How to Choose a Backpack

Rigorously field-tested, the men's REI Co-op Traverse 60 pack prioritizes fit, comfort and trail convenience. Thoughtful features give backpackers enhanced access and organization on trail.
Imported.
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 60 liters 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 62 liters 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 60 liters 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 62 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 3,661 cubic inches 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 3,783 cubic inches 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 3,661 cubic inches 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 3,783 cubic inches |
Weight | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 4 lbs. 8 oz. 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 4 lbs. 10 oz. 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 4 lbs. 11 oz. 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 4 lbs. 13 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 17-20 inches 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 18-21 inches 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 17-20 inches 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 18-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 28-37 inches 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 32-42 inches 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 37-47 inches 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 42-55 inches |
Material(s) | Shell: 210-denier ripstop nylon and 400-denier recycled nylon; lining: 200-denier recycled polyester; raincover: 70-denier recycled nylon (all bluesign approved) |
Frame Material | Tubular aluminum |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/front panel/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Removable Daypack | Yes |
Dimensions | 17-20 Torso / S-M Hip: 32 x 13 x 12 inches 18-21 Torso / M-L Hip: 33 x 13 x 12 inches 17-20 Torso / L-XL Hip: 32 x 13 x 12 inches 18-21 Torso / XXL-3XL Hip: 33 x 13 x 12 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet 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 like this pack because I can sense the experience and thoughtfulness that went into its design. While there are a couple design choices I would do differently, no one can argue this is a cookie-cutter pack, and I like that a lot. On the “pro” side, this pack prioritizes access via gaping access zippers to the main compartment. No more reaching your arm in shoulder-deep to pull something out from the bottom. The bag also comes with a rain cover, which not all packs do at this price point. And while there are compression straps all over (like all decent packs), these straps each seem thoughtfully placed and oriented so I’m not wasting time getting lost as to where each compression strap snaps to. In fact, the most complicated compression straps on the side are a different color and are held in place in such a way that I never have to worry about them getting confused or tangled. More subjective “pros” include the minimal use of zippered side pockets. I personally like how the pack focuses my attention on the main compartment, brain compartment, front stash pocket, waist pockets, and two side stretch pockets. But other packs I’ve used had several more medium-sized zippered side pockets, which don't exist on this pack. The removable “brain” daypack is also a hit and a miss to me. While I’m thankful to have it, it requires me to unpack and repack it to use it, has relatively thin straps and no cross-chest tension strap, no water bottle pocket, and leaves the top hole of my pack feeling vulnerable to the elements. I personally am more thankful to have the removable "brain" than not but I feel it could've be improved with just some minor tweaks. Finally, there is one fairly serious “con” that I see in the pack. And that is the cushioning of the back support and hip belt. The cushion feels very dense, which both creates more trouble for pressure points and doesn’t allow the pack to breathe well. At the same time as it encourages sweating, it also feels harder to keep clean than other trampoline-style mesh floating systems. But the cushioning doesn’t feel like it is poor quality, it simply feels a bit dense. In conclusion, the Traverse 60 offers a thoughtful design and good value for those seeking compression, organization, and durability. Its only real drawback is breatheability, which may on some trips and in some locales more than others.
Zipper broke off before I could even take this in my first trip! Night before leaving the top pocket zipper broke, while trying to get it back on track the actual hardware broke in half… sad.
I was hoping for a smaller pack, but after trying out 4 packs with 40 lbs, this pack checked the most boxes for me. I love the front access zipper to the main compartment. The 2 way water bottle pouches on both sides that I can actually reach are great. The waist belt pockets open and close easily compared to other packs I've used. It's pretty comfortable even after many miles with lots of weight. So far, I dig it.
I am a light-but-not-ultralight backpacker. The Traverse 60 is a bit overbuilt for my needs but it is comfortable, affordable, durable, and the higher capacity helps me carry my bulkier, cooler weather gear and layers. The water bottle pocket configuration is excellent. I find the rain fly eats up a fair bit of space in the pack so I typically leave it at home and use a trash compactor bag inside the pack to keep my stuff dry. The brain that converts to a small daypack felt like a gimmick when I first bought the pack but it has turned out to be fairly useful. Here in the Midwest where our parks and wilderness areas can be modestly-sized, I frequently set up camp in a single location as a home base for day hiking and exploring one area over multiple days. The little brain backpack works great when I don't want to bring my whole pack with me just to carry a snack, a water bottle, and an extra layer. My only complaint is the same with all the REI packs (Traverse 60, Flash 55, Flash Air 50) - the shoulder straps are extremely short on me. My unsolicited suggestion - REI, please make a bigger version of the Traverse that is 65-85L for true winter backpacking/ski/snowshoe touring! I know the trend in backpacking is toward smaller and lighter, but I would love to have just a little more space when I am carrying lots of extra bulky layers for winter conditions. The ~75L packs I have tried from other brands have just not impressed me so far and I keep wanting to go back to my REI packs.
It does the job well enough, but buyer beware, the sternum strap easily pops off and REI does not sell a replacement part if you lose it. Always check the reviews and don't trust the salesmen at the store like I did!