Features:

U-shaped zipper for easy access
Convenient pockets inside and out
Trekking pole fasteners
Inner sleeve for reservoir (or laptop!)
Removable waist strap can be replaced with hip belt (sold separately)
Included rain cover with its own pocket
Frame sheet adds lightweight structure
Vented foam back with contoured channels for breathability

Specs:

Capacity: 25L
Weight: 1lb 15 oz
Cost: $79.95 (with a coupon I got it for $48.85)
Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon

TL;DR:

This is the perfect “budget” day pack for every day, traveling, and hiking. I use it to carry around my daily goods like my laptop, lunch, and workout clothes. I use it on day hikes. It works with my luggage as the perfect carry-on. This is by far the most versatile, packable, and comfortable backpack I’ve ever had. It feels like it was designed for me from the way it rests on my back to the layout of the pockets and loops. It’s so simple, yet so intuitive. It’s durable too. That ripstop nylon is no joke and it’s even a bit water-resistant without the pack cover. The only vulnerability I’ve noticed is the mesh water bottle pockets, which is to be expected of any backpack with mesh. Those water bottle pockets are one of my favorite features, though, so the tradeoff in the durability department is worth it.

What I was looking for when I found the REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack:

I had a few criteria.

Roomy enough, 20-30L
Mesh water bottle pockets
Trekking pole attachments

I knew I wanted to use this pack for both hiking and every day. I was looking for a pack with a hydration sleeve, which I almost exclusively use as a laptop sleeve so that I could use it for my freelance gear. I also wanted something easy to pack and durable. I didn’t want to be buying another daypack for at least five years. The Trail 25 ticked all those boxes for me!

Exterior Features

The simplicity and durability of the exterior features on this pack are what first sold me on it. I saw someone come into the coffee shop I was working at wearing this pack and I knew it was the one for me. I hadn’t even seen the inside yet!

Let’s talk about the loops! This pack comes with trekking pole loops and gear loops, just like my Osprey Eja. It’s easy to attach your poles to this pack, and the loops for the tips are metal. There are a ton of other loops on the outside of the pack, too. Plenty of places to hang a pee rag, GPS messenger, or anything else you like to keep on the outside of your pack. There are also two loops on the bottom where you could attach a sleeping bag or tent. Lastly, it has compression straps on the side for comfort when you’re carrying weight.

The mesh water bottle pockets are by far my favorite part of the exterior. I love being able to reach back and grab my water bottle and also be able to put it back without taking off my pack. On one side, there are two mesh pockets! I keep my pee funnel in one and my bagged-up water filter in the other or I use one for my wallet and one for a water bottle. The convenience of this pack is amazing. I will say, though, that this is definitely the least durable part of the pack. But that is true of any pack featuring mesh, which is most of my favorites.

There are two zipper pockets on the outside, one at the top and one at the bottom. Day to day, I use the pocket at the top for pens, pencils, my wallet, and my keys. During hikes, I keep my headlamp, watch, Spot, and other items that I need handy. The bottom zipper pocket contains a rain cover that comes with the pack! This pocket could easily be used for other items, too. The pack is pretty water-resistant so the pack cover might not be necessary for most day hikes.

Lastly, the back mesh panel, waist belt, and shoulder straps! This whole section of the pack feels like it was made for me. The contoured channel rests right on my spine and allows for efficient, comfortable ventilation. The shoulder straps are extremely comfortable and feature the all-important chest strap, which a shocking amount of day packs don’t have. The waist belt provides just enough support for when your pack is heavier. I filled it with four 1L water bottles and some other heavy gear to see how much the hip strap actually helped and, honestly, I’m glad to have it! It also prevents the pack from swinging around when you’re bent forward on a scramble. REI sells an additional hip belt with pockets that you can switch this strap out for, or you can remove it if you don’t use it.

Interior Features

The main compartment features a U-shaped zipper that allows hikers (or travelers, or freelancers) to unzip the entire front of the pack for easy access and easy packing. The main compartment also features a zippered mesh pocket right at the top of the front panel. I usually use this for snacks. Its size is perfect for everything from small accessories to a sandwich. This mesh pocket also has a clip for keys.

The hydration sleeve rests on the frame at the rear of the main compartment. I stopped using hydration bladders two years ago so I usually use this pouch for stowing a puffy coat, a laptop, extra clothes, a notebook, or anything low profile.

There is one more mesh pocket in the interior that resembles a water bottle pocket. I use it to hold my laptop stand or tripod when I’m using it as an everyday pack. It could definitely be used for a water bottle, rope, tent poles, umbrella, or anything else that would fit in a traditional water bottle pocket.

See that extra water bottle tucked inside?

Frame

I didn’t realize I wanted a frame in my day pack until I tried two frameless packs. The floppiness made frameless packs hard to organize when packing light while packing heavier made my shoulders hurt. This pack has a High-Density Polyethylene (HDP) ‘framesheet.’ It’s basically a sheet of rigid plastic that runs between the foam that rests on your back and the hydration sleeve (or on most days, for me, laptop sleeve). I love that framesheet. I can pack this pack heavy. I’ve put 20 pounds in it with no problems structurally and uncompromised comfort. It makes it easier to pack because it holds its structure. Even though this pack is on the ‘heavier’ side. I’d take the weight of its durability and comfort over something twice the price and flimsier.

I love this pack.

I can’t say enough how much I love this pack. For the price, it is definitely the best daypack out there in my opinion. It’s great for everything from exploring new cities with my freelance gear to 15-mile day hikes in the Appalachians.

Another model to consider:

REI also makes a 40L version of the Trail Pack and I’d honestly consider taking it on a short thruhike. 40L is all you need in warm weather, even in cold weather for some. A lot of the ultralight packs piqued my interest but didn’t feel as good as I wanted them to because I’m used to having a comfortable frame. The 40L version also features a hip belt with pockets (removable), weight-bearing straps on the shoulder straps, and an even sturdier frame. While it weighs in at 2 pounds, this pack is only $120. Compare that to the $200-$220 Osprey Exos which weighs the same and is probably similarly durable. The only thing missing is a large mesh pocket on the front of the pack, which could be engineered out of bungee using the gear loops. I’d strongly consider this for a budget pack for the non-ultralight hiker. A 20-25% off coupon at the right time would make this pack just $90! You know I’d die for that Osprey warranty, but I’m out here considering my options.

Review: REI Co-Op Trail 25 Pack