REI Co-op - Trail 40 Pack - Men's

I'd been looking for a new backpack for shorter trips, day hikes, etc. and picked this up to replace a smaller one I'd bought earlier in the year. I wanted something relatively light, narrow, with a good belt.

I purchased this bag to actually be my commuting bag primarily. I have a short bike ride from home to work and wanted to have enough space for my work computer, gym clothes, and lunch all in one easy to access pack. This bag works PERFECT for me. The big U zipper lets me get to my gym clothes, food, etc without having to dig and un-pack and doesn't look overly floppy on days when I'm not fully loaded. I personally find the padding to be slightly uncomfortable, but since I'm not traipsing through the woods overnight it's not an issue. I would highly recommend this to someone looking for a quality back for anything from hiking, commuting or even short stay airplane travel.

I am a husky hiker and most REI packs fit my frame perfectly.

Changes to the new version which I DON'T like: 1. they removed the side zip pocket (why??), 2. They removed the zipper on the front mesh pocket (why??), 3. They put the hydration slot inside the pack now (blech). 4. They took the key loop out of the top pocket and put it instead on the inside mesh pocket, ugh. 1 good change they made was adding compression straps, though.

I loved the previous version with the side compartment and zipper for the front mesh pocket as it provided better organization. It is extremely comfortable as I packed 6L of water for my half dome hike as well as lots of food. The pack carried everything perfectly was incredibly comfy. Bring back all the old features and it would be perfect again.

On the first trip the side pockets lost elasticity and I ended up losing the two water bottles I had in them. The large back panel got snagged on something and tore, snagged like pantyhose.

I’ve used this bag on a couple of hikes and the backpack straps were terribly uncomfortable. IThe straps made it feel like I was carrying an extra 20 pounds. The left side strap kept sitting way to the left of my shoulder making it feel as though the bag was going to slip off. I adjusted all the straps again and it was still a poor fit.

The only thing I wish this had was a big, rear, external stuff pocket, but it has daisy chain loops so... really, whatever. It's great. I have big shoulders (and am devilishly handsome), and the L/XL fits me fantastic. It can compress down tight for small loads, or balloon out for when I'm carrying lots of stuff for the scout troop.

Pros: Not bulky. Many packs in this class have a sloppy look with bulging top and side pockets. Not this pack! Comfortable suspension system means you can handle a descent load without undue pain. Excellent belly band adjustment keeps the tail ends out of your way as you swing your arms. Decent, but not great, ventillation. Better than my last pack, that's for sure. Cons: No lateral compression system! This means that dense loads like water bottles, etc. sag away from your body unless you carefully pad out the pack interior. Lateral compression straps also double as the top-end retention point for attaching long items like trekking poles to the side of the pack. Bottom line: I tried to like this pack, because I liked the look and it is the perfect size for me. However, after struggling with trying to pack big water bottles, training weights and other low volume, high density items, I'm giving up and looking for a new pack. Not recommended.

Two compression straps were added to the side of the pack. You responded to all the complaints about no side compression straps Oh REI half a job!! We need two each side! One each side is not enough and will not cinch the lower load, so there will still be weight bulging at the lower part of the pack

I absolutely love my pack. Has great support, room for everything I need on a quick hike or overnight trip. Highly recommend the REI men’s 40 pack. Why pay ridiculous amounts when REI is as good as any.

I initially bought this back as a crag bag, because one of my friends had the older model with hook straps on top as opposed to fully enclosed straps on top, which is great because you can put a rope on top and just hook them into the loops. While the new one has enclosed straps, it's not such a big deal to take them all the way out and put the rope on top. There is definitely plenty of room inside for climbing shoes, a harness, chalk, a full rack of trad gear and some food and water if the rope is on the outside. As far as hiking goes, I wouldn't want to use this for much more than an overnight or maybe 2 nights. It can easily hold a sleeping bag, pad and small tent (definitely nothing more than a 2 person, maybe the ultralightest of 3 persons) but food for more than 2 full days of hiking would be a bit much weight for the light plastic frame in the pack. The hip belt is plush and comfortable, as are the shoulder straps. My biggest complaint is the movement of the hydration pouch to inside the main pocket as opposed to outside, like the older model was. This basically means that with a full load, there's a good bit of unpacking that has to be done to wiggle the hydration pouch back into that pocket. Not the end of the world, just kind of a weird design decision on REI's part.

I didn't have the earlier version, so I can't compare to the old vs. new like others are doing. However, this is a very nice pack for the money. I grabbed one at the REI Garage Sale for a great price and have been very happy with it. Perfect size for a day hike, lots of straps for adjustments, plenty of room for food / gear and it looks good. Added a Platapus 3L reservoir and we're good to go!

I've had this pack for about 18 months and its outstanding. No issues so far. Good for travel, long day hikes, or minimalist/warm weather overnights.

Should have kept the exterior water blatter compartment. I’m a hater of the internal blatter sleeve located in the main compartment. The side compression straps are a welcome modification.

Very versatile pack and comes with waterproof cover. Highly recommend for almost any adventure.

I absolutely love this bag. I was looking for a pack with a hip belt to lighten the load. My family does Disney quite often, and we need to take special foods for my son. It has enough space for a small/medium thermal lunch bag, snacks, towels, rain ponchos, sun screen, first aid kit, hats, and everything else we need when walking in the parks. The main compartment can be opened from any side, which makes it easy for security to check when entering the parks.

This pack is perfect for short overnight hikes but not too big for any day hike.

It is easy to carry and very light product, I like it.