REI Co-op Trailmade 60 vs The North Face Terra 65
Quick take: The The North Face Terra 65 carries more (65 vs 60 liters); the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is lighter (3.44 vs 4.94 lbs).
| Spec | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 | The North Face Terra 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $189 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (700) | 4.5★ (950) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
| Weight | 3.44 lbs | 4.94 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 15-19 in | Adjustable 16-21 in |
| Material | Recycled ripstop nylon | 600D recycled polyester |
| Back Panel | Ventilated foam with steel perimeter frame | Ventilated foam with steel X-frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | Yes |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | REI 1-year satisfaction guarantee | TNF lifetime warranty on defects |
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.
The North Face Terra 65
- ✓Outdoor-program fleets buy Terras by the dozen because they fit nearly anyone and survive years of loaner abuse.
- ✓The adjustable torso and simple strap layout make it one of the fastest packs to fit correctly at the store.
- ✓600-denier fabric and chunky zippers rarely fail; reviews show remarkably few durability complaints for the price.
- ✓The steel X-frame carries 40-45 lb loads without the wallow cheaper frameless-sheet budget packs show.
- ✓The removable lid works as a rough sling pack for summit days.
- ✓Wide-mouth top opening plus bottom compartment access make packing simple for beginners.
- ✓Widely discounted — patient buyers routinely find it under $150.
- ✓TNF's warranty and huge retail presence make service and returns painless.
- ✗Pushing 5 lbs, it's among the heaviest 65L packs sold today, with none of the plushness of the premium haulers.
- ✗The foam back panel ventilates poorly; sweaty backs dominate warm-weather reviews.
- ✗Hipbelt comfort trails the Coyote's noticeably above 40 lbs, per side-by-side budget reviews.
- ✗No raincover in the box.
- ✗Bottle pockets are shallow and hard to reach while wearing the pack.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are undersized for modern phones.
- ✗The design has evolved little in years — fine for reliability, but it lacks any standout feature.
- ✗Serious backpackers on Reddit generally treat it as a rental-fleet pack rather than a destination purchase.