REI Co-op Traverse 35 Review

The REI Co-op Traverse 35 brings a lot to the table. Built with the same ideas behind the existing Traverse line of packs, the Traverse 35 takes a tried and true piece of equipment and adds some upgrades, making this an easy choice for a hiking backpack. The newest model is designed with big-pack features in a small, well-balanced package. It is well thought out for handling hardy loads and staying comfortable and ergonomic during any number of activities and movements, just like its larger predecessor. Still, it manages to do all this in a smaller, more streamlined package. Lead tester Zach Lovell reports, “I took this everywhere — on short backpacking trips, winter treks with snowshoes and crampons, huge day hikes, and even tossed in some commutes and beach trips — and found the Traverse to be a versatile pack that could be used for all.”

Performance comparison

Comfort

This pack leads the way in comfort and stability. With a strong and light wire frame, an internal perimeter hoop, and ample but not overdone padding, you can feel confident bringing this one along all day.

The Traverse 35 is the latest and greatest in the Traverse line when it comes to comfort. As previously shared, one of our most significant qualms with the Traverse 32 was the lack of movement, but thanks to the improved hip belt, this is a much less restrictive daypack. REI fortunately kept the ventilation of old Traverse models, with a nice foam suspension keeping the back off some of the frame, allowing a decent amount of airflow. With generous padding and the ability to handle big loads, this is worth checking out if you need a heavier-duty pack built for comfort.

Versatility

While the Traverse 35 has the comfort and capacity to go almost anywhere, it often might not be the best suited for more specialized usages. If you are doing serious climbing, riding a bike, or taking the subway, this may not be your first choice due to its more rigid frame that restricts movement. Fortunately, REI has greatly improved upon the Traverse's mobility from past iterations, with a much more modest hip belt. With the new and improved freedom to move it now offers, the Traverse 35 is a worthy companion for days that take on any number of shapes and sizes.

The Traverse 35 is versatile and handy for any activity where you'll be lugging gear, from long hikes to fishing to overnights on the trail. While the rigid frame may hinder these applications slightly, the other features allow for a far greater range of motion than expected for a pack of this style and size. The hip belt has a separation in the center, allowing each side to swing with your movements separately. In contrast, the shoulder harness allows for good mobility without feeling restricted in the arms or the neck. With its larger size, it's not quite ideal for more casual outings, and many will find the Traverse too much of a bag for their average needs. Then again, some might argue it's better to have too much than too little in a backpack.

Ease of Use

Integrating a full feature set without becoming too technical or complicated is a fine line to walk for an all-purpose daypack, and the REI team found that sweet spot when making the Traverse 35. Attention to detail and ergonomics make this pack an absolute pleasure to use.

This feature-rich option has improved dimensions from past iterations of the Traverse. With three more liters advertised than the Traverse 32 and a slightly greater circumference, we found this bag easier to pack, whether loading it up with climbing gear, fishing gear, or both. This bag allows both top and side access, thanks to an access zipper towards the bottom.

Another improvement over past versions of the Traverse was an improved sternum strap, which used to notoriously detach completely from the strap. We're happy to report that the new and improved Traverse has a much more dependable sternum strap.

Our team also appreciated the included rain cover for stormy days. We also note that the adjustable frame size (which was also a new addition to the Traverse 35) means this pack will now work for a greater variety of people. Other additions like a large zippered hip belt pocket and double trekking pole/ice axe loops were also appreciated. Simply put, if you need features, the Traverse 35 should be kept on your final list.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

The Traverse 35 is a bit heavy compared to some of the other daypacks we've tested. However, a durable bag that can handle heavy loads typically has to come at the cost of a bit more weight, especially when considering the features the Traverse offers.

The Traverse 35 has a slightly larger volume than its previous version and naturally has a slightly worse weight-to-volume ratio of 1.49 ounces per liter, with a total weight of 52 ounces (3.25 pounds). Yes, the latest Traverse 35 is 9 ounces heavier than the Traverse 32, but the Traverse 35 has greater capacity and a more robust nylon construction.

Construction Quality

Tough nylon materials make this a durable, tough-as-nails build. We have tested packs with similar materials over the years, and they can always keep up with whatever we seem to throw at them. The latest version of this pack combines 200 and 400-denier nylon in the shell's construction, inside and out, along with a few other nuanced improvements that bumped up its score for construction quality.

The Traverse 35 is a burly backpack that's likely to handle whatever you throw at it and is among the most robust builds in the lineup. The latest Traverse's biggest improvement is the sternum strap, which is now more dependably attached to the backpack straps. The side buckles/straps of the Traverse function very well, though, as is the case with any lightweight plastic, it's best to baby them, as we had a small piece of a buckle break while strapping down a pair of skis. We could still use the buckle afterwards, and we've seen many buckles break over the years from every manufacturer, so we would not flag this as a problem unique to this design. It's just a common outcome when plastic meets metal or a boot sole.

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Should You Buy the REI Co-op Traverse 35?

The Traverse 35 is a well-built model full of big-pack features for many types of outings. The best part? You won't have to pay an arm and a leg for that versatility and performance. This is worth your hard-earned cash if you need a daypack to handle heavier loads.

What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?