REI Co-op Trail 5 Waistpack
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Compact and comfortable, this waistpack handles all your essentials for both hiking and travel.
Shop newer version- Padded back panel features a smooth air-mesh layer for ventilation
- Main compartment has inner organizer pockets; zip front pocket is handy for items you need often
- Hidden zip pocket behind the back panel fits a passport
- Pack also has zip hipbelt pockets and 2 mesh stash pockets
- Side-mount buckle deters theft
- 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
Best Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Frameless |
Gear Capacity (L) | 5 liters |
Weight | 11 ounces |
Fits Waist/Hips | 46 inches |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Dimensions | 9 x 7.5 x 3 inches |
Pack Access | Top |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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Most Helpful Critical Review
Incredibly comfortable.
I recently purchased this pack to wear during a 12hr urban hike, and was really impressed. It held all the personal essentials (wallet, phone, keys) and had plenty of room left for protein bars and all kinds of other odds and ends. The side pockets are too small for a water bottle, but perfectly fit a smaller juice bottle. The design was incredibly comfortable even after wearing it for the entire day, and it's well crafted. My only complaint is that if the pack isn't worn comfortably tight, the pack tends to be somewhat top heavy and tilt outwards.
I was looking to tweak my existing day pack.
I bought this thinking it would give me extra room to keep the things handy I want to reach for without stopping to take off my day pack...and for short hikes where I don't need to use my bladder but just carry a couple bottles of water: I had hoped the two side pockets would hold my water but they don't...I'm still happy as there is a lot of room, I put two bottles of water in the back zipper compartment and that worked; I'll use the side pockets for snacks...I'm glad I got it and do plan to use it most of the time with my day pack.
Simple and Better
Used it for mountain biking. Moved all my tools and gear over from my Camelpak. I wasn't using my bladder, so I decided to downsize. The Trail 5 has plenty of room and gives me more freedom of movement on the trail. No more "sweaty" back after a long ride. Great bag for what I'll be using it for.
Nifty waist pack
I picked up one a these a while ago primarily to use in conjunction with a full back on extended backpacking trips as a way to keep small things handy while hiking without having to stop and take off the large pack. It's also useful in camp to keep those items readily at hand. This pack easily fits a collection of stuff that could include guidebook and map, an energy bar or two, knife or multitool, flashlight, extra batteries, small point-and-shoot camera, etc. Overall, the size is just right—large enough to fit what you need but not so large that it becomes awkward when fully loaded. When attached around my roughly 36-inch waist, there's about five inches of strap left over. Just about right. A nice feature: the back of the pack is padded, but it's not so thick that it makes it too stiff. It conforms easily to the body. The product description claims it fits up to a 46-inch girth, but this is optimistic. There are a couple of other overstatements in the description, too. The overall capacity is given as five liters. No way; maybe half that. And the description says the side/end mesh pockets can hold a two-liter bottle. Again, no way. I can fit a Nalgene pint container in there (about three inches in diameter), but most of the bottle sticks above the mesh. REI should really edit those lines in the description. Those issues with the description aside, this is a well proportioned, sturdy little pack that will carry quite a bit of stuff without drawing too much attention to itself or getting in your way. Haven't used it long enough to comment on durability, but it looks like it should wear well.
OK waistpack
As my preferred waistpack brand is no longer available, I bought this one for my daughter's use. It has two main pouch storage areas that she is used to and they are a bit roomier to also allow her to stow her cell phone. There are extra side zippered pouches that I doubt she will use, and, side pockets for smaller water bottles. There is an optional center placed handle. The quality of materials and construction are good. The main problem I have is with the design. It seems off balance -- the top sags forward after strapping it around your waist no matter where you position it -- front, side, back. The straps are placed too low in relation to the rest of the pack, in my opinion. Because I didn't want to go through the hassle of shopping for something else or returning it back to REI, I opted to take a couple of tucks at the top where those side pouches meet the main pouches to take up the slack and keep it closer to your body. It works; It will do.
I really wanted to like this pack
This pack is well made, lots of features, like the hidden pocket, jell pockets, but I just could not like it. It was just too big and bulky with gear. I also think the strap could be thicker to spread the weight and the grap handle is annoying and not needed. the zippers and quality are good and there is plenty of padding on the back to make it comfortable. I ended up buying the smaller Trail 2 version also and love that. If i need more gear I'll bring a backpack.
Fanny pack
Great color, size,and price. Held all my essentials, which surprised me.
Makes life easier!
I finally broke down and got a fanny pack. I was sick of carrying a million little things down to the dock and then forgetting something. This is a great solution. I love the colors, and the quality is great!
helps me keep dry
I have been caught out in Summer thunderstorms hiking from time to time; this is the perfect size to carry my light weight rain coat. Not very bulky, easy to take along on the trail and the right size. Very happy with this purchase.
waist pack
Nice pack. Using it for dog walking. Compartments useful for separating items i.e., keys, doggie bags, treats, phone, wallet, etc. Sturdy. Only issue is that my water bottle slips out of the side pocket frequently. So I can't bring my water along. As a hiker I can't image it would get your very far on the trail. I would highly recommend this pack for your urban hiker or dog walker.