REI Co-op Traverse 60 Backpack (2025) Review
One of the most affordable packs we tested, the REI Co-op Traverse 60 ($269) offers thoughtful features like a rain cover, convertible top lid, and generous sizing options that make it appealing for newer backpackers. However, the pack maxes out around 35 pounds and lacks the ventilation of more premium models. Depending on your priorities, it might be worth spending a bit more for better load support or saving a bit with a lighter, simpler pack. But for those in the middle—new backpackers looking for a well-padded, well-organized pack at a fair price—the Traverse still has plenty going for it.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
4 lb. 7 oz.
Stated Load Limit
45 lb.
Fabric(s)
210D & 400D nylon
Adjustable Torso
Yes
# of Pockets
6
Access
Top, front
Capacities
60L
Included rain cover
No
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Traverse 60
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Backpacking Backpacks.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 features plush padding and sturdy support that shine under moderate loads but fall short when the pack is overpacked. During a 3-day trip in Haleakalā National Park with a 35 to 40-pound load, its rigid internal aluminum frame and thick foam at the shoulders, hipbelt, and backpanel offered cushion and structure out of the gate. However, the pack gradually felt less supportive and more cumbersome with each passing mile—while there were no sharp pressure points, I frequently adjusted the chest and hip straps to stay comfortable. REI gives the Traverse a load limit of 45 pounds, but I’d only recommend it for loads under 35 pounds—beyond that, comfort noticeably declines. For its 4-pound 8-ounce weight, this is surprisingly low—packs like the Osprey Ariel 55 (60-lb. capacity) and Gregory Jade 53 (50 lb.) can comfortably carry more while weighing about the same or less.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 also lags in ventilation and fit. The thick backpanel padding, while soft, lacks breathability—there’s no mesh trampoline suspension like on the Gregory Jade 53 or Osprey Aura AG 65, and airflow is minimal. After hours in the Hawaiian heat, the backpanel was soaked in sweat. The fit also isn’t as snug or body-hugging as higher-end backpacking packs, which compromises stability and leads to unwanted swaying while on the move. Added up, the Traverse didn’t blow me away with its load-carrying efficiency, ventilation, or fit, but it still offers serviceable comfort for those who keep their loads light.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 offers a well-thought-out pocket layout (including a whopping nine external pockets) and a few bonus features rivaling more premium packs. It features a top drawstring closure and a J-shaped front zipper for quick access to gear buried mid-pack—a feature I wasn’t used to but grew to appreciate. The two hipbelt pockets are generously sized and easily hold a phone or snacks, though they lack stretch, while the side water bottle pockets are both large and flexible—ideal for Nalgenes or, in my case, even a compact tripod. There’s a hydration reservoir sleeve and a bottom sleeping bag compartment, though I found the latter less helpful and would personally rather shed the extra zipper weight. One minor drawback is the rigid front stuff pocket, which lacks the stretchy give common in similar backpacking packs, making it less versatile for quick stash items like a rain shell.
The Traverse’s detachable lid (also known as a “brain”) was one of my favorite organizational features, thanks to its ability to convert into a minimalist daypack. This was my first time using a setup like this, and it’s impressively user-friendly—the lid includes extra backpack straps tucked inside, so you can throw it on for a summit push or side hike without carrying a separate bag. Whether used as a daypack or a traditional lid, I appreciated the large internal pocket (ideal for toiletries or loose items) and the smaller zippered pocket, which includes a key clip and easily fits sunglasses, sunscreen, or snacks.
At 4 pounds 7 ounces, the REI Co-op Traverse 60 lands on the heavier end of the spectrum—especially for a pack with a relatively modest load-carrying limit and average durability. That weight isn’t put toward hauling heavy loads (by contrast, the burlier Osprey Ariel 55 or Gregory Deva 60 can handle much more), nor is it offset by high-end materials or a particularly tough build. To be frank, the Traverse adds bulk without much functional payoff, making it more apt for shorter trips where comfort and organization matter more than cutting ounces.
Compared to other models in its class, the Traverse doesn’t stand out. The Ariel 55 weighs nearly the same (4 lb. 12.4 oz.) but is far more comfortable under heavy loads. Lighter alternatives like the Gregory Jade 53 (4 lb. 0.3 oz.) and REI Co-op Flash 55 (2 lb. 12 oz.) offer better weight-to-performance tradeoffs, depending on your needs. Even the Osprey Renn 65, which weighs 3 pounds 9.6 ounces, is more durable thanks to its 600-denier polyester fabric. All told, if you're aiming to hike light or haul heavy, there are stronger options at both ends of the spectrum. The Traverse 60 sits in a middle ground that may feel unnecessarily heavy for what it delivers.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 lands in the middle of the durability spectrum, with a fabric package that’s serviceable but uninspiring compared to more rugged models. It uses a combination of 210-denier nylon and 400-denier reinforcements—respectable for its weight class and more robust than ultralight competitors like the Osprey Eja (100D) or REI Co-op Flash 55 (thin nylon with no listed denier). That said, it falls well short of the burly 600D polyester used in the Osprey Renn 65 or the full 420D nylon build of the Osprey Ariel and Gregory Jade. What’s more, the plastic buckles and foam padding feel cheap compared to many of these higher-end backpacking packs.
Gripes aside, after about 25 miles on trail in Haleakalā National Park, plus some airport and travel use, the Traverse showed signs of wear that give me pause. The main body material feels decently abrasion-resistant and held up well against sharp volcanic rock, and the zippers ran smoothly. One of the mesh side pockets developed a hole, which is common over time with stretch-mesh, but still disappointing after just one trip. The Traverse isn’t flimsy by any means, but it doesn’t inspire the confidence you get from more premium-feeling builds. For the price, the durability is fair—but it’s not a standout.
The Traverse 60 earns a solid score for water resistance, thanks largely to its included rain cover—a feature we’re always happy to see. The 210D nylon body offers basic protection against light showers, but like most traditional nylon packs, it’s not fully waterproof. In wet conditions, water can eventually seep in through seams and zippers, so the rain cover is essential for meaningful weather protection.
Compared to competitors, REI’s inclusion of the pack cover puts it ahead of models like the Gregory Jade 53, which lacks one out of the box (though you can purchase a separate cover like the REI Duck’s Back Rain Cover). Premium backpacking packs like the Osprey Ariel 65 and Gregory Deva 60 also come with rain covers, making this a noteworthy inclusion for the more budget-friendly Traverse. If you’re venturing into sustained wet weather, fully waterproof options like Dyneema-built packs are still in a different league—but for typical backpacking conditions, the Traverse 60 holds its own.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 offers an impressive fit range, with four sizes available in both men’s and women’s versions (each pairing two torso lengths with four ascending hipbelt sizes). This is more sizing flexibility than you’ll find on most non-ultralight, non-premium packs, making it easier for a wide range of users to find a solid off-the-shelf fit. The Traverse also includes a smooth and intuitive torso adjustment system: a buckle mechanism at the top of the shoulder harness lets you slide the shoulder straps 4 inches up or down along a ladder. As someone with a 16-inch torso, I opted for the version marked for 15- to 18-inch torsos and found it easy to dial in a secure, personalized fit without fuss.
The Traverse’s shoulder straps are also notably long—offering more adjustability than many standard backpacking packs—and the waistbelt had enough extra length without becoming cumbersome. The load lifters, sternum strap, and waistbelt all cinched smoothly, and I didn’t encounter any hot spots or awkward pressure points. While it lacks the premium, body-hugging fit of higher-end models (as noted in the Comfort section), the Traverse delivers above-average customization and sizing for the price. That makes it an especially solid option for newer backpackers still learning what kind of fit works best for them.
Osprey Renn 65 ($205): The Budget Workhorse
The Osprey Renn 65 (men’s Rook 65) undercuts the Traverse 60 by nearly $70 and delivers impressive durability and ventilation for the price. Its 600-denier polyester body is noticeably tougher than the Traverse’s 210 and 400D nylon, and the trampoline-style backpanel offers far better airflow—making it a more breathable choice for warm-weather hikes. At 3 pounds 9.6 ounces, it’s also significantly lighter. That said, the Renn’s real-world carrying capacity felt closer to 25 to 30 pounds (despite its stated 40 lb. max), and its simpler layout lacks the pockets and adjustability found on the Traverse: The top lid isn’t removable, and the hipbelt and shoulder padding are noticeably thinner. But if you prioritize long-term durability and weight- and cost- savings over cushier comfort and smarter organization, the Renn is a strong value pick. For more, read our Osprey Rook review.
Gregory Jade 53 ($250): The Upgrade Pick
For the same price as the Traverse 60, the Gregory Jade 53 (men’s Zulu 55) is a clear step up in overall performance. It’s lighter at 4 pounds even, yet rated to carry up to 50 pounds—far more than the Traverse’s real-world sweet spot of about 35 pounds. The Jade’s 400D polyester body and 420D nylon bottom feel more premium, and its trampoline-style backpanel excels in hot conditions. However, its velcro-based torso adjustment isn’t quite as simple as the Traverse’s ladder-and-buckle system, and the organization is a bit more streamlined, with fewer pockets overall. Gregory also does not include a rain cover. Still, the Jade’s superior materials, support, and ventilation make it the more capable all-around pack—especially for longer or heavier trips. For a deeper dive, see our review of the Gregory Jade 63.
The Traverse 60 is a feature-rich, budget-friendly pack that’s well-suited to newer backpackers. It’s not the lightest, most supportive, or most breathable option out there, but it handles weekend loads at a fair price.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
This pack’s two main calling cards are its extremely durable construction and appealing price. The women’s Renn also has a respectable weight, but its below-average padding and carry comfort limit its use to overnights rather than longer outings.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Trampoline-style backpanels are all the rage, and the Jade's hugs the body for a stable carry. It pairs that with exceptional durability and a decent price point, but we were unimpressed with its comfort.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Traverse 60 for You?
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 is best for beginner to intermediate backpackers who prioritize cushy comfort, solid organization, and fit adjustability over weight savings or premium materials. It’s a good match for weekend or short multi-day trips where your total pack weight stays under 35 pounds—especially if you want an intuitive, feature-rich design that doesn’t require much tweaking to dial in. However, if you’re planning to carry heavier loads, log big miles in hot conditions, or want the most durable pack for the long haul, there are better options in this price range (including the Renn/Rook and Jade/Zulu). But if you’re just starting out or prefer a softer, more forgiving backpacking pack with plenty of storage and a smartly designed fit system, the Traverse 60 delivers a solid all-around experience at a reasonable cost.
hit the trail
Backpacking Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Trekking Poles of 2026
curated for you