REI Co-op Trailmade 60 vs REI Co-op Traverse 35
Quick take: The REI Co-op Traverse 35 costs $10 less; the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 carries more (60 vs 35 liters); the REI Co-op Traverse 35 is lighter (3.25 vs 3.44 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 | REI Co-op Traverse 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $179 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (13) | 4.7★ (21) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 60 L | 35 L |
| Weight | 3.44 lbs | 3.25 lbs |
| Max Load | ~40 lbs (tested) | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | 18-21 in adjustable, 2 widths | One size |
| Material | 100D ripstop nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon with 400-denier recycled nylon shell |
| Back Panel | Ventilated foam with steel perimeter frame | Contoured foam pad |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
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.
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.