REI Co-op Workload Pack - Men's
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Designed specifically for treks across campus or crosstown commutes, the REI Co-op Workload pack carries heavy loads comfortably and makes organization easy so you'll be ready when you arrive.
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- Compression straps secure heavy loads comfortably against your back
- Quick-access top pocket stores essentials conveniently
- Large interior pocket with brushed flannel laptop sleeve to protect your electronics
- Volumized beaver-tail shaped front stuff pocket expands for quick storage
- Internal organizer pocket keeps all your productivity tools in place and ready to use
- Secure water bottle pocket prevents hydration loss
- Sternum strap and removable waist strap give you the option of added support
- Padded top handle lets you grab and go without having to wear
- 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 | Casual |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Gear Capacity (L) | 25 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,526 cubic inches |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Laptop Compartment | Yes |
Fits Laptop Size (in.) | 15 inches |
Carry-On | Yes |
Material(s) | Polyester |
Dimensions | 19.5 x 12 x 9.5 inches |
Weight | 2 lbs. 1 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
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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Excellent Work Bag
I purchased this backpack 3 weeks ago for work. I don't carry much stuff to and from work, so I elected to go with the Workload Pack rather than the Workload Max Pack. I have attached a picture of what I take daily to give you an idea of what you can carry comfortably. Here are a few things I like: The size is perfect for me. It is both sleek and spacious. I have plenty of extra room, and the pack is still very light and compact. The laptop sleeve is flannel rather then fleece which I find cleaner. The sunglasses holder at the top is convenient. Front stuff pocket holds a rain jacket. A full Nalgene bottle fits on either side. Here are a few things I don't like: The pocket underneath the key holder is mesh. My keys often get stuck in the mesh. I feel the front pocket organization could have a few more helpful pockets. It remains to be seen how the backpack will holdup. I can tell you that the fabric, zippers, pockets, and straps all feel strong. This is a great offering from REI.
Comfortable and versitile business bag
Good looking and extremely comfortable backpack. I swapped this out for my work messenger bag and couldn't be happier. It has an understated look that keeps you looking professional. It has plenty of room for my laptop, iPad, cables, business cards and other items you would usually need for work. I'm TSA pre check so it doesn't matter but if you aren't you would need to remove your laptop. It is ready enough to get at though. I use it to bike to work and move through the airport with no issues and less fatigue than with my messenger bag. I highly recommend this bag
Perfect pack for the urban jungle.
I've used this pack for a few weeks and it has been perfect for taking to work. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and enough space to carry a notepad and documents but is still streamlined enough to not feel like you're carrying a huge backpack in and out of the office. If you're needing to carry much more, I'd recommend the larger size Workload Pack. The shoulder straps are comfortable and the zippers and top loop all seem very durable as well.
Great Commuter Backpack
The backpack is well organized with plenty of places to put different items. The laptop sleeve is plenty large to hold most laptops. The backpack and the straps are comfortable to wear the backpack all day while traveling. It easily fits under the seat of an airplane with one water bottle on the side however I had some difficulty fitting it with a water bottle and a coffee mug on each side. The only thing I wish it had was a table sleeve otherwise it is a great product.
love the inside organization
The inside of this pack is perfect for my around town, go to work needs. It has a well padded laptop pocket, the largest pocket has lots of room for big stuff, and the outer pocket has lots of little cubbies if you want to put in the essentials you usually keep in your pockets or purse. The pack sits nicely on my back and distributes the weight evenly. My only grumble is the outside fabric is a bit rough for what I would want in a pack that is for daily use.
Great for commuting to work
One thing I look for in a backpack is lots of different pockets or compartments for storing different things in their own place, and this one is great in that respect. I also like that opening aids attached to the zippers are- I've had them break off packs in the past.
Perfect Commuting Backpack
I have to carry a good amount of gear with me on a daily basis and I need it easily accessible. I originally thought I was going to get the workload max, but when found the bag too bulky when I saw it in person. The workload doesn’t have as many organizational pockets, so I coupled it with one of REI’s small toiletries/gear organizers, and I could not be happier with this bag. It allows me to carry all my gear, keep organized, and it’s relatively compact.
More spacious than you think.
So far so great. This bag has done everything I've needed without flinching. My favorite feature is the stretchy external water bottle pockets - one side fits my 32oz HydroFlask snugly in place, and the other takes good care of my 20oz coffee mug - even when I'm running to catch the train. The external, un-zippered pocket is the perfect place to stash your rain jacket (and backup sunglasses in case Washington decides to grace us with sunshine), and anything else you want to access quickly. It, too, has a surprisingly large storage capacity. The middle pocket (with zipper) can get a little cramped when the rest of the bag is full, and I find it occasionally difficult to reach small items at the bottom of said pocket, but that should come as no surprise. The large pocket has a very generous laptop area divided from the rest of the compartment, lined with just enough cushion for me to feel confident but not so much that it noticeably reduces the volume of the rest of the compartment. The straps are comfortable enough to not really notice them unless you're carrying fifteen or more pounds, and the carrying handle is rugged enough (but still padded!) to be trusted even when I think I'm maxing out the bag's capacity. Overall, if you need / want a new pack, be it for light hiking, climbing, or just a daily driver for work or school, you could do a lot worse than the REI Workload Pack.
Bring this back, it's the best
I have this in black. This backpack has been the best for the last 3+ years (4 years?), with every day use (I'm a teacher, and it's my work bag). It's been thrown around, and it still looks new. The right number and size of pockets inside and out, zippers are sturdy and high quality and zippy. They never get stuck. Buckles holding up. Only now the mesh for the water bottle pockets are weathering away.
Great Everyday Pack
This pack has plenty of room to carry items for work or school. I have used it as an overnight bag with room for a change in clothes and a laptop. The laptop sleeve can handle the larger size laptops, and can also be used for a hydration bladder. There is a strap to hang the bladder from and an opening to pass the hose thru. The pack felt comfortable with plenty of padding.