How to Choose a Backpack
REI Co-op Venus 70 Pack - Women's
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Pack the fuzzy slippers, the newly redesigned REI Venus 70 women's backpack is built to carry all the creature comforts—in comfort! It's a great pack and a great value.
Shop similar products- This well-designed pack features heavy load handling, quick access and an ultra-adjustable suspension and women-specific contours and sizing in the harness
- Not just a small men's pack, it features a slim width and a short height, and its anatomic, ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelt fit a woman's shape
- With a "rip-and-stick" torso adjustment, shoulder strap system easily slides along pack's frame to fit torsos of varying lengths
- Precurved shoulder straps match your anatomy for non-binding comfort on and off the trail
- Dual-density foam padded back panel provides a comfortable and supportive fit when carrying heavy loads
- Precurved hipbelt is designed to cradle hip bones for a natural fit and to distribute weight without sagging
- Hipbelt webbing system allows you to use a natural forward pulling motion for quick, easy cinching and precise adjustment
- Enjoy dual access to pack via the top-loading opening and the horseshoe-shape, zippered front panel opening, which works like a duffel opening
- Removable top lid pocket with water-repellent zipper lets you stash the essentials you want to bring into tent; pack can stay outside or in vestibule
- Zippered pocket under the lid stores maps and keys, spare batteries and other small essentials
- Front panel features a new and improved stretch-woven zipper pocket with easy access for packing oft-used gear
- Internal sleeping-bag compartment with a zippered divider separates it from gear and clothes in the main compartment
- Utilizing 4 buckles, the pack's streamlined compression system lets you cinch and strap down loads for jostle-free carrying
- Concave head pod at the top of pack gives your head freedom of movement—no more staring at the ground
- 2 mesh side pockets hold water bottles, energy bars and other essentials you want close at hand
- Hipbelt pocket stores those small essentials you want at your fingertips, such as lip balm and sunscreen
- Lash points on the other side of hipbelt let you attach camera and GPS pouches
- Lash straps on bottom of pack let you attach sleeping pad
- Hydration-compatible design features an internal reservoir sleeve and dual exit ports for drinking tube (hydration reservoir sold separately)
- 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
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Number of Stays | 2 |
| Pack Access | Top/front |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 + main compartment |
| Best Use | Backpacking |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
| Frame Material | HDPE/aluminum |
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel | No |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
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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CO Kevin
Chicago, IL | Vail, CO
Made for woman | strong enough for a man
11 years ago
My son and I are avid hikers - leaning towards overnights and extended day hikes in the Rocky Mountains. We bought this women's pack, even though we are men. My son is 13 and still under 5'6". I am 5'7". I found this worked just fine. There is a sleeping bag compartment with a separate zipper that helps in packing, though it isn't truly a separate compartment, it is just the bottom section of the back. The hydration sleeve was a little short (there are internal separator sheets, the get in the way if used. It was easy to pack and load balance. The features (pockets, daisy chain, hydration ready) are extensive, given the price point. The bag held up reasonably well to rain.
Yes , I recommend this product
Jean in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
adjustment factor still unknown
12 years ago
I used the pack, first time, at Dinkey Lakes on my 2nd backpacking trip. I'm 5'4", 61 yrs. old, and under 100 lbs. As usual, walking 4 miles uphill starting at 6500 ft. wearing any kind of pack was very hard work. The pack wasn't adjusted quite right -- not high enough on my back to keep the well-padded belt from rubbing on my pelvic bones in front. Otherwise, it worked great. I can't fault the pack as much as myself for not remembering to fiddle with the main velcro adjuster before we left for home on the 4th day. I'd better do that right now before I forget!
Yes , I recommend this product
Michigan Wildflower
Michigan
Great Pack!
15 years ago
I am 5 ft. 5 in; 135 #, and this is a great pack for me. My husband and I lean toward 3-4 day backpacking trips. Fortunately for me, he carries the tent, so I can't comment on the impact of items strapped outside the pack. I have plenty of room for sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, clothes, part of our cookware and food. The front zip panel makes packing and removal of items very convenient. Extra zippered areas provide space for items that can get lost in the pack. Wish the pockets for water bottles were more accessible; although I have found the pockets on most packs to be too far back to reach comfortably when the pack is on. I would buy this pack again.
Yes , I recommend this product
Nicole13
Simi Valley, CA
Great pack
12 years ago
I've been on a few backpacking trips in Yosemite and in the San Gabriel Mountains and it has held up great! We got some unexpected rain one morning in Yosemite and it held up pretty well even without a rain cover. This was my first pack and so far I wouldn't want any other one.
Yes , I recommend this product
skiiergirl
Seattle, WA
rented this pack from REI -- plan to buy
14 years ago
I rented this pack from REI in Seattle for a 3 night/4 day trip from Pauls Peak Trailhead to Golden Lakes (Mt Rainier). I loaded it up with extras, and it carried the weight well -- 4 miles of steady down and 6 miles of steady up. My friends had lighter packs and were worried about the 5.6 lbs of pack itself, but I thought it was comfortable. Because it has lots of adjustments I could keep the heat off my back (80-90 degree weather!). Lots of space, pockets for stuff, loops to hang things from. Plus the rental staff were happy with the durability of the pack (improvements over previous years version of the Venus). I'm not skinny -- the hip belt fit comfortably around my waist/hips and didn't dig in. I plan to purchase this pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Jkabana
Portland, OR
Incredibly comfortable!
12 years ago
I borrowed this pack from my daughter for a hike on Timberline Trail on Mt Hood. The terrain was difficult for me, and we also had several river and glacier crossings, plus one rope climb up a steep river embankment. By the end of Day 2, I was tired but not one area of my upper body ached. I was surprised that my back, shoulders and neck felt like I never hiked an inch. Amazing pack!
Yes , I recommend this product
minimad
Seattle, WA
Horrible for petite women
14 years ago
I just rented this pack for a 2 day trip in Northern Washington. I am a 5'2" female, 100 pounds. This pack towered over my head. I was doubled over trying to carry my measly 30 pounds. The shoulder straps dug into my shoulders giving me bruises after just 2 hours. I would not recommend this pack to any woman. The pockets are great for storage and I like the way the zippers make it easy to access the main compartment. However, if you are looking for comfort even on the smallest scale I would NOT choose this pack. Very disappointing.
No, I do not recommend this product
LoveForMountains
Phoenix, AZ
Comfortable and Good Quality
12 years ago
Loved the space and comfort of the pack. Did a 5 day backpacking trip in Yosemite with lots of elevation change and no hip or shoulder rub marks/bruises.
Yes , I recommend this product
Birdy
Black Hills of South Dakota
Great Pack!
15 years ago
Just finished a 4-day backpacking trip in the Bighorns of Wyoming. The pack carried heavy loads easily and my lower back pain did NOT exist once during the trip! I am long-waisted and was worried that it wasn't going to be adjustable enough, but the 19 inches seemed to do the trick. I'm 5'8" and slender so wanted to have a women's pack for the padding, hipbelt sizing, and shoulderstrap sizing and not get a men's pack in order to accomodate the length of my back. We encontered light rain only on the hike out so I didn't have a chance to test the pack in a lot of rain but the contents of my seemed to stay mostly dry. (Stuff not in plastic or coated stuffsacks.) I wish it had a slightly larger case on the hip belt--it almost fit my camera but was tight. But really, I have no complaints about this pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
sfritzler
Colorado
Excellent for the price!
12 years ago
I rented this backpack for 3 years and then bought it on sale. It's an excellent pack and reasonably priced. You can usually find it at the garage sales as well. The only con is that I'm not a fan of the straps at the base as they are hard to tighten (around my sleeping bag) — I don't have experience with other packs so I don't know if there are better options. All in all, it's a great pack for an easy price. Perfect for the every-so-often-backpacker.
Yes , I recommend this product
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