How to Choose a Backpack

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From fit to features, the women's Traverse 60 pack was born from our extensive field research. The result: burly durability, easy adjustability, improved comfort and just-in-case versatility.
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View the REI Co-op Traverse Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | 300-denier recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved) |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top / bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 10 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Removable Daypack | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Product meets the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials 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 love that REI finally realized short, curvy women hike too. The xs torso and medium hip belt option is awesome. I would like the shoulder straps to be a bit longer--the hit at my armpits, a common problem for large busted women. But this pack is designed well. The angled water bottle pockets are the best. However, the elimination of the lumbar pad (found in the old Traverse) resulted in the pack dragging down on my shoulders. I have nerve pain in my neck and shoulders and can not deal with that. The old Traverse shifted weight to the hips much more efficiently. That one fix would make this new version my unicorn pack.
Took this pack on a 3-day, 40 mile backcountry ski trip where I needed it to be lightweight, but with the ability to store lots and grab stuff quickly. The bottom zipper and optional compartment to keep your sleeping bag accessible and stuffed down is brilliant (I stuffed a 15 degree bag + my sleeping pad in there). I love the waist pockets and the water bottle pockets. I love the little stowaway rain fly pocket. The detachable day pack is so nifty too! The mesh flap in front to stick gloves/hat/whatever as you're on the trail was very useful and I could even reach into the top compartment to grab a snack with the pack on while skiing. It seemed really adjustable, but I'm 5'2 and got a small and it sat on my waist & shoulders comfortably. Highly recommend!
I tried numerous backpacks searching for one that didn't aggravate my chronic neck, back, and chest wall pain. I ended up purchasing 3 or 4 different ones from REI before landing on this one and I was shocked at how comfortable it is! My one concern when getting into backpacking was that I wouldn't be able to carry 40+ lbs on long multi-day hikes and this pack totally eliminated that worry. It carries so well to the point where I don't even really notice it and it keeps my posture in check, it can hold a ton, and is a great neutral color. I actually miss carrying this pack on long day hikes 😂 . Highly recommend!
I love all the features, the water bottle pockets, the daypack build in. I also really loved the pocket in the side for the raincover! I also loved the olive green color. When I loaded it up. I was so uncomfortable it didn’t sit right on my back. The shoulder traps felt very uncomfortable and far apart. For reference I am 5’6 135 lbs I always wear medium packs. I even have the traverse 30liter daypack which is why I went for the 60liter one. But this was just to uncomfortable. I hope with the next model they adjust the way the back panel is designed and shoulder straps.
This is another solid REI pack. I appreciated the strategically located pockets for my keys, phone, water bottle, etc. The padding was adequate and the hip belt helpful, albeit a bit stiff and bulky (it sticks out more than I'm used to, although this will likely soften with additional use/over time). I've had a smaller version of this pack in the past, and the smaller version is best for day or weekend hikes. This definitely has more room but it comes at the cost of the additional heft and slightly reduced mobility in the head/neck area, so I'd only use it when needing it for longer trips. Overall, however, it's a solid 4-star pack.
I spent months trying to find the “perfect” pack for my thruhike and this ended up being the most comfortable and ticked almost all my boxes (except for its weight). This pack fit all of my gear, carried the weight well, and didn’t bruise my hips or dig in at all. The adjustable waist strap was great when I lost a little weight. Loved the angled water bottle pockets, and the hip belt pockets fit lots of snacks. I washed it in the middle of my hike and it held up great. Really the only downside is the weight of the pack, but if you don’t care about base weight or are going for a shorter trip, this pack is awesome. No reason to go for a more expensive brand name. My green pack (who I nicknamed Kermit), trekked with me all the way from Springer to Katahdin, and I’m excited to take him on another adventure soon!
Upon receiving this backpack I was blown away by the fabric and design quality. The more I looked at it and used it, the more tiny details I would notice. The side water bottle holders even have small snap straps so they can be adjusted for multiple sized bottles. All the features are very intuitive and the size adjusting mechanism is very clever and easy to use unlike some other packs. The colors gave a bit of a vintage vibe which I liked and everything seems like it will last through a solid number of adventures! I feel like all the adjustment options, and the spacing of the padding felt very natural and comfortable and really helped distribute the weight as well. Definitely a solid pack!
This is the 3rd pack I’ve tried and so far my favorite. I’m comparing it to my experiences with an older Osprey Aura 65 (comfy but heavy, less bells and whistles) and the Gregory Maven (slightly too small, rough shoulder straps and waist belt, extremely uncomfortable). First off, the traverse has a lot of thoughtful features: removable daypack, built in rain cover, adjustable daisy chain, waist pockets that fit a phone and can be opened one handed. Everything is fab, convenient, and makes it easy to pack. I also love the color! While nothing quite compares to the webbing Osprey uses on the back of their packs, I found this pack to be comfortable while wearing tank tops, and prefer the more standard waist belt. I could easily pack for a three day trip with bear can and still had space.
This backpack was more comfortable for my daughter than some of the more expensive name brands. We shopped in store for this item to make sure we got one that fits her small frame. It has a snap off day pack (top cover) which is nice if you are doing smaller hikes away from base camp or if you are camping where there are bears (just snap of your smellies and put it in a bear hang). Overall, all the of the features she wanted and more comfortable than others she tried out in store. She uses this in the backcountry of Yellowstone weekly.
Love my purchase and did great job! Reachable waist pockets are really convenient. Color is my favor color. My pack is XS w medium size waist pocket s, it means waist pockets are quite sitting on the side front of my waist-extra convenient and comfort supporting. Anyway, it fits well on my body shape. I was trying other brands such ospreys and Gregory first, nothing fits well as this one. Not on sale, but I need good one for 50 miles backpacking in 3 days.