REI Co-op Trail 25 vs REI Co-op Traverse 35
Quick take: The REI Co-op Trail 25 costs $79 less; the REI Co-op Traverse 35 carries more (35 vs 25 liters); the REI Co-op Trail 25 is lighter (1.93 vs 3.25 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Trail 25 | REI Co-op Traverse 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $179 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (192) | 4.7★ (21) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 25 L | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.93 lbs | 3.25 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size | One size |
| Material | 210-denier ripstop nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon with 400-denier recycled nylon shell |
| Back Panel | Contoured foam pad | Contoured foam pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
REI Co-op Trail 25
- ✓$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.
- ✗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.
REI Co-op Traverse 35
- ✓35 L is the largest capacity in this daypack group and genuinely covers a light overnight.
- ✓A 400D recycled shell over 210D ripstop is a durable combination for the price.
- ✓$179 undercuts the Osprey Stratos 34 by $36 for 1 L more.
- ✓REI's return policy and in-store fitting.
- ✓Recycled content in the main shell fabric.
- ✓The extra volume suits shoulder-season days when layers bulk up.
- ✓Contoured foam pad rather than a flat panel.
- ✓Widely stocked and easy to service or return.
- ✗52 oz is the heaviest daypack in this catalog, heavier than several 55 L backpacking packs.
- ✗No frame at 35 L, which is a lot of volume to carry on foam alone.
- ✗REI publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗Foam pad construction ventilates poorly on a pack this size.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗At 35 L and this weight, a light backpacking pack may serve better.
- ✗One size only.