REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - 2009 Special Buy

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

When I received this bag it was much better than the 2010 model at half the price. Yes it didn't have the whistle buckle, but made up for it in build quality. The shoulder straps are top notch and the back padding is more substantive than today's model. The quality of this backpack is very nice and sturdy. Shh...don't tell anyone.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

I like everything about this backpack except that I'm not crazy about the looks. The base of the backpack is too wide and too tapered at the top which makes it look kind of awkward.

Looks aside, this is a great backpack. Very comfortable and lightweight as compared to others costing twice as much and the material feels great to boot. The side mesh pockets are extremely useful because they are so big. You can put food, small clothing, and even shoes there. Others side pockets are too small, my previous one barely fit my water bottle.

Wished that the second smaller pocket would be a little bigger so the wife can fit her wallet and mine's in there. Along with sunblock, phones, change, and keys.

Service and delivery comments:

Quick and accurate delivery, cheap to boot.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

I bought the Trail 25 primarily for airline travel and specifically because of the size. After two bad travel experiences with my checked baggage, I've begun using carryons whenever possible.

For airline travel, your personal item can generally be up to 41 linear inches (preferably 18 x 15 x 8) and the Trail 25 measures 37.5. It has the largest capacity of anything I've found that meets these size requirements. If you overstuff it a little, it's easy to cinch down with the side straps.

Between this and the duffel I use for my carryon bag, it gives me about 3500 ci of packing space. Especially if it's hot-weather clothing (and I don't really *do* wintry places), with the judicious use of rubber bands I can easily pack enough for 4 days between the two, with nothing protruding to bump into things.

The front panel, with its several small mesh pockets, is good for the many small items you need on a trip. The main compartment has a lot of undifferentiated space for clothes. The side mesh pockets are large enough to accommodate a pair of sandals, rolled-up socks or underwear, spare glasses and sunglasses, etc. I would only add a zippered mesh pocket on each waist strap.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

I use the bag for everything. As a diaper bag, trips to the beach but also as a day pack for short to long hikes. I've loaded down light and heavy.

Most commonly used for short 2-4 hour hikes around Crystal Cove. But also recently for a 7.5 hour hike to the top of Mt. Baldy. I strapped crampons to it, Ice ax, trekking poles, etc.

I love that it supports a hydration pack. The Ice ax strap is awesome. I wish it had at least one more compartment on the inside.

My biggest issue w/ the bag is the fit. I'm an average sized guy (5'10" and weigh 170). The sternum strap sits way to high.

So because of this and lack of at least one more compartment on the inside I'm giving it a 3 stars. The outside mesh pockets are great.

For a the price (purchased on the outlet store)...this is really a great value.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

[...] with 20% off. It doesn't get any better. Did a 9.6 mile hike at Rainier on free national parks admission day last weekend and this bag worked out great.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

Great pack. I use for day trips and have had no complaints as of yet. Awesome price.Very comfortable.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

I used this pack for the first time on a 7 mile hiking trip in Colorado. It holds everything you need and is as rugged and sturdy as a pack at this price can get. I would've liked to have a clip for a water bladder tube on one of the shoulder straps, but that wasn't a major impediment. If you're hiking short distances (5-10 miles) and you want a pack that rides comfortably and holds an ample water supply, get this pack.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

I bought this through the outlet last year. It was well worth the price then. It's awesome at the current price. I've used it for geocaching, hiking, traveling, touring etc. After i bought this I got a great deal on a camelbak pack that is similar. I thought this would go unused. Instead this one goes everywhere and the other is like new. The only downfall is that there are no accessible pockets and that I wasn't able to get it in red. I'm trying to convince myself not to buy another in red but it's very hard, I love this bag.

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

Took this pack on a day hike up Tuckerman's ravine trail up Lion's head and down Tucks and it was comfortable all day. I packed rain gear,mid weight pullover, first aid kit, a couple of extra tee shirts, bug spray, emergency kit with matches, space blanket, knife,etc, 4 bottles of water and lunch and snacks - the pack held it all and was comfortable all day - great deal too!!

Comments about REI Trail Daypack - 25 Liters - '09 Special Buy:

Got this backpack to replace a non-REI brand pack i'd been using for years. I think the straps fit extremely well, but when I'm using the pack for school, i'd love a place to stash the hip straps. My only gripe is that the price dropped a week after I bought the darn thing!!![...]