The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is a highly-regarded sleeping bag designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand a lightweight, versatile, and feature-rich solution for their camping needs. As one of the most popular sleeping bags on the market, the Flash has been praised by backpackers, thru-hikers, and campers alike for its exceptional performance in various weather conditions.

Design and Features

The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag boasts a streamlined design that prioritizes warmth-to-weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for ultralight enthusiasts. The bag features a rectangular shape with a tapered footbox to reduce heat loss and a draft collar to prevent cold air from entering the sleeping bag.

One of the standout features of the REI Co-op Flash is its unique construction method, which combines 850-fill power duck down with a 20D nylon ripstop shell. This combination provides excellent warmth retention while maintaining a remarkably low weight of just 1 pound 12 ounces (720g).

Temperature Rating and Performance

The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 30°F (-1°C), making it suitable for spring, summer, and fall camping trips. However, its actual performance may vary depending on individual preferences, sleeping conditions, and the level of activity.

In our testing, we found that the Flash provided a comfortable night’s sleep even in temperatures around 25°F (-4°C) when using a lightweight sleeping pad and wearing warm clothing. The bag’s draft collar and hood design helped to prevent cold air from entering the sleeping bag, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Compressed Size and Packed Volume

One of the key benefits of the REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is its incredibly compact size when compressed. Weighing in at just 1 pound 12 ounces (720g), this sleeping bag is perfect for backpackers and thru-hikers who need to save space and weight in their packs.

When packed, the Flash measures a mere 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm) in volume, making it one of the most compressible sleeping bags on the market. This feature allows you to easily store the bag in your backpack or attach it to the outside using REI’s proprietary stuff sack system.

Other Features and Accessories

The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag also comes with several useful features and accessories that enhance its overall performance and usability:

• REI’s proprietary stuff sack: A compact, lightweight storage system that allows you to easily compress and carry the sleeping bag.
• Draft collar: A adjustable feature that prevents cold air from entering the sleeping bag while maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.
• Hood design: A fully zippered hood that helps retain warmth and prevent heat loss.
• 20D nylon ripstop shell: A lightweight, durable material that provides excellent weather resistance and durability.

Technical Specifications:

• Fill Power: 850 fill power duck down
• Shell Material: 20D nylon ripstop
• Weight: 1 pound 12 ounces (720g)
• Compressed Size: 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm) in volume
• Temperature Rating: 30°F (-1°C)
• Packed Volume: 1.5 liters

Conclusion

The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize warmth, weight, and versatility in their gear. With its unique construction method, impressive temperature rating, and compact size when compressed, this sleeping bag offers unparalleled performance in a lightweight package.

While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is well worth considering for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich solution for their camping needs.