My Top Picks for REI Brand Hiking Gear
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of hiking gear. These are the high-quality REI items I regularly use and recommend for day hikes.
REI Traverse 35 Pack
The REI Traverse 35 Pack is a well-designed, roomy day pack that excels in comfort and functionality. With generous padding and an adjustable torso fit, I find that it provides comfortable support for long hikes, making it especially useful for winter and shoulder-season adventures when extra layers are necessary.
To learn more, see my full review of the REI Traverse 35 Pack
REI Ruckpack 18 Pack
The REI Ruckpack 18 is the perfect size for carrying a water bottle, jacket, and snacks with me on short hikes. This pack has multiple pockets for organizing gear. I used the zippered side pocket (with a hidden security pocket) to stash my keys, phone and wallet and kept a jacket and some snacks inside the large compartment of the pack. One of the main reasons I like to use a pack like this is to have a place to carry a water bottle so I can keep my hands free while exploring.
To learn more, see my full review of the REI Ruckpack 18
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. My favorite feature on this pack is the full zipper access to the interior.
To learn more, see my full review of the Trail 40 Pack
REI Trailmade Hydration Sling
The Trailmade Hydration Sling is made for short outings, with room for essentials and an included water bottle that stays secure in an outer pocket so you can stay hydrated on the go. The main compartment is simple but thoughtfully laid out, with enough room for things like keys, a wallet, sunscreen, and a couple of snacks. There’s also an internal sleeve designed for a hydration reservoir.
To learn more, see my review of the Trailmade Hydration Sling