REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • International — Call 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

Print This Page Print This Page

REI Mars Pack - '07

REI Mars Pack - '07

Item # 739388
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

With two loading options and an ultra-adjustable suspension, the updated REI® Mars handles extended backpacking in any season--on any planet!

  • Dual access to pack: top loading plus a horseshoe-zipper front panel opening, like a duffel, gives complete view of contents
  • With a new ''rip-and-stick'' torso adjustment, shoulder strap system easily slides on pack's frame to fit torsos of varying lengths
  • Removable top lid pocket lets you stash some essentials to bring into tent, so pack can stay outside or in vestibule
  • Zippered pocket under lid stores maps and keys, spare batteries and other small essentials
  • Front panel features an oversized zippered pocket protected with a waterproof zipper for storing often-used gear
  • EVA Soft Edge shoulder straps move seams away from you body with cushioned edges for non-binding comfort on and off the trail
  • Durable molded foam backpanel has channels for air circulation, increasing ventilation to keep your back cool and dry
  • Pre-curved waistbelt with a Delrin® hoop is designed to cradle hip bones for a more natural fit and distribution of pack weight without sagging
  • V-pull waistbelt allows you to use a natural forward pulling motion for quick, easy cinching and precise adjustment
  • Internal sleeping-bag compartment is created by a zippered divider, separating it from gear and clothes in the main compartment
  • Utilizing four buckles, the pack's streamlined compression system lets you cinch and strap down loads for jostle-free carrying
  • Concave head pod at the top of pack gives your head freedom of movement--no more staring at the ground
  • External mesh side pockets hold water bottles, energy bars and other essentials you want close at hand
  • Behind mesh pockets both sides feature zippered accessory pockets that are sized to fit gloves, hat, energy gels and more
  • Hydration-compatible design features an internal reservoir sleeve and dual exit ports for drinking tube

Specifications based on size Medium

Imported.

Item 739388

Related Items:

REI Mars Pack - '07 Specs

Specification

Description

GenderUnisex
Frame typeInternal
Approximate volume5,100 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric83.6 liters
Average weight5 lbs. 5 oz.
Average weight - metric2.41 kilograms
Adjustable torsoYes
Fits torso17 - 20 / 19 - 22 inches
Fits waist/hips28 - 48 / 33 - 60 inches
MaterialNylon
Frame materialAluminum
Number of stays2
Number of pockets6 + main compartment
Access / LoadingTop/panel
Sleeping bag compartmentYes

REI Mars Pack - '07 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Mars Pack - '07
 
4.3

(based on 72 reviews)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to load (67)
  • Comfortable (61)
  • Large capacity (61)
  • Highly adjustable (59)
  • Lightweight (34)

Cons

  • Not enough pockets (17)
  • Heavy (6)
  • Uncomfortable (5)
  • Difficult to adjust (4)

Best Uses

  • Extended hikes (68)
  • Heavy loads (56)
  • Travel (29)
  • Wet weather (20)
  • Light loads (13)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Casual adventurer (39), Avid adventurer (38), Student (17)

Reviewed by 72 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Back to top

Previous | Next »

Sep

14

2007

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

excellent all around pack

By drstg

from columbus, oh

About Me Avid Adventurer, Student

Site Member

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easy To Load
  • Highly Adjustable
  • Large Capacity
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Extended Hikes
    • Heavy Loads
    • Travel
    • Wet Weather

    Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

    great weekend pack. side pockets perfect for trail snacks. head rest is a great feature for long hikes. it could use some front gear loops.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Sep

    12

    2007

    (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    better than expected

    By malaga

    from san francisco, ca

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Heavy dutty materials
    • Highly Adjustable
    • Large Capacity
    • Lightweight
    • Lots of pockets

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      I have this pack for a year now and after seven trips and approx.145 miles, i just find it perfect. very adjustable, lot of room, very well designed, confortable, etc. all the good stuff and more.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      12

      2007

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      A good deal for a good backpack

      By Atom

      from Portland, OR

      About Me Casual/ Recreational, Student, world traveler

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity

      Cons

      • Not Enough Pockets
      • Not Enough Straps

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads
      • Travel

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      I initially purchased this backpack to take to Europe for my study abroad program. Before Europe though, I used it for a 4 day excursion through the Olympic National Park. I was able to pack a lot of gear into the pack, including my tent strapped on to the bottom. The best part of this pack is how the body opens entirely to give access to all the contents of the bag. You don't have to dig around from the top to get whats in the bottom. That was amazing for packing and re-packing clothes. Could use some more pockets and utility straps for random accessories.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      9

      2007

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Excellent Features

      By ayerobot

      from Bend, OR

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy To Load
      • Large Capacity

      Cons

      • Difficult To Adjust
      • Uncomfortable

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      I ended up getting a Mars pack [...] last fall. I have used it only twice and Here is what I have to say: I LOVE the features of this pack, as well as the large capacity. It has side zippers as well as top loading and a nice large sleeping bag compartment at the bottom. It has two side pockets and a very large rear pocket, plus two mesh water bottle holders. There is a very large removable top compartment which can be used as a fanny pack, (though it seems like it would be ONE BIG fanny pack!) The fabric is fairly waterproof and the zippers are very waterproof. After a 4-mile hike in the rain one day my down sleeping bag in the bottom was still nice and dry (I can't say the same for my gear in the removable top compartment, which allowed water to soak through eventually). The only problem I have with this pack is that it is not really very comfortable on me (of course, that's a BIG problem). In its defense I should say that very few packs ARE comfortable on me. It is possible that I can do some more adjusting and increase the comfort level, but I doubt it will ever compare to my old Dana Designs Terraplane for comfort. Too bad since the features on this pack are so outstanding.The hip belt on the Mars pack is a strange design in which two smaller straps connect to each side of the buckle (I think this has been modified on the newer models). I suppose this was to facilitate fine adjustment of the belt, but I find it to be kind of a pain in the neck as the process of tightening the belt becomes more than just a quick yank (keep it simple!) I would definitely recommend this pack to anyone who can wear it comfortably, and of course that is going to vary from person to person. I like the features of this pack so much that I haven't been able to bring myself to sell mine, in spite of the comfort issues. I keep holding onto the hope that I will get the adjustment just right and it will become very comfortable and serve as my primary pack. I would say - as with all packs - try it on with some weight in it before you buy it.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Oct

      9

      2007

       
      4.0

      Perfect, but for a couple flaws.

      By SMattC

      from Santa Rosa, CA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity

      Cons

      • Hipbelt insufficient

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      Went backpacking four days in Yosemite with this pack, and it was great to have along. There was plenty of room in the pack for everything I needed, including the bulky bear canister, as well as plenty of pockets around the exterior to stash miscellaneous items. I didn't use the hydration pocket, but love the fact that it's there, and plan on using it my next time out, and the mesh side pockets were perfect for my two water bottles; I had no problem reaching them on the go. The adjustability for torso length, as well as the suspension system allowed me to place the pack exactly where I wanted it on my body and have it stay there, while my buddies ended up stopping a couple times each day to adjust. The only things keeping me from giving this a perfect 5 star rating are the hipbelt and bottom loops. The hipbelt is in desperate need of more padding. At the end of four days, my hip bones were really sore, and beginning to bruise, so I plan on trying to devise more padding there before my next trip with this pack. And then, I'm not sure what other than a sleeping pad you would want to lash to the bottom of your pack, but the loops down there were pretty much useless to me other than my ability to thread a strap through them to lash my pad to the pack. But that was a very minor inconvenience. Overall, I would definitely recommend this pack to a friend, it served me well, and hopefully will for years to come.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Oct

      5

      2007

       
      4.0

      Room enough for smaller, lesser packs.

      By Pablo Antonio

      from Concord, CA

      About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity

      Cons

      • Hip belt is mehhhh

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads
      • Travel

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      I overpack. All the time. So, it was just appropriate that I buy a pack that fits everything I can imagine. What's more, it's pretty easy to get to everything once it's all shoved away into the bottom of your pack, since there's an easy-access flappy deal.

      One thing that I definitely don't dig, however, is the hip belt. The padding is mediocre and doesn't reach around far enough. I've been thinking about maybe buying a hip belt designed for the REI Ridgeline and then making a Franken-pack out these parts and pieces.

      Oh, and the shoulder straps are worthy of 3.5 out of 5. Not very wide, not enough padding.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Oct

      2

      2007

       
      4.0

      Good pack but with cons

      By practicalguy

      from San Francisco, CA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Not Enough Pockets
      • Uncomfortable

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads
      • Travel

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      This is a good pack for the price. It is well made, love the front access, it has lots of room and is generally comfortable.

      Cons: 1) The shoulder strap is not the most padded. I felt discomfort on the second consecutive day. 2) There are not a lot of options for a sleeping pad since there are no strap options on the bottom or sides. I ended up putting it right on the back. 3) It could use more easy access pockets or mesh for oft used small gear. 4) The sleeping bag compartment is not really a separate compartment since it doesn't have separate access. There is no benefit to zipping the small flap.

      As big as the cons section is, they are not that big of a deal in the big scheme of things. Everything else about it works well, it looks good, and is generally comfortable (very adjustable).

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      25

      2007

       
      4.0

      rei mars

      By montana1000

      from westminster, co

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy To Load
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Hipbelt insufficient

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Heavy Loads

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      great pack lots of storage and options. easily have loaded it with 40 pounds without any problem. my only grip is the hipbelt is a little shy on the padding mines 2 years old and I think they've since upgraded it. also has lots of adjustments to make a good fit

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      24

      2007

       
      4.0

      soft and lightweight which you see it !!

      By YY

      from los angeles

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Easy To Load
      • Large Capacity
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • I don't think there's any
      • Problem

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes
      • Travel

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      if I'm going to backpack I'll choice is one!

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      24

      2007

       
      4.0

      Best Yet

      By Frozen Chicken

      from Newark, Delaware

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Large Capacity

      Cons

      • Not Enough Pockets

      Best Uses

      • Extended Hikes

      Comments about REI Mars Pack - '07:

      Most comfortable pack I've had. Easy access to main storage area makes unpacking a snap when time is of the essence. Sleeping bag compartment has a slight drawback with no separate zipper access. Gregory fans might enjoy this alternative...I did.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Displaying reviews 1-10

      Back to top

      Previous | Next »

      How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

      • Shopping Cart 
      • |
      •  
      • Buy REI Gift Cards
      • REI Gift Cards
      • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
      • Buy now!
      • Join REI today!
      • REI Membership
      • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
      • Join REI today!
      • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
      • and get 15% off selected items!
      • Store Locator
      • Locate an REI store near you.