How to Choose Daypacks

Designed to fit a wide range of people, the women's REI Co-op Trail 40 pack offers easy access and organization for big hikes, overnights and travel adventures.
$14
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$44
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Trail Product LineView all REI Co-op DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | XS - S: 40 liters M - XL: 41 liters 1X - 4X: 41 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | XS - S: 2,441 cubic inches M - XL: 2,502 cubic inches 1X - 4X: 2,502 cubic inches |
Weight | XS - S: 2 lbs. 9 oz. M - XL: 2 lbs. 12 oz. 1X - 4X: 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | XS - S: 15.5-17.5 inches M - XL: 16-18 inches 1X - 4X: 16-18 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | XS - S: 28-38 inches M - XL: 35-47 inches 1X - 4X: 44-58 inches |
Material(s) | 210-denier ripstop nylon; lining: 200-denier recycled polyester; raincover: 70-denier nylon with polyurethane coating (all bluesign approved) |
Frame Material | Spring steel |
Pack Access | Top/panel |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | XS - S: 20 x 12 x 9.5 inches M - XL: 20.5 x 12 x 9.5 inches 1X - 4X: 20.5 x 12 x 9.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria 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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
The Trail 40 is nearly perfect; lightweight, easy-access to packed items, and including a REI cover. The side, tightening straps allows the bag to be “flatter” when not full, and the hip-belt pockets for a smaller phone and has a slot to tuck in the excess waist traps. Only a few minor issues: the multiple zippers makes it hard to lock (not that the material couldn’t be cut through, but), the water bottle holders on the sides stretch easily (needs stronger elastic) and aren’t fully sealed on the sides so items tend to slip out, and I wish there was a strap to slide it onto a rollaboard, that could could as a horizontal carry strap.
I just completed the Camiño de Santiago in Spain using this backpack. It was perfect for me. I’m 5’2” and got the S and it was super comfortable for the long days of walking. I love that it opens completely for easy access and packing. It was small enough to fit under the airplane seat on some flights. On rainy days the included rain cover in its own pocket worked well.
I really loved it, its a great size, the pole loops work great for my cane I adore the daisy chain up the front, though having the only two pockets be on the top of the flap (which opens all the way around which is mostly great) Unfortunately a month in it developed a hole along the main compartment zip in line with the compression strap, which is just an unusable flaw. Given the way it separated I suspect a lack of seam allowance/improper finishing.
I'm 5'5" tall and have this pack in the small size. I've used it for backpacking trips all the way up to 10 days long, carrying 12kg, by packing very thoughtfully and attaching a dry bag up top and cinching it down with the included straps. After a few days of eating through my food everything fits inside. I love the pack. It feels super light to me in comparison to the old Gregory I have and I think it's very comfortable. The only signs of wear its showing is a small hole in the elastic material of a side pocket and that was my fault for shoving something sharp in there. I'd buy this pack again 100%.
This pack is a nice volume and has lots of attachments points, good pockets. I wanted a u shaped zipper For travel as well. This is a very nice pack, but I need it carry 20lbs comfortably and it should have but it did not for me. I took it on several day hikes and experienced hip, lower back and shoulder pain. Just could not get it adjusted to fit me personally and it carried low and pulled on my shoulder. I have been backpacking and day hiking for 10 years. I think if it fits you and is comfortable it will be a great pack but mine has to go back cause I can’t wear it for what I want. Love the REI return policy because sometimes you can’t tell if it works for YOU until you take the product on the trail.
I have used the trail 40 pack on a hut to hut backpack in the Dolomites and the Tour du Mont Blanc. It has worked perfectly for me, carrying 20-25 lbs and a 3 liter hydration bladder. I am 5’5” 125 lbs and the xs-sm fits well. I especially like that it zips open completely for access and is lightweight. I am deeply disappointed that I didn’t buy the 30 liter version when it was still available. I tried on a couple of other brands in the 30 liter range and never did like any better than this one. These are simply great packs at a good value.
I’m 5’2” and I weigh about 115 lbs. I got the xs/s and it actually fits. I have tried several different packs and none fit. I do have the straps almost as small as they go. It had padding in the right places. This is really going to extend my hiking miles!
Bought this as a second pack (have a Deuter 65+10L as well that I love) to take for shorter trips (1-2 weeks) and that can be carry-on sized. Will update after my first airplane trip with it, but I am currently using it locally on hikes and it's got some great points- lots of room and easily fits 12-15lbs of stuff including my 2L water bladder. Love that it opens all the way up to arrange your things, has an included rain cover as well as a separate top pocket/inside pocket for smaller items (first aid kit, granola bars, etc.) So far, there are only two things I would improve- the hip pocket placement on the belt is pretty useless- I would have them come closer to the front for better accessibility and so your elbows and inside of your arms don't rub on them when you walk and secondly, the back channels should be a little more deep - to provide extra padding and more so, to create an actual channel for sweat to escape! On our last hike, in moderate weather, I was drenched with sweat (only) on my back and the back of the pack was also then soaked. So, it clearly trapped moisture in which made for an uncomfortable homecoming and pack removal after just an hour- long hike. I am a bit worried what it will be like on a hot day or a longer hike. For these reasons, I took off one star. Otherwise, I am very pleased with the bag overall and think it will be a nice smaller bag for me.
I really wanted to love this bag, but the fit was very weird. Specifically I was hoping to be able to use this to travel with, and the hip pockets should have been the perfect place to store my phone and passport to get through security at the airport. I have an iPhone 14 Pro (not Max), and it didn’t fit into either pocket of the XS/S. I was able to get a passport into the other one, but it was hard to access because it was off to the side. Ironically the bag that fit the best was the 1X-4X (and I am not that large!) because the hip belts actually wrapped all the way around, but then there was so much extra strap material (it almost touched the floor!). The bag itself was fine. Perhaps a bit of an improvement from the older version, but nothing to get too excited over one way or another. I’m very glad I took the time to find it in store instead of ordering it and having to return it. Unfortunately I need to keep looking for something else for my purposes.
I was able to try out this pack for teaching this past year and had to get my own. It is super durable, holds a lot and is incredibly comfortable weighted. It has just enough pockets to keep me super organized on trail and a slender enough profile to use as a travel pack.