Large mesh pocket in the front provides easy access to frequently needed items
- Attachment loops on the front allow ice axes, tools and more to be lashed on
- Hydration-compatible design
Features of the Women’s REI Co-op Flash 45 Backpack
- Recognized as “Best Women’s Fit” by Backpacker Magazine (April 2017 Gear Guide)
- REI UpLift™ Compression technology pulls the pack load up and in, closer to your center of gravity, to improve your balance and stability
- A 3D contoured hipbelt provides all-day comfort and stability
- An REI Packnit™ back panel with triangle foam increases airflow and breathability
- Water bottle pockets have secure snap closures and are positioned forward on the hipbelt so you don’t have to remove the pack to grab your drink
- Removable top lid offers customizable pack volume
- Large mesh pocket in the front provides easy access to frequently needed items
- Attachment loops on the front allow ice axes, tools and more to be lashed on
- Hydration-compatible design
This backpack is not your typical backpack that’s meant for you to fit under the seat. I don’t own one for myself, but I’m considering getting one for our upcoming trip to Japan. I just know that we’d be exploring all over Japan. Let me know if you own one of these or if you plan on getting one for yourself.
H/T Slickdeals
Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
What’s a good carry on? I bought one online and damn it’s small.
Debit, I use a carryon from Costco, Ricardo of Beverly Hills. We’ve had our carryons for over 5 years, we have 6 of them at home. It works well for us. And if there’s an issue, Costco has an excellent return policy. There are many other carryons out there, I say find one that works with your budget.