How much weight can the Trail 25 handle before comfort falls apart?

REI publishes no maximum, and there's no frame — just a contoured foam pad — so your shoulders set the ceiling. A typical day load of water, food, and layers around 10-15 lb carries fine; push toward 20 lb and you'll feel every ounce of it.

Is it hydration-compatible?

Yes, there's an internal reservoir sleeve, and the side pockets take bottles if you'd rather skip a bladder. That's the extent of the water features — no hipbelt pockets for a soft flask.

It only comes in one size — what if it doesn't fit my back?

There's no torso adjustment, so the honest answer is you try it on first. That's the Trail 25's quiet advantage: REI stores let you test it loaded, and the return policy makes a wrong guess painless in a way online-only daypacks can't match.

Does it come with a rain cover?

No. The 210-denier ripstop sheds light drizzle but wets through in steady rain, so a cheap liner bag for spare layers and electronics is the sensible companion.

Will it pass as an airline carry-on?

Easily — a 25 L frameless pack compresses under carry-on sizers and, packed light, squeezes into many personal-item allowances. There's nothing rigid inside to fight the bin.

🎒

Daypack

~$100

REI Co-op

REI Co-op Trail 25

Name: REI Co-op Trail 25
Brand: REI Co-op
Price: 100 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (192 reviews)

★4.4(192 reviews)

The Trail 25 is REI's basic day pack and the sensible default for most day hiking: $100, 25 L, 210D ripstop, and nothing clever. It sits between the Flash 22's minimalism and the Traverse 35's capacity.

Approx. price

~$100

Capacity

25 L

Weight

1.93 lbs

Best For

General day hiking on a budget without giving up durability

Buy from REI Co-op →

Price and availability on REI Co-op’s site may differ.

Specifications

What do these specs mean? →

Type

Daypack

Frame Type

Frameless

Capacity

25 L

Weight

1.93 lbs

Max Recommended Load

Not specified by the manufacturer

Torso Fit

One size

Material

210-denier ripstop nylon

Back Panel

Contoured foam pad

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty; terms not published

Raincover Included

Fits BV500 Bear Canister

Features

Hydration Sleeve

Pros

✓$100 for 25 L from a mainstream brand with a full return policy is strong value.
✓210D ripstop is a sensible middle ground -- tougher than 70D, lighter than 400D.
✓REI's return policy makes buying without trying it on low-risk.
✓25 L is the most broadly useful daypack size for a full day out.
✓Available to try on in store, which cottage and online-only packs are not.
✓Simple construction with little to fail.
✓Contoured foam pad is more comfortable than a flat panel against the back.
✓Half the price of the Osprey Talon 22 for 3 L more.

Cons

✗30.9 oz is heavy for 25 L given there is no frame.
✗No framesheet; the foam pad is the only structure.
✗REI publishes no maximum load figure.
✗Contoured foam ventilates poorly compared with a suspended panel.
✗No hipbelt pockets.
✗No rain cover included.
✗One size only.
✗Basic feature set with no standout capability.

Common Questions

Compare the REI Co-op Trail 25

vs Osprey Hikelite LT 22 vs REI Co-op Flash 22 vs REI Co-op Traverse 35

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