REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Large front stash pocket
User-friendly size adjustments
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff frame and materials
Bulkier feel for smaller bodies
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 - Women's Review
This pack offers inclusive sizing, though its stiffness and lack of hipbelt adjustability are drawbacks
With ample storage and easy gear access, the Trailmade 60 is a great option for anyone gearing up for their first backpacking trip.
Credit: Kat Thompson
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 15, 2026
Our Verdict
The REI Trailmade 60 is a refreshingly straightforward backpack that's notable for its inclusive sizing. Its standout features are a large, U-shaped front zipper that makes gear access incredibly easy compared to traditional top-loaded packs. The pack feels structured and supportive, with a contoured back panel and a firm hip belt. Unfortunately, that rigidity can become uncomfortable over time, especially under the weight you need to carry on extended trips. While it's incredibly easy to adjust the torso length of this pack, the lack of hipbelt adjustability seems to undermine the inclusive sizing a bit. Still, the Trailmade 60 is a solid, beginner-friendly backpack.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The women's Trailmade 60 (left) is a beginner-friendly backpack that prioritizes organization over comfort. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Likes
Unboxing the REI Trailmade 60, we immediately noticed clear instructions printed inside the lid, along with guidance for adjusting the back panel height system. This thoughtful detail makes the backpack approachable, reinforcing it as an excellent option for beginners.
By including instructions on the inner panel of the lid, rather than just on the disposable tag, the Trailmade serves inexperienced backpackers well. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The U-shaped zipper on the front allows the pack to open wide, making it much easier to reach items that would otherwise be buried. This design greatly improves overall organization and convenience when on the trail. The exterior stash pocket is also large, providing additional easy-to-access storage.
The simplicity and affordability of the Trailmade 60 make it an appealing option for new backpackers looking for a reliable, no-frills pack. Priced well below many premium packs we tested, it still offers all of the functionality you need to get started.
The full U-shaped zipper on the front makes it easier to access gear buried in the cavernous main compartment. Credit: Sam Schild
Dislikes
The stiffness of the frame and hip belts on the Trailmade 60 is fairly noticeable even when the pack is lightly loaded. When fully loaded, it lacks the technical suspension systems that make premium packs much more comfortable. Additionally, the rigid frame can feel a bit overwhelming for smaller bodies, while the hip pockets can feel hard and poorly placed on larger bodies.
While the main compartment of this pack is large and easy to access, the single point of entry to access the lid can feel a bit restrictive. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but when the lid is full, pulling everything out to access a single item tucked in the back can feel like torture.
Having multiple entry points into each pocket allows for quick and easy access to gear while on the go. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the REI Trailmade 60?
The Trailmade 60 is a solid choice for anyone gearing up for their first backpacking trip. The included instructions and easy-to-adjust-on-the-fly systems complement this pack's modest price point. While not an overall high-scorer, the Trailmade is a solid pack for hauling a lot of gear on relatively short overnight adventures.
What Other Backpacking Backpacks Should You Consider?
We enthusiastically recommend the Osprey Renn 65 as a better alternative to the Trailmade 60 – for the same price, its superior suspension system is much more comfortable. The REI Flash 55 is another pack we highly recommend for first-time backpackers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Trailmade 60 - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $189 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This pack offers inclusive sizing, though its stiffness and lack of hipbelt adjustability are drawbacks |
| Pros | Affordable, large front stash pocket, user-friendly size adjustments |
| Cons | Stiff frame and materials, bulkier feel for smaller bodies |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |
| Adjustability (15%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 |
| Volumes Available | 60 L |
| Sizes Available | 15-19 torso with XS-L hipbelt; 15-19 torso with XL-3X hip belt; adjustable torso |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Rain Cover Included | No |
| Volume We Tested | 60 L |
| Measured Volume | 50 L |
| Measured Weight | 3.1 lb |
| Overall Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.83 oz/L |
| Access | Top, U-zip |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Bear Can Compatible | Yes |
| Organization Compartments | Lid with pocket, front pocket, stretchy water bottle side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment |
| Main Materials | 100D ripstop nylon; secondary exterior: 400D recycled nylon |
| Women's Specific Features | Women's specific fit |
—Ally Arcuri
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