Drive By :: REI Trail 40

If you have never heard of REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) you’ve probably been living a bit too outdoorsy…or entirely off the grid. REI mega-stores string down both coasts of the US and everywhere in-between.

Respected for dishing up affordable outdoor gear and standing behind their products, REI have not always been known for their cutting-edge designs…until now.

Let me introduce you to a bag that’s been meticulously thought through and cleverly laid out, the Trail 40. 

Coming in a 25, 30, and 40 liter version, the Trail daypack series is a solid choice for just about everyone who loves the outdoors, travel, or both. Personally, I reviewed the 40 liter version. And thanks to its capacity, it sits in that sweet spot: large enough when you need it, compressible to shrink it, and measured right for carry-on restrictions – the Trail 40 slid snug right into the overhead compartment like it was made to live there.

Who It Suits

Backpackers, day hikers, carry-on luggage travelers, and anyone who finds their current bag a bit too small.

Who It Doesn’t

Minimalists.  If you’re after a bag that is ultralight or has cut out all of the bells and whistles then skip to the next review.

“…thanks to its capacity, it sits in that sweet spot: large enough when you need it, compressible to shrink it, and measured right for carry-on restrictions…”

I first used this bag on a climbing trip to our local crag. My climbing gear lives in a familiar heap on the floor of my closet and usually gets put into a plasticy blue IKEA bag and thrown right into the car. On this occasion though it was time to test the new bag. The rope went in first and sank to the bottom like a coil of snakes (that took some taming to get all tails inside the bag). Next went the climbing rack (all of the bits of gear needed for a day of traditional climbing), shoes, and harness. That was no small feat and I was surprised to see a bit of room left over, just enough for a down coat – yes it’s winter here in Australia and it actually gets cold. All that was left was my climbing helmet, some food, and some water. Spoilt for choice with external pockets and two daisy chains running the length of the pack, there was no problem finding room for a water bottle, a handful of granola bars, my camera, and a place to clip my helmet.

Actually, there were that many pockets and unique characteristics to this bag that I emailed the lead designer of the bag at REI with some questions and luckily he was more than happy to explain. Being a carry geek it was fun to hear from the designer about their process and why the bag was laid out as it is. Here are a few of the highlights.

The Good

There’s a metal hook and loop system that holds the top of your trekking poles in place but can also be set up to prevent the back panel fully unzipping when you just need to flip open the top flap to get access to the interior mesh pocket. 

The large mesh zippered pocket on the back is a perfect place to throw your wet coat or socks.  Their sensible design came from listening to customer feedback on previous bags and thoroughly testing new ideas with the REI staff on the trail. Their due diligence paid off.

The wire frame. Opting to go with a perimeter frame made from spring steel, they were able to keep the weight down and retain the external access to the pocket that stores the hydration reservoir which goes directly behind the pads on your back.

“The large mesh zippered pocket on the back is a perfect place to throw your wet coat or socks.”

External pockets galore. A total of eight external pockets give you the ultimate in organizational ability. Three mesh side pockets, tall enough to handle your fashionably skinny water bottle, a top pocket, a top-side pocket, and two different waist belt pockets, one of which has extra padding for your smartphone or your point-and-shoot.

Top and bottom compression straps: going without side compression straps was an interesting choice but worked surprisingly well and didn’t impinge on access to the side pockets that often become useless when a normal bag is compressed.

A full-flap back panel. Every seasoned traveler’s minimum requirement for a pack, the flap unzips all the way, giving unhindered access to all of the contents.

Four zipper enclosure. This is the best feature I’ve seen on a bag recently, and such a simple concept. The main zip that closes the flap has four zippers on it.  This allows multiple ways to access your pack, which is incredibly handy.

The Not So Good

I have a set of z-style hiking poles which can’t be used with the Trail’s hiking pole system, though they did comfortably go into the side mesh pockets instead. The feature mentioned above with the hook and loop system to keep the top flap in place when open did occasionally catch the zipper on the way past the fabric hoop. It could have been sewn in such a way to prevent this from happening.

Others To Consider

The Mammut Neon is a solid choice for anyone looking for a 40 liter crag bag. If climbing isn’t the main mission and you tend to do more traveling then check out the Osprey Farpoint 40.

“…the flap unzips all the way, giving unhindered access to all of the contents.“

Verdict

The Trail 40 will quickly become your go-to bag if it’s in your carry quiver. Other than your daily commute to work it covers most situations with ease, comfort, and features. Currently at US $81.69 it’d be hard to beat.