REI Co-op  Trail Pack

I find the pack isn't meant for a petite person. When the pack is loaded down with water or just stuff, it sits uncomfortably on my shoulders because the straps are too long to get the correct adjustment. Also, the waist strap loosens up after hiking a bit. Because of these two factors I can't get the weight to sit on my hips, causing my neck and shoulders to hurt after some time with it on. Also the sternum strap is in a fixed location and it would be better if it were adjustable. This is a great pack for bike commuting or for short hikes where you don't have to carry much water or weight. Maybe this is a comfortable pack if you have a longer body.

I love this pack! I day hike once a month and the mesh pockets on the side are a perfect fit for a Nalgene. Most importantly I use this pack as my briefcase. I travel a lot and I lost the attache' about 3 months ago. This pack is so much more practical when I am stuck in an airport or running to catch my next flight. I work in high-tech and customers love the casual look of the pack rolling off my nicely pressed shirt. I purchased a laptop sleeve that fits nicely in the pack. For me the pack is versatile for work and weekend play. The only downside is for students that need to carry lots of books - you would have to upgrade to the Lookout or something.

Everyday use as a daypack during commute to and from work in NYC. The compression straps are perfectly located to tighten the bag around a small load so it doesn't bounce around all day. They also hold an umbrella stable in one of the side mesh pockets when it looks like rain. I've also used this pack for weekend road trips, it opens up to hold all of my clothes and misc. junk I feel needs to be taken. The outer pocket is well organized for small items. The zippers move smoothly, the inside stays dry (even after an hour in light rain) padding is comfortble and the straps all adjust easily and don't slip. This is the best daypack I've ever owned - and I've had an extensive collection over the years.

I purchased this pack exclusively for day hikes. I found the pack uncomfortable. I think the main problem was that the back pack lacked stiffness. The back support would become too rounded as soon as I added my water bladder which was a camel back. This make wearing the pack uncomforable and the load unstable. I returned this pack and purchased a Jet UL which I like much better for day hikes but has the same system for water bladders. As it turns out these REI packs are not compatible with camel back brand water bladders. The store clerk told me they are designed for MSR and one other brand (can't remember) that use the toggle supports. On a more positive note, the pack itself was a good size for day trips and had a nice organizational packet on the back.

This pack is a nice addition to day trips. The straps and padding are just enough for the load the pack is expected to take. It's the perfect size to hold everything you'll need for the day without getting over stuffed. The hydration kit I have works fine with it. This pack does lack additional pockets/compartments that allow separate storage of smaller items. But for the price, I can deal with that.

I bought a couple of these packs for my boys who are cub scouts. Ample room for day hiking supplies and great water bottle holder pockets on the outside. They find them very comfortable. They typically carry a load of supplies including first aid kit, poncho, mess kit, fire starting supplies, extra clothes, etc. and they have plenty of room. Great day pack for kids.

small pack. Ideal for short excursions from site. Used it this weekend for a day at an outdoor music festival. Water, sweater, book, CD player (dinosaur, I know) all fit fine. Plus room for the concert T shirts we bought. Would like a few spots to attach gear to the outside, but that might defeat the purpose of a "small" pack. Works OK with my CamelBak bladder.

I grabbed this bag at an REI store in Anchorage at the last minute, and now I believe that it was the fabulous color that I was mostly attracted to. Although the bag's straps are very well padded, it fits very awkwardly on my bag and seems to shift weight from one side to the other no matter how tight my straps are. Overall, not too impressed.

I've owned this pack for about a year now and have taken it on multiple day hike outings. It's comfortable, adjustable, has a good capacity and hydrations compatible. I like mine so well, I recently bought one for my hiking partner. Definitely a good buy and well worth the money spent.

I bought this pack specifically for going over seas. Best thing aside from the mentioned above, it can fit into airplanes either in overhead storage or underneath the seat. I wore it for about 5 days straight when going around Dublin and London.