What load is the Traverse 60 comfortable with?

Testing puts the ceiling around 45 lb, which covers a bear canister, full water, and several days of food for most trips. At 4.5 lb of pack weight it's built comfort-first, so it doesn't get twitchy near the top of that range the way lighter packs do.

How do I get the fit right?

Two frame sizes plus an adjustable torso — and, the real advantage, REI stores will load it with weight and fit it to you in person. For a purchase as fit-sensitive as a 60 L pack, that plus the return policy is worth real money.

It's heavy — should I pay up for something lighter?

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 carries a similar load at 1.5 lb less for only $31 more, so ounce-counters have options. The Traverse's counter-argument is plusher padding, in-store service, and a price $100 under an Aether or Baltoro.

Does a bear canister fit inside?

REI doesn't publish canister compatibility, but 60 L top-loaders in this style generally take a BV500-class canister vertically with room to spare. Bring your canister to the store fitting and settle it on the spot.

Is a rain cover in the box?

No, which stings a little at $269. Add a cover separately or use a liner — the fabric alone won't keep contents dry through a sustained soak.

🎒

Traditional Pack

~$269

REI Co-op

REI Co-op Traverse 60

Name: REI Co-op Traverse 60
Brand: REI Co-op
Price: 269 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.8 (11 reviews)

★3.8(11 reviews)

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.

Approx. price

~$269

Capacity

60 L

Weight

4.5 lbs

Best For

Backpackers wanting a comfortable 45 lb carry with easy returns

Buy from REI Co-op →

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

Specifications

What do these specs mean? →

Type

Traditional Pack

Frame Type

Internal Frame

Capacity

60 L

Weight

4.5 lbs

Max Recommended Load

~45 lbs (tested)

Torso Fit

2 sizes

Material

Not published in the source

Back Panel

Framed suspension; construction not published

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty; terms not published

Raincover Included

Fits BV500 Bear Canister

Features

Adjustable TorsoHydration Sleeve

Pros

✓A 45 lb rating covers most multi-day trips including bear canister and full water.
✓REI's return policy makes a pack this fit-sensitive far lower risk to buy.
✓Available to try on loaded in store, which cottage and direct-only brands cannot offer.
✓Two frame sizes give better fit than the one-size packs at this price.
✓$269 undercuts the Osprey Aether 65 and Gregory Baltoro 65 by $100.
✓60 L is the most broadly useful backpacking volume.
✓Hipbelt pockets included.
✓REI's own-brand packs are serviced and warrantied through the same stores that sell them.

Cons

✗4.5 lb is heavy, half a pound more than the Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 which carries less.
✗OutdoorGearLab does not publish the fabric specification.
✗No rain cover included at this price.
✗Only the 60 L could be confirmed with a current price, though a 70 L exists.
✗No ventilated back panel.
✗REI's design iteration is slower than the specialist brands'.
✗Heavier than the Granite Gear Blaze 60 while carrying 5 lb less.
✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.

Common Questions

Compare the REI Co-op Traverse 60

vs Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 vs REI Co-op Flash 55 vs REI Co-op Flash Air 50

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