How to Choose a Backpack

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Stay comfortable and dry on extended hikes with the REI Traverse 85 Pack, featuring the UpLift compression system and a ventilated mesh back panel.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top / Side / Bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 11 + main compartment |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Removable Daypack | Yes |
Dimensions | null |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | 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 looked at several other brands while shopping and bought this pack. I like that it has external pockets allowing me to pack more used items that I can easily access. Today's packs are going for that sleek outer look but that gets rid of my favorite feature which is external pockets. I also like the way the pack sits on my back. There is virtually no shifting when hiking and is very comfortable on long hikes. I also like the pole holder feature. They do not get in the way if you need to go diving into the pack. REI has done a wonderful job on this pack and I would rate it up there in comfort, function and features as any other pack I've owned.
This pack provides ease of access to and plenty of room for everything you need for a few days out. It fits comfortably and is very well designed for both durability and usability. The only thing preventing a 5 star review is the chest strap, which detached from the rail that it's clipped onto after only a few hours of use. I took it back and they know that such a malfunction occurs and showed me how to put it back on (a bear of a process I might add). I opted to receive a new pack, as the process of reattaching it makes it weaker and more prone to repeat. I'll just be sure to not overly tighten the chest straps in the future. Overall though, great pack and I can't wait to take it out again!
This is my fourth back country pack after 20+ years of hiking. It's great. I've worked in the outdoor biz and hiked, toured and climbed in many contenants on trips up to a month. Just took this for a spin over the weekend. Love it already. Clearly designed by folks who have actually hiked. So comfortable. Carries a load high and it's easy to get to kit. Medium is good for me at 183cm with a longish back. Detachable lid for day use is good, though the shoulder sling seems odly sewn.. still trying. To work that one out ;) otherwise good design...big ups to the team who worked on this.
I used this pack for a 6 day back country hike through Yosemite and it was perfect. It was comfortable and spacious. I was able to fit everything inside the pack (sleeping bag, 2p tent, bear canister, backpacking chair, clothes, etc.), which is nice since I dislike having to strap items to the exterior of the pack. I used the removable top as a day pack to summit Half Dome. There are just enough compartments to keep things separated, but not too many. The J-shaped zipper allows easy access to any part of the main compartment. The rain cover came in handy. I thought for sure that I would break or rip something on this pack because that is just how I am, but it is extremely durable. There is nothing I would change about this pack.
This product has been great for 4 years now. No problems with durability, longevity, comfort or storage. It does not get 5 stars because the pack can be a little bit of an odd shape at times depending on how much you pack in it. I have taken this backpacking in remote, rugged, and long trips and it has suited the job well. I carries a range of equipment including saws and axes very well. Its ability to store items under or on top of the pack with the loops and straps really makes it versatile. I am not sure how other reviewers have been breaking their packs but mine has been put through the paces and is still going strong.
Full disclosure, I haven't had a lot of packs to compare this against. I grew up with the old metal external frame packs that jabbed you in the back and had nearly zero internal capacity. I then moved onto a great internal frame pack by another brand. Loved it, but it was only 50 liters or so, and just didn't cut it for me on the longer duration hikes (50 mile, week long hikes with the scouts, etc.). I then moved onto a military style pack that had all the capacity in the world, but it nearly killed me (I carried way too much gear), and the fit was all wrong. It held the weight far away from my body, really messing with my balance and posture. Like I said, it nearly killed me. So bad, in fact, that I decided to plunk down the full $280 for this one. Worth every penny! It holds all the gear (plus a little more) that I should carry. Avid backpackers will tell you that all you need is 65 or less liters for a weeklong outing, but not all of us have the smallest, lightest, and most compact gear. Some of us use synthetic bags, larger camping pillows (light, but big), etc. So, for those of use who don't have the smallest and latest in backpacking technology, having a little extra capacity is good. The pockets are well organized and thought out, and the fit - my gosh, the fit was heavenly. I carried 47 lbs into the Wilderness and it was like there was nothing on my back. I'm not burly. I'm 160 lbs. But this thing fit like a glove as it kept the weight close to my back. I really felt like I was one with the pack. It was and is righteous. Get it. Worth every penny.
I was concerned about the belt staying hitched as per the first review, but decided to buy anyway while on sale. Took a 4 mile, fully loaded test hike in the desert locally, and it was flawless. No issues. Very comfortable.
Love the design of this pack, it does fit my back well. However during my through hike of PA on the AT the chest strap completely disconnected from the shoulder straps and the hiking pole loops pulled apart, Spent 3 weeks on the AT in PA, this all occurred within the first week.
Just purchased this pack for my steep 7-mile climb and it performed very well. I had about 25lbs in the pack so it was pretty full but despite this it was comfortable throughout the climb. There is plenty of space for 2-person tent, sleeping bag, sleeping cushion, food and other necessities. I love the various smaller pocket on the back and near the belt to store quick access items like phone and energy bars. Had to adjust a few times during the climb but the process was easy and pretty effortless. Thanks to the store associate for fitting me properly and advising on how/when to adjust the various straps.
I've taken this on a half dozen 2-4 day backpacking trips and it fits my needs, though I have not yet taken it on longer trips. The pack has lots of adjustment straps, making it easy to carry large amounts of gear, or cinch it down smaller when going light. My favorite feature is the diagonal side straps, which help prevent sagging, which can throw your balance off. At first I thought the removable lid was a silly gimmick, but it actually works quite well as a satchel strapped to the small of your back for short side-hikes, peak-bagging etc. The fitted rain cover included in its own pocket is a nice touch. I did lots of comparison shopping, literally laying bags side-by-side at the store and comparing features, concluding that the REI pack is fully comparable to the much more expensive name-brand competitors. The bells and whistles make it a bit heavy, but some of them can be removed or trimmed.