REASONS TO BUY
Good value
Durable
Comes in plus sizes
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than many comparable packs
REI Co-op Traverse 60 Review
This full-featured backpack offers inclusive sizing
The REI Traverse 60 is a fully featured backpack, available in a variety of sizes.
Credit: Sam Schild
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 13, 2026
RELATED: Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 is a great choice for beginners and experts alike who are looking for a pack with inclusive sizing options. It's available in two torso lengths, each offered with wider and narrower hip-belt sizing. Besides the unique sizing, this pack can carry a heavy load really well. It has a very comfortable strap design that wraps around your body, as if it's giving you a hug. If you're looking for a highly adjustable backpacking pack with great organizational features, the Traverse 60 is worth considering.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We love how the shoulder straps and hip belt are comfortably padded and securely hold the heavy pack in place. Credit: Sam Schild
Likes
The Traverse 60 is available in two torso sizes and 4 waist belt sizes: 17-20 inch torso that fits a 28-37 inch waist, 18-21 inch torso that fits 32-42 inch waists, 17-20 inch torso that fits 37-47 inch waists, and 18-21 inch torso that fits 42-55 inch waists. This is notable because most other backpacking packs can't accommodate 50+-inch waists as well as this pack does.
The shoulder strap and hip belt padding wrap comfortably around your lumbar and upper back, creating a supportive fit. And this pack has all the pockets you could want, with useful features to keep you organized on the trail.
The waist belt is very comfortable and has large pockets that fit a modern smartphone and an energy bar. Credit: Sam Schild
It has a separate sleeping-bag compartment (with an optional divider). The outside front of the pack has a stretch-mesh stuff-it pocket, which is perfect for stashing a rain jacket. And a forward-facing water-bottle pocket so you can grab your bottle without taking the pack off.
You can access the main compartment of the pack in three places: the top cinch closure, the front U-shaped zipper, and the bottom zippered closure for the sleeping bag compartment. We particularly appreciate the front-access pocket, which makes it easy to get at your gear during the day.
The REI Co-op Traverse 60 has a removable top lid that converts to a day pack. Credit: Sam Schild
Dislikes
The Traverse 60 has less internal volume capacity than many comparable packs, especially given its weight. And while this pack can carry a reasonably heavy load of 45 pounds well, it's one of the heaviest packs we tested.
Yes, it handles a heavy load better than most, but that's necessary for a pack that weighs just under 5 pounds. Many packs we tested weigh 2 pounds less, and carry just as much weight as well, or better than, the Traverse 60.
We like Traverse 60 for its inclusive sizing and for those trips where you need to carry a lot of gear. Credit: Sam Schild
Should You Buy the REI Co-op Traverse 60?
The Traverse 60 is an affordable pack that's super adjustable – it offers perhaps the most inclusive sizing of any pack we tested. It carries weight comfortably, and it's incredibly well organized; every piece of gear has its own place. It's a bonus that the top lid doubles as a daypack, which is great for scrambling from camp to a viewpoint or summit.
What Other Backpacking Backpacks You Consider?
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is just as comfortable as the Traverse 60, but it's lighter weight and costs significantly less. If you're interested in fast and light packing, check out the REI Co-op Flash 55, which is also more affordable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Traverse 60 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $269 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This full-featured backpack offers inclusive sizing |
| Pros | Good value, durable, comes in plus sizes |
| Cons | Heavier than many comparable packs |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Traverse 60 |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |
| Adjustability (15%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Traverse 60 |
| Measured Weight | 4.5 lb |
| Weight per Liter | 1.20 oz/L |
| Advertised Volume | 60 L |
| Measured Volume (main compartment) | 45 L |
| Organization Compartments | Lid with two zippered pockets, front mesh pocket, front facing side water bottle pockets, top facing side pockets, hip belt pockets, sleeping bag compartment |
| Access | Top, front, bottom |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Materials | Main: 210D ripstop nylon Bottom: 400D recycled nylon |
—Sam Schild
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