How to Choose a Backpack

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On an extended adventure, you want thoughtful features inspired by real hikers. The REI Trail 70 pack has an adjustable, breathable back panel, a contoured hipbelt and a quick-access hydration panel.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 70 |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 4,271 |
Weight | 5 lbs. 2 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 17-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 31-46 inches |
Material(s) | 420-denier ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top loading |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Dimensions | 32 x 13 x 11 inches |
Gender | Men'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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Perfect for carrying a big load into a backcountry swimming hole with the kids. Carried 41 pounds for a dozen miles each day. Pack transferred weight well onto my hips without any comfort issues from the straps. It was a sweltering Memorial Day in Tennessee, but ventilation around the back and straps was fine. The hip strap has considerable padding and bracing... the best I've ever seen. Stitching is durable enough to withstand shoving in our bulky, synthetic sleeping bags with no signs of strains to the construction. Pockets are placed well for accessing snacks, trail map, water, etc. without doffing the pack mid-stride.
Aside from being very good looking, this pack excels at weight distribution. I found that, as a solo backpacker, the total load was very manageable and didn't overly fatigue. As an individual with slightly above average weight, the padding and many way to adjust were much appreciated. All of the daisy chain loops were solid. One flaw I found was that the rigidness of the shoulder straps and belt straps was something of an annoyance. The shoulder straps rubbed a bit until they fell into form over time, after which they were comfortable. The belt straps remained rigid, which meant that I had to strategically place the pack to account for them sticking out or being an obstruction when not in use.
I was using a 45L pack for all my day hikes up until I retired this year. Now I'm hiking some of the higher peaks of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, on some very difficult trails, in an area known for "the world's worst weather". As a solo hiker, I need to carry not only regular gear, but emergency food, shelter and supplies for two days, even when on a one day hike. I'm not a big guy (5'8, 155 lbs), so I was a bit leery about a 70L pack, but this one changed my mind. The padding is very generous on the shoulders, and the straps adjust for height and angle. Padding on the hips is perfectly contoured and also generous, with big zippered pockets. Side adjustment straps keep contents from shifting. Huge mesh pockets on each side are perfect for my river crossing sandals. With this pack, I can easily carry over 29 lbs (34 with full 2L H2O reservoir). That may not seem heavy, but in this terrain, it is. I can also adjust my weight center on the fly to the angle of ascent, very important when it changes so often. I've even been comfortable with some serious rock scrambles while wearing it. Whether you're on a level trail in the forest or climbing through the hills, if you're a serious hiker, the Trail 70 is perfect!
I was impressed with the fit and features of this pack, considering its relative position in the REI lineup, and its price point. Over two initial hikes of about 4 miles each and a pack weight of 35 pounds, the Trail 70 remained comfortable and required little adjusting throughout the hike. My pack for the past 17 years has been a Gregory Palisades 80. Features I enjoyed on the Trail 70, in comparison, were the integral rain cover storage, integral hydration storage, large compression front pocket, and probably my favorite feature: the hip belt pockets. Even though I was not using trekking poles, the integral pole attachments were also a nice touch. Little things like the pull tab draw string on the main compartment were a nice convenience. A few things I'd adjust: I wish the side compression straps were a few inches longer; I like to use those to strap down my tent (Half Dome 2 Plus) and sleeping pad, and with a full pack, it was a bit tight to squeeze those things in. I also felt like I wanted the chest strap to pull a bit tighter than what it would allow. If the pack is already full, it's also difficult to squeeze in a filled water bladder, but that's easily managed with a little more experience with packing sequence (still a great feature). Overall, I felt this was a great pack, and would not hesitate recommending it to anyone who wants to get into overnight hiking but needs to be budget conscious. The Trail 70 offers many great features and a comfortable fit for a stellar value.
The REI Trail 70 is a beast. It has pockets all over, a rain cover to help you out in the heavier rain days, and a very padded belt. I was able to fit all that I needed within the pack for a three day backpacking excursion, and still have room to spare. I'm convinced that this pack would be more than enough to handle longer treks, but the padding is a little heavy for my use. I've used an antigravity wireframe suspension before, and it was excellent for keeping air flowing. Sadly, this pack does not have a wireframe. That is the only thing I would change, but it is a great addition to my gear collection and will be amazing on the cooler days that I do not need the air flow as much. Overall, the value of the pack is top notch. I'd recommend this to anyone that needs to have a sturdy pack to go the distance.
Just finished 46 miles in Yellowstone with 50 lbs in this pack. It carries well and because of the ease of adjustability I was able to easily dial it in until it was exactly right for me. My only comment on the pack is in the shoulder straps - may need to consider other options if the load is heavy. I felt they could have been thicker and wider based upon the heavier load. However by the 46th mile - I didn’t really care too much. Otherwise it would have been a 5 of 5 rating! Excellent value too!
Used this pack for both a backpacking and as luggage for travel to and from our destination. The adjustability of the pack to fit my size made it easy to ensure a proper fit. The pack itself has numerous features that were well designed and made travel easier. I particularly like the rain cover that was included as well as the access to the bottom of the pack through the heavy duty zippers. The pack fit well and made it easy to carry over extended periods of time without causing undue fatigue. Overall it is a solid choice for a trekking pack and a good value. Â The ability to easily adjust the fit and the many options for storage and carrying make this pack an overall good choice for its purpose.
I loaded up this pack with 60 lbs. of gear and hiked into some back country lakes in the Sawtooth Wilderness. It performed exceptionally well through all aspects of my trip. It was very comfortable, I barely knew it was even there.
I was looking for an upgrade from my previous pack and this has so far exceeded my expectation! First off I'm 6'4" with broad shoulders and this pack fit comfortably on my waist and shoulders with just a few minor adjustments that were easy to make. The shoulder and hip padding is nice and thick and has a good cushion feel even with a heavy load all day long! I'm a big fan of the quickness to which I can get a rain layer in or out of the "shove pocket" or the rain cover out of its little area to keep the whole pack dry. Its a standard top loading design which in the long run i'm sure will prove invaluable as I don't find my things getting snagged as I put them in or out of the main pocket, or the frustration of zippers that come apart etc. I'm a believer in a simple design that works well and I think this fits into that category. The size and comfort of this pack is well suited for your longer treks with more nights away. In fact I'll be inviting some beginner backpackers and probably offer to pack lots of their stuff since i'll likely have the space. Another bonus with the size is that I have all this space to pack heavier clothes so my backpacking season can begin earlier!
I used this pack for a 3 day backpacking trip in the Ouachita mountains of Arkansas. With it's lightweight but well crafted design, it was perfect for the trek. The mesh backing and shoulder straps provided a comfortable and well ventilated fit on hot and humid days. The adjustments were simple to fit my frame and made the pack very comfortable for long, strenuous days. I carried 45 pounds on the trek as training for longer hikes and the pack handled the weight very well. The hip padding was very nice and allow for the proper weight to be transferred to the hips for easy, fatigue-free carrying. The outside pockets and multiple daisy chain lashing points provided ample opportunity to store gear that needed to be quickly accessible. I also appreciate the inclusion of a rain cover so there is no need to worry about keeping your pack and contents dry in sudden downpours. The 70 liter size allows you to carry everything you need(and then some) for a full week trek. I will definitely be using this pack on my future ventures. PS, my wife also commented on how attractive the pack is!