Review: REI Trail 40 Pack
When I need a pack that can hold a lot of gear for cold weather adventures, the REI Trail 40 lets me carry it all and keep it organized.
During the colder months, I need a pack that has room for extra gear – whether it’s multiple layers and rain gear needed for changing conditions, winter equipment such as microspikes or crampons, or a thermos filled with hot food or drinks, and this pack can easily hold it all.
The thick padding on the back panel, shoulder straps and hip belt helps to provide comfort when carrying heavier loads. Although I prefer a raised back panel to help with airflow and keep the pack off my back – I found this to be a comfortable carry. After tightening the hip belt and side lumbar straps, I use the load lifter straps at the top of the pack to dial in the fit. I tend to prefer to shorten the load lifters to bring the top of the pack closer to my body.
My favorite feature on this pack is the full zipper access to the interior. Since I only use this pack when I need the capacity for extra gear to stay warm, dry and safe in colder weather, I like being able to fully open the pack so I can easily find what I need quickly.
Specs
- gear capacity: 40 liters
- weight: 2 lbs 9 oz
- inclusive sizing: XS – S; M – XL; 1X – 4X
- materials: 210-denier ripstop nylon; lining: 200-denier recycled polyester; raincover: 70-denier nylon with polyurethane coating (all bluesign approved)
- coatings: nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) finish to repel moisture
- retail price: $149
Besides the spacious interior, the Trail 40 Pack has additional carrying capacity with daisy chains on the front panel, bungee straps on the sides, and accessory straps on the bottom. The daisy chains can accommodate larger items such as snowshoes by adding shock cord, and the side bungee straps are good for stowing my trekking poles when I don’t need them. The included rain cover stows into a convenient pocket at the bottom of the pack – something I make frequent use of on rainy season hikes.
I especially love the large water bottle pockets with side entry points. Without taking off my pack, I can easily reach my water bottle on one side, and stow gloves and a hat on the other side to keep within easy reach. Even with these items in the side pockets, there’s plenty of room for more. Depending on the trip, I might take a folding foam pad, water filter, or tripod – and all can easily fit in these generously sized pockets.
To keep my gear organized, this pack includes multiple pockets that are much larger than those found on most packs. At the top is a large zippered pocket that’s great for stashing small items. Inside the main panel is a large mesh pocket where I keep my first aid kit. There’s also a sleeve for a hydration bladder (I keep maps here instead), and an interior water bottle pocket. This comes in handy when I want to bring along a thermos with hot coffee or tea on cold weather hikes.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.