How to Choose a Backpack

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With an all-new fit, this updated pack for women sports the latest in design, materials and components. It balances comfort with performance and strength for multiday explorations in the backcountry.
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View all REI Co-op Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Ripstop nylon/Cordura nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Pack Access | Top / bottom / side |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 8 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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I'm a novice backpacker. I've now taken this pack out on two trips, one of 2 nights, one of 4. The padding and adjustability of this pack made it extremely comfortable. Despite carrying 20% of my body weight on my back, I felt well-balanced and secure, even when boulder hopping across creeks or climbing Tuolumne's granite-stepped trails. I couldn't believe that carrying a load could be so comfortable or easy. I almost didn't notice the weight... almost. Buy this pack! (I'm so glad I got it in purple, too).
I took this pack on a 2-nighter along the coast, which included some pretty rough terrain (bouldering, gravel beaches, overland passes that included ropes for steep climbs/drops). Things I liked about the pack: -Comfortable -Very adjustable -High capacity (I had lots of room to spare, and lots of empty pockets that I didn't utilize on this trip--I'm sure they'll come in handy on longer trips, though) -Nice color -The lid pocket, and how you could access it from both top and bottom -Trekking pole holders -Durable material -Multiple openings into the pack -Head room--I could look up without my ponytail/bun hitting the pack Things I didn't like: -The bladder sleeve. My bladder (the old version of the camelbak 2L) was too long to fit inside and use the clip... it kind of sat lopsided in the sleeve. -The outer stretchy pocket wasn't big enough to hold my rain jacket and rain pants without them sticking out and getting dirty. Maybe if I had stuffed the rain jacket into its sack, though... I had to get the XS so that I had more leeway on the hipstrap... on the S, it was cinched as far as it could go (I have about 37" hips, 27" waist). Despite being 5L smaller than my old pack (very old version of the Venus), I didn't notice a difference in the amount of stuff I could pack in. All in all, I'm looking forward to using this pack more.
This was my first internal frame backpack, my other pack I didn't have a problem with but figured it was time to upgrade. With the Crestrail I did a thru hike of about a month, and I didn't have a single problem with this pack. When it was adjusted right I would forget it was there, and I had a good 40Lbs when the bladder was full in that pack. I loved how many pockets that there are and how easy it is to access them. My favorite feature is the hip belt pockets because its easy to put your point and shoot camera in there and at anytime during the hike you can take it out and put it back just as fast. The only reason I would not recommend this pack to someone is if their goal was to be as light as possible, because then you wouldn't necessarily need as much space and with that for it to be lighter. otherwise I would highly recommend this pack to fellow hikers.
I tried this bag on in the store but didn't purchase it because of the original price. After buying a less expensive REI Flash 65 and trying it on, fully-loaded, I decided to drive to the store which was 60 miles away to purchase the Crestrail. I also did this they day before we left for our first backpacking trip. I was so glad I made that last minute decision! This was extremely comfortable, large enough to pack everything in and has so many storage options I didn't know what to do with all of them. It is fully adjustable and I was able to wear it all day without really noticing the weight factor. I should have stuck with my gut in the beginning and saved myself some time and money but I'm glad I went back for it. The best part was that it was on sale when I decided to go for it. The purple color is a nice touch too.
For my 17th birthday, my dad surprised me with a trip to our local REI. I do trail maintenence in the summers and was using a 40+ year-old external frame pack which was extremely uncomfortable. I tried on several packs at the store and fell in love with the Crestrail 65! It's extremely comfortable on my back and I can barely notice the weight, even when I'm carrying nearly 40 pounds. It has many pockets for your average items which are easily accessible. I usually put my water shoes/camp shoes in the very-most outside pocket (along with other items that got wet from river crossings and whatnot), random fragile items in the soft pocket, my hygienic items in my "bathroom pocket," which is absolutely wonderful because it has mesh pockets and lots of room, and I put all of my clothes in a stuff sack and my food in the large comaprtment and it works out wonderfully. The most I've packed for with this pack was for 11 days. I totally believe that you could pack for even longer trips! I've hiked 160 miles with it so far, and can't wait for new adventures.
Tried on several packs including a kid size and this one fit perfectly for my 5' 110# frame. As a first-time backpacker, I needed one easily manageable, this packed the weight (15-20 lbs) well and was comfortable for climbing over boulders and crossing streams. Love the camera pockets on the comfortably padded waist strap, and the easily-accessible extra pockets all over (I used them all!). Experienced backpackers gave it two thumbs up noticing it's sturdy construction. Will last forever.
Lots of external pockets help keep you organized. Great support, pack moves with you, which is a plus. The sleeping bag compartment is not really separate, just a thin piece of material between the body of the pack and the bag area. Pack your water first before anything else or else you'll end up having to take everything out and start over. Really happy/satisfied with this purchase!
I had a hard time finding a pack to fit my smaller frame, and once I tried this one on I knew it was the one. With other packs I did not like how my head and ponytail kept hitting the pack, but this REI pack actually has a concave "ponytail" cutout that eliminates a potentially frustrating issues. This pack has all you could ever need for the best price- no need to overspend on extra gadgets for way more money. Comfortable, affordable, and durable- you will love this pack.
This pack is so comfy I barely notice it. Packed about 40 pounds with a full bladder. So many organizational pockets, all my gear was easily accessible. I love the sleeping compartment feature. Pack is well balanced. Hip belt with pockets made my trail partners jealous. I would recommend bringing a field replacement buckle as the hip belt buckles have thin prongs. Be careful! Great overall product. Worth every cent.
I took this pack on my hike to the Grand Canyon, it worked great. My trip was three days long and I did not have any problems. It fit comfortably and was light weight. It was easy to use. The only thing I had any trouble with is make sure you pack your water pack before before packing the rest of the pack.