Backpacks
REI Co-op Traverse 60
Best for: first-time backpackers who want name-brand support at a lower price
The Traverse 60 shows up in owner reviews as the pack people buy for their first multi-day trip and are pleasantly surprised by, since it borrows suspension ideas from pricier packs without the full price tag. Reviewers consistently note the adjustable torso length makes it a workable option to fit-test in a co-op store before committing, and REI's return policy is cited often as lowering the risk of a first big-ticket gear purchase. Long-term owners report the fabric and zippers as durable but not in the same tier as the Osprey or Gregory packs above it in price.
Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup for a full-suspension 60L+ pack
- REI's member return policy repeatedly cited as reducing risk for first-time buyers
- Adjustable torso length lets it fit-test well in store before a trip
Cons
- Materials and hardware reported as a step down in long-term durability from the Osprey and Gregory packs
- Ventilation is rated behind the mesh-suspension packs in this roundup
- Fewer external attachment points than pricier competitors
Where to buy
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