How to Choose Daypacks
Bend, Oregon
REI Co-op Lookout 40 Pack
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The REI Lookout 40 daypack has plenty of pockets for organizing a full day's worth of gear and a contoured fit to keep you comfy over miles of trails.
Shop similar products- Largely made from 100% recycled PET polyester fabric, each pack keeps 26 16-oz. plastic bottles out of landfills!
- Post-consumer recycled PET polyester is tough enough to endure the daily grind
- High-density polyethylene framesheet and a single aluminum stay support heavy loads and protect your back from bulky or pointy items
- Free-Flow egg crate foam back panel is designed to improve body contact comfort, with channels for air circulation to keep your back cool and dry
- Contoured, padded shoulder straps and waistbelt wrap around to offer comfortable support under pack load
- Internal sleeve accommodates a hydration reservoir of your choice (sold separately); dual exit ports allow drinking tube to routed on either side of pack
- Wide panel opening to main compartment gives you easy access to the contents
- Front zip compartment has pockets for stashing and organizing essentials such as money, ID, multi-tool and headlamp
- Twin vertical zippered side pockets provide additional storage for often used essentials
- Top stash pocket has room for items such as sunglasses or MP3 player
- Mesh pocket on waistbelt provides storage for often-accessed essentials; lash points on other side of hipbelt wing provide spot to secure GPS or camera case
- Side mesh pockets create convenient storage and on-the-go access to water bottle, sunscreen, snacks or small electronics
- Front-panel lash points and bottom compression straps let you strap on bulky gear like snowshoes and sleeping pad
- Side compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carrying
- Twin ice axe loops and corresponding removable retainers let you lash on trekking poles
- Built-in rain cover stows in bottom compartment
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Material(s) | Recycled ripstop PET/recycled PET oxford |
| Frame Material | HDPE/aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 1 |
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel | No |
| Pack Access | Panel |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
| Raincover Included | Yes |
| Dimensions | 21 x 12 x 9 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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drkram
Provo Utah
Good idea, but weak in vital places
15 years ago
Reasons why I like it: - I have never run out of room - Comfortable - Plenty of pockets - Good price - Awesome rain cover Reasons why I am returning it: - The shoulder strap stitching has come undone on both shoulders. The shoulder straps are engineered to carry heavy loads (reinforcing webbing etc), but they seem to be very weak at the slightly different load bearing points when you pick your pack up off the ground by a single shoulder strap. I suppose this could be avoided by lifting the pack to shoulder height first by the handle on top of the pack. - The net-like mesh that lines the shoulder straps and the back wear very quickly, especially if you have any exposed velcro on your coat that it may cling to. I have used this pack everyday for about 6 months and the mesh is very frayed. - The pack will not stand up on its own. It requires a good 30 degree lean to keep it from toppling over. It is actually quite frustrating. Overall I thought it was a good try, but has some vital adjustments to be made.
No, I do not recommend this product
shannonodell
Phoenix, az
Best pack I've owned yet
15 years ago
I bought this pack awhile back and have found it to be my favorite travel pack ever. I recently took this pack to south America for a few months and was surprise by the capacity it had. To be fair, I am a very light packer. I never regretted having this bag on the many taxis, planes and chicken buses we were on. Since it isnt bright red yellow or green, you don't feel like a sour thumb in a small village. I also found the built in rain cover to be valuable. It saved my life during several unexpected down pours. I do wish it were a bit easier to lock, but since it was designed as more of a hiking pack I can understand the lack of that feature. Buy it, enjoy it, love it
Yes , I recommend this product
Buffmonkee
Kirkland, Washington
Great pack for the money!
14 years ago
I have used the pack on day hikes mostly, 2 nights would not be a problem. More nights than that, you may wish for a larger pack. Things that are great about this pack include the strap comfort, versatility in strap adjustment, hooks and loops for accessories, perceived quality. As an authorized REI licensed pack, I feel that REI definitely used their comprehensive knowledge in building a quality product. It feels 'overbuilt' for its size and purpose - like the waist straps seem to come from a much more heavy-duty pack. I added the Osprey 100 bladder to it and now it is a much more serious tool for getting into the woods or up that mountain! There aren't too many things not good about this pack - it is an overall great pack with lots of content and versatility!
Yes , I recommend this product
winsettz
Minneapolis, MN
Good stuff
14 years ago
First REI bag. My version is the generation before they added rain covers. The hip belt pockets were small and the back of the backpack was hardshell with minimal padding to the back. There is one main pocket which lends itself to creative packing as needed. However for going to school and such, having one pocket might not be the best idea. The pack is now approaching three years old and has been overpacked, shoved under airport seats, into carryon, carried through sun, rain and snow (and in the rain, the zipper is still watertight even without the rain cover!). Even though it's an older bag and lacking the newer features it is bulletproof and will last me a long time.
Yes , I recommend this product
miketn
Nashville, TN
Great Pack for overseas travel too!
14 years ago
Used it twice in Africa (along with the REI Flash 65 as the bulk pack). The Lookout is heavier than UL packs, but I did not buy this to go to Africa. I had it, so it went to Africa - twice. The material I would not classify as high quality (hence the lower price tag), but it worked really well. The pack has good padding but hangs low on the back. The small zipper pouch on the waist can hold an iphone but it is not easy to get in or get out. Lots of pockets and that is good but the zippers would not work 100% of the time with one hand. Meaning I needed to take it off and use two hands to get in it. Inconvenient at times, but overall - a good day pack or second pack. I was able to keep a change of clothes, sandals, 2 cameras, laptop, notebooks, food, and stuff hanging on the outside - all with ease. It also fit on all airplanes from double deckers to underneath seats.
Yes , I recommend this product
The Displaced Texan
Douala, Cameroon
An Excellent Medium-Sized Pack
15 years ago
I have had this pack for about 6 months and have been very pleased with it, especially during our recent 3-day ascent of Mt. Cameroon and a previous trip to East Africa. The positives are that the design allows your back to breath well, the capacity is just about right for overnight, the internal rain cover is great, the adjustment straps allow one to customize a comfortable fit and the material is easy to clean. The only negative I could find is that there is not a very easy way to lash things to the sides of the pack (there is on the bottom). Overall, for the price this is an excellent backpack.
Yes , I recommend this product
zompocalypse
Gainesville, FL
Great Pack, Perfect Value
14 years ago
I originally bought this pack for hiking. Now, I use it not just for hiking but for traveling, commuting to work and the grocery store on my bike, and it can be cinched down to meet my needs as a day pack. I do most of my hiking in Florida. To say the least, its sometimes painfully hot and the air circulation is adequate leaving my back drier than the original pack I owned. There are plenty of pockets and straps. My Osprey 2L HydraForm Reservoir fits perfectly in the reservoir pouch. I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed that the pack is made from recycled plastics. Good job, REI!
Yes , I recommend this product
Portland Cycler
Portland, OR
Perfect everday hiking pack
16 years ago
I am always reluctant to give a product five stars, but the Lookout 40 pack by REI definately deserves the gratitude. When I first tried the pack on (with a 20 pound bag inside), and got it adjusted properly, it was the most comfortable pack I've ever worn. It has a large capacity and is easy to load. The upgraded back padding technology is awesome compared to previous models (i.e., '08 traverse pack, '08 Lookout 40 pack). I love it. I use this pack for day hikes, school, groceries, biking, and far more. It is a rare occasion that I leave my house without the Lookout 40 on my shoulders. This is definitely in my top five favorite purchases! If you choose to buy it, you won't be disappointed.
Yes , I recommend this product
Gordon
Seattle, WA
Great Pack, Poor Stitching
15 years ago
This is a great pack and obviously has had a lot of thought put into it. It's great REI is incorporating ecosensistive materials into it's mainstream packs. It has plenty of room for water, clothes, and whatever else you need for a day hike. It does however lack in the stitching department. At the present time I can count three loose threads that are unraveling parts of the pack (one on a waterbottle holder, another on the hip belt, and another on the chest strap). Additionally when loaded down with heavy cargo it seems to fit oddly (for a 6 feet tall male). All in all it is a great pack and I would definitely recommend it, but hopefully a higher quality of stitching will be used in future designs.
Yes , I recommend this product
JontyOne
Jerrabomberra, NSW, Australia.
Even better than expected
14 years ago
After extensive research, I settled on the Lookout 40 as best fitting my needs for a forthcoming trek in Africa. [...] with the Aussie dollar so strong against the Greenback it was great value [...]. I have been doing 20km walks with the pack loaded to 10kg, and it excellent in every way. The waist strap is ultra comfortable, the bladder compartment works perfectly, and the various compartments are great for efficiently splitting up the load. I leave tomorrow for a week long trip to London using only this pack - it's full, but still very comfortable. Very highly recommended.
Yes , I recommend this product
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