Backside Line
The REI Trailmade 60 is likely one of the most cost-effective packs on our checklist, so we have been skeptical it might present a very good expertise. Nonetheless, we got here away pleasantly shocked. It’s not essentially the most premium backpack, but it surely focuses on just a few issues and executes them effectively.
Beginning with the positives, the general high quality and sturdiness is superb. It is a pack that we’d simply give to a newbie backpacker with out worry that they’d rip a it. However regardless of the sturdiness, it’s not a very heavy pack.
This budget-oriented backback does sacrifice a bit in the way in which of consolation. The froth is supportive sufficient and we actually favored the hip belt, however you’re getting a really fundamental consolation expertise right here.
It does get overshadowed a bit by another backpacking backpacks we suggest, however that doesn’t detract from how a lot we loved the REI Trailmade. Although we’re skilled backpackers, we’d gladly take this on our subsequent journey.
How We Examined
We took the REI Trailmade on some native trails in our native Minnesota for preliminary testing whereas we overhauled our whole backpacking overview portfolio throughout winter.
Fast Specs
REI Trailmade 60
Backpacking Backpack with Traditional Styling & Nice Worth
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.4/5.0
Worth:
$180
Weight:
3 lb. 5 oz.
Quantity:
60 L
Max Weight Rec.:
40 lb
Professionals
- Sturdy materials choice and development
- Good water bottle entry
- Nice characteristic set for freshmen
Cons
- Too shut in worth to lighter and extra featured packs
- Common consolation
Consolation
The Trailmade presents common consolation for its class, not doing something excellent but additionally not making any main stumbles. The help right here is easy and simple, with giant items of froth on the again panel, a giant hipbelt, and fairly thick shoulder straps. Not like many packs on this class of pack, the Trailmade isn’t attempting to extend air flow with a suspended mesh panel or cutouts within the hip belt padding, however for this worth we expect these have been good design tradeoffs.
Once we loaded up the Trailmade with 30 kilos, we discovered it carried decently effectively. The body didn’t really feel prefer it was on the sting of help, and the hip belt felt actually good, tightening and supporting the burden on our hips with ease. The lumbar padding tries to advertise a little bit of airflow with a spot between the 2 pads, however that is one space we’re somewhat involved may generate a sore spot if that lumbar space doesn’t sit proper in your physique.
Options
Not like many price range packs, the Trailmade doesn’t reduce corners in sturdiness, delivering a stable expertise with nice materials that ought to final to some good use on path. We pulled and tugged on the seams to see if we might get the pack to indicate weak point and it held up in opposition to our exams simply advantageous. The seams have been tight and effectively constructed.
The material feels powerful as effectively. This is likely one of the solely packs we checked out that fully forgoes mesh of any kind. Though we expect that cautious use of mesh has its place on packs, we expect that the elimination of it on this mannequin is wise. It eliminates a weak spot on many packs, and for freshmen who may abuse a pack a bit greater than skilled backpackers, this can assist the pack final for much longer. It’s additionally wonderful to see 100% recycled materials, and Bluesign certification.
Sturdiness
Not like many price range packs, the Trailmade doesn’t reduce corners in sturdiness, delivering a stable expertise with nice materials that ought to final to some good use on path. We pulled and tugged on the seams to see if we might get the pack to indicate weak point and it held up in opposition to our exams simply advantageous. The seams have been tight and effectively constructed.
The material feels powerful as effectively. This is likely one of the solely packs we checked out that fully forgoes mesh of any kind. Though we expect that cautious use of mesh has its place on packs, we expect that the elimination of it on this mannequin is wise. It eliminates a weak spot on many packs, and for freshmen who may abuse a pack a bit greater than skilled backpackers, this can assist the pack final for much longer. It’s additionally wonderful to see 100% recycled materials, and Bluesign certification.
Ease of Use
That is such a splendidly simple pack to make use of. Nothing about its development or design is complicated or obfuscated. All of the straps join and cinch as anticipated, the hip belt isn’t irritating to tighten, and fortunately, the water bottles are straightforward to entry.
Although the Trailmade isn’t essentially the most premium or comfy of packs, it delivered such a stable and constant expertise that we discovered ourselves idly dreaming about taking it on our subsequent journey, even above costlier choices. And that’s a very good lesson about open air gear that typically is simple to overlook when buried in spreadsheets, typically the most effective gear for you personally is the one that you simply simply really feel good utilizing. And the general expertise of the Trailmade is simply quietly pleasant that we will think about many individuals falling in love with this pack.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Trailmade 60 Backpack?
The Trailmade is an efficient pack. We actually loved utilizing it. However that positivity is sadly overshadowed by the truth that REI is its personal worst competitor. For somewhat bit extra, the REI Flash 55 presents a lighter, and arguably extra versatile and full expertise. For most individuals, it will likely be value it to save lots of up that further bit to spend on the Flash which makes the Trailmade exhausting to suggest.
Nonetheless, backpacks are very subjective, and if the Flash doesn’t really feel that nice, the Trailmade is a superb various. We need to be clear, that is undoubtedly a pack geared toward freshmen. Skilled backpackers will in all probability need one thing lighter or extra characteristic wealthy that helps their use case a bit higher. However for somebody stepping into the interest, we expect the Trailmade will provide a pleasant expertise that can permit individuals to benefit from the lovely open air with out getting distracted by a cheaply made pack.
What Different Backpacking Packs Ought to You Take into account?
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing completely different, please see our full lineup of backpacking backpacks.
REI Flash 55 Assessment – The Flash is just somewhat bit costlier, and it’s lighter with higher air flow, a flexible attachment system, and a roll prime, and extra.
Granite Gear Crown 3 Assessment – In the event you just like the traditional stylings of the Trailmade however need one thing that’s a bit extra versatile, the Crown 3 is value a glance.
Gregory Paragon 58 Assessment – In the event you’re not worth constrained and aren’t as involved about weight, the Paragon is a superb pack that climbed to the highest of our rankings.
