REI Co-op
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
The Trailmade 60 is REI's entry-level backpacking pack, built around inclusive sizing and a fully adjustable fit at a beginner-friendly price. A huge U-shaped front opening makes it one of the easiest packs to load and unload on the market.
Price and availability on REI Co-op’s site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Features
Pros
- ✓Regularly cited on r/CampingGear as the best sub-$200 starter pack because the torso, hipbelt, and load lifters all actually adjust.
- ✓The giant U-shaped front zip opens the pack like a suitcase — beginners rave about how easy packing and finding gear is.
- ✓Inclusive size runs (including extended hipbelts) fit bodies that mainstream packs ignore.
- ✓At 3.44 lbs it is lighter than most budget competitors and even some $300 packs.
- ✓Dual hipbelt pockets, bottle pockets, and a front stuff pouch cover the organization basics without add-ons.
- ✓REI's return policy effectively lets new backpackers trial it for a season risk-free.
- ✓Frequent co-op sales push it near $140, at which point Redditors call it unbeatable.
- ✓Simple, durable construction with few failure-prone gimmicks — reviews show very low defect rates.
Cons
- ✗The 35 lb comfort ceiling arrives quickly; loaded for a week it sags onto the shoulders in a way step-up packs don't.
- ✗The foam back panel runs sweaty on climbs — there's no real ventilation channel.
- ✗No raincover included, and the fabric wets out faster than coated premium cloth.
- ✗The hipbelt padding is thin, and several reviewers report hot spots on bony hips by day two.
- ✗No removable lid or top-access flexibility; the design is take-it-or-leave-it simple.
- ✗The steel perimeter frame is heavier material than the aluminum in pricier packs.
- ✗Bottle pockets are tight to reach with the pack on.
- ✗It's a starter pack by design — most owners upgrade within a couple of seasons, so factor resale into the math.
Common Questions
Compare the REI Co-op Trailmade 60
Related backpacks
More from REI Co-op →REI Co-op
REI Co-op Traverse 60
The Traverse 60 is REI's full-featured backpacking pack, sitting above the budget Trailmade and below the ultralight Flash Air. At 4.5 lb it is built for comfort under load rather than for weight, and it is backed by REI's return policy.
Weight
4.5 lbs
Capacity
60 L
Frame
Internal Frame
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Flash 55
The Flash 55 is REI's ultralight value play — a roll-top pack with the co-op's Packmod system of removable pockets and straps, letting owners configure or strip it per trip. It's the cheapest credible ultralight framed pack from a major retailer.
Weight
2.81 lbs
Capacity
55 L
Frame
Internal Frame
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Traverse 35
The Traverse 35 is the largest daypack in this comparison and the one that crosses into overnight territory. A 400D recycled shell over 210D ripstop makes it durable, and at 52 oz it is also the heaviest pack in the daypack group.
Weight
3.25 lbs
Capacity
35 L
Frame
Frameless
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Trail 25
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.
Weight
1.93 lbs
Capacity
25 L
Frame
Frameless
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Flash Air 50
The Flash Air is REI's ultralight pack, using a shaped spring steel frame rather than stays or a hoop. It is the only pack in this group backed by a mainstream retailer's return policy, which matters more than usual in a segment dominated by made-to-order cottage brands.
Weight
2.0 lbs
Capacity
50 L
Frame
Internal Frame
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Flash 22
The Flash 22 is REI's cult-classic minimalist daypack — 14 ounces, $60, and endlessly recommended as the summit pack, travel stuffable, and errand bag that happens to hike well. The removable back pad doubles as a sit pad.
Weight
0.88 lbs
Capacity
22 L
Frame
Frameless