Osprey Rook 65 vs REI Co-op Trailmade 60
Quick take: The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 costs $16 less; the Osprey Rook 65 carries more (65 vs 60 liters); the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is lighter (3.44 vs 3.5 lbs).
| Spec | Osprey Rook 65 | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 | $189 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (800) | 4.4★ (700) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs | 3.44 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 17-22 in | Adjustable 15-19 in |
| Material | 600D recycled polyester | Recycled ripstop nylon |
| Back Panel | AirSpeed suspended mesh | Ventilated foam with steel perimeter frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee |
Pros & cons
Osprey Rook 65
- ✓The most common Reddit take: it delivers 80% of the Atmos experience for 55% of the price, making it the default budget recommendation.
- ✓A genuine suspended-mesh ventilated back panel at this price is nearly unique — competitors at $200 use flat foam.
- ✓The adjustable torso plus fixed but well-shaped hipbelt fits a wide range of first-time backpackers.
- ✓Includes a raincover, integrated and stowable, that budget rivals make you buy separately.
- ✓The 600D polyester is thick and confidence-inspiring; owners report it shrugging off years of rental-fleet-level abuse.
- ✓Covered by the same lifetime All Mighty Guarantee as Osprey's $400 packs.
- ✓At 3.5 lbs it is actually lighter than the Atmos AG despite costing far less.
- ✓The simple top-loading design with a fixed lid means fewer straps and less to fiddle with for new hikers.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets is the number-one complaint — snacks and phone require stopping or aftermarket pouches.
- ✗The hipbelt is not interchangeable or adjustable in length, so fit is less dialed than pricier Ospreys.
- ✗The heavy 600D fabric keeps the price down but makes the pack feel dense for its size.
- ✗The fixed lid can't be removed to save weight or run low-profile.
- ✗Load comfort degrades noticeably past 35-40 lbs compared to the Atmos or Aether.
- ✗Only one main-compartment access point — no side or bottom zips at this trim level.
- ✗The suspended mesh panel slightly bows the internal space like other trampoline designs.
- ✗Colorway options are limited and utilitarian compared to the flagship lines.
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
- ✓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.
- ✗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.