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REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Review

Though not as hardy as some others, this design combines cooler space and dry storage for an all-in-one pack
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REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Review
Credit: REI
Price:  $85 List
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Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Genaveve Bradshaw, Maggie Nichols, and Rebecca Glades  ⋅  Sep 22, 2023
59
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 19
  • Insulation - 30% 2.4
  • Convenience - 25% 7.9
  • Portability - 25% 7.5
  • Packability - 10% 9.1
  • Durability - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

Some coolers will keep your bacon cold all weekend for the final morning's breakfast, and some will last for years of intensive abuse. And then there's the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack. What it lacks in durability and insulation prowess, it makes up for by being an exceptionally convenient package for solo adventuring. With the cooler on the bottom and plenty of room on top for all your non-cooler-related items, this pack lets you bring it all. It's a convenient setup with well-thought-out features that's also surprisingly comfortable to carry and is consistently our favorite option for any time we have a lot of dry goods and cooler provisions to bring along.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable to carry
Convenient design
Good features
Tons of dry storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Zipper not leakproof
Disappointing insulation
Less durable
No hip belt
Editor's Note: We retested the latest version of the REI Cool Trail Split Pack on August 24, 2023 with information on updates to this soft cooler.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best Soft Cooler on a Budget
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Soft Cooler
Best Buy Award
Best on the Tightest of Budgets
Top Pick Award
Top Eco-Friendly Cooler
Price $85 List
$84.95 at REI
$63 List
$62.99 at Amazon
$86 List
$85.95 at Amazon
$30 List
$19.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$39.98 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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63
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Lacking a bit of beefiness, this pack is optimal for cool and dry storageThis budget-friendly cooler lacks a zipped top, yet keeps its contents fresh among the restA great cooler that's simple, easy to use, and less expensive than mostThis soft cooler has the lowest price tag of the soft coolers we've tested. While it isn't going to give you everything you need, it'll get the job done for quick and easy tripsAn eco-friendly option that is ideal for conscious adventurers
Rating Categories REI Co-op Cool Trai... Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... Lifewit Large Insul... CleverMade Pacifica...
Insulation (30%)
2.4
5.2
5.8
3.4
4.5
Convenience (25%)
7.9
9.5
7.7
9.0
9.3
Portability (25%)
7.5
7.9
6.7
7.0
6.5
Packability (10%)
9.1
7.5
8.8
9.1
7.7
Durability (10%)
4.0
4.0
7.3
7.3
2.4
Specs REI Co-op Cool Trai... Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... Lifewit Large Insul... CleverMade Pacifica...
Measured Capacity in Cans 16 cans 30 cans 36 cans 24 cans 38 cans
Measured Capacity 10.4 L 19.4 L 23.4 L 13.2 L 18.5 L
Food Shelf Life (Measured Days Below 40ºF) 1.4 2.1 2.3 1.6 1.9
Cold Beverages (Measured Days Below 50ºF) 1.5 2.3 2.5 1.8 2.1
Carry Style Pack Lunchbox Lunchbox Lunchbox Lunchbox
Can a standard sized wine bottle fit? Yes, but it causes the liner to deform Yes Yes Yes, but can only fit small bottles horizontally Yes, but only horizontally
Measured Dimensions L x W x H 12" x 7.5" x 19" 15.1" x 11.3" x 12.1" 17" x 9" x 12" 10" x 6.7" x 8.3" 16" x 9.8" x 13"
Measured Weight 2.6 Ibs 3.6 lbs 2.8 Ibs 0.8 Ibs 1.7 Ibs
Closure Method Zipper Zipperless Zipper Zipper Zipper
Available in Different Sizes? No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Exterior Fabric Recycled ripstop nylon Polyester Canvas Ripstop Oxford fabric with PU coating Recycled polyester
Additional Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Removable Liner? Yes Yes No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Half daypack, half cooler, the REI Trail Split Pack will keep your snacks cool for the trek ahead. Its interior is leakproof, but the zippers are not. The cooler section fits 12 cans plus ice, and the dry storage area on top easily holds trail accessories like an extra layer, a first aid kit, snacks, a camera, etc.

Performance Comparison


rei co-op cool trail split pack - the top of the split pack is a pocket for daily essentials, while...
The top of the Split Pack is a pocket for daily essentials, while the bottom is the cooler itself.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Insulation


The least impressive part of the Split Pack is its insulation testing performance. Where some of its competitors lasted almost three days holding food-safe temperatures of 40°F or less, this one made it just 33 hours in our hot room before rising to unsafe food temps. Another three hours after that (36 hours total), it surpassed the average “cold beer” temperature of 50°F. This isn't totally surprising, given its lightweight PE foam insulation that's merely 10mm thick. However, given that its intended usage is for a single day of adventuring, we think it's more than adequate to do the job at hand.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - insulation results for backpack style coolers
Insulation Results for Backpack Style Coolers
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Importantly, while the inner PEVA lining is leakproof and holds ice long after it's turned to water, the zipper is not. So while you're carrying it, it will stay nice and dry, but if you tip it on its side or slide it under your seat as you travel, it will leak.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - the cooler can be removed to stick in the freezer to pre-chill...
The cooler can be removed to stick in the freezer to pre-chill before a day out on the trails.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Convenience


REI really thought things through when it comes to the usability of this multi-function pack. Not only is the half-and-half design convenient for truly bringing all you might need for a full solo day in the backcountry or at the park, but there are also plenty of features to make it even handier. Two large, mesh side pockets can hold the beverage you're currently consuming or become excellent trash collectors. The top dry section is large enough to easily hold all your ten essentials while the over-the-top flap is a large, easy-access pocket for stuff you might need to use en route. Front lash straps make it easy to attach additional items and don't have to be messed with to gain access to the cooler or dry storage.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - the split pack's side pockets are a handy way to hold onto extra...
The Split Pack's side pockets are a handy way to hold onto extra drinks or layers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


Another easy A for the Split Pack! Not only is it more convenient because it's a backpack, but it's also actually comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are wide and pliable, offering both support and comfort. The pack alone is a featherlight 2.4 lbs, so you're not carrying much more weight than the actual items you're putting in this bag. Though it (like the vast majority of backpack coolers) lacks a waistbelt, we didn't find ourselves too upset about it even when it was packed full on a long slog up a canyon - though we did manage to soak the back padding with sweat! The shoulder straps are a bit on the wide side for some narrower shoulders, but the sternum strap helps to correct that. Of all the backpack coolers we tested, this is one of our favorites when it comes to actually being able to carry it - fully loaded - for long distances.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - the rei co-op cool trail fits and looks just like a traditional...
The REI Co-op Cool Trail fits and looks just like a traditional backpack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Packability


The cooler section itself can also be completely removed from the pack, so you could put it in your fridge or freezer the night before if you want to pre-prep (pre-cooling a cooler is a great way to extend the lifespan of your cooler's ice). While it's in the pack, it's accessed by both its regular zipper and an additional zipper on the outside, hidden under a cover flap. This double zipper system pretty much guarantees you'll need to set down the whole thing to rummage around in the cooler, but it also adds an extra layer of protection to your chilled goods. The lid of the cooler also velcros to the underside of its compartment within the pack to keep it all opening and closing together while in use.

Because the pack splits in half to reach the cooler, a full dry storage compartment counterbalances the open bag, stopping it from tipping over like so many other backpack models tend to do. And though this cooler isn't particularly large, with capacity enough for 12 regular-sized cans plus ice, we think it's plenty large enough for 1-2 people on a day's worth of adventuring.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - to access the cooler, the backpack splits in half and exposes the...
To access the cooler, the backpack splits in half and exposes the lid of the ice box.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Durability


This is one other area in which the design of the Trail Split struck a compromise that's perhaps not the same deal other coolers have made. While it's made of recycled ripstop nylon with a polyester interior (and all eco-friendly, bluesign® compliant), it's just not living up to some of the super-intense, beefy models that can take some hardcore abuse. It does have pretty solid construction for what it is, but it cuts down on weight and adds extra comfort by using less intensively durable materials. We don't think that trade-off is a terrible thing for what you get, though we would like to see a beefier bottom that is better able to withstand being set down on whatever picnic surface you choose. Additionally, the sternum strap slides a little too easily for our taste, and can actually come off its rail, which it's not supposed to do. While we didn't lose ours, we read several other reports from users saying one half or the other accidentally fell off somewhere along the trail. Bummer.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - though we appreciate the addition of the sternum strap, it's not the...
Though we appreciate the addition of the sternum strap, it's not the most durable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack?


Considering that this pack is both a cooler and a daypack, we think it's a pretty exceptional value. If you're after a super insulative cooler or an amazing daypack, this is neither of those. But if you love striking a middle ground and having one awesomely useful piece of gear, this is your jam. For a pretty low price compared to most of the competition, you don't have to sacrifice bringing cold beverages and food or an extra layer and a guidebook to reference while on your adventures.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - the top half of the bag packs in all those daily essentials, like...
The top half of the bag packs in all those daily essentials, like layers and extra picnic gear.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Soft Coolers Should You Consider?


As far as backpacks go, the RTIC Backpack 30 is another great option worth considering. It's waterproof, floatable, and has a massive capacity. For a more traditional style cooler, the AO Cooler is one of our top options. The soft-bodied model folds down nicely and is easy to store.

rei co-op cool trail split pack - the rei co-op cool trail split pack has a fairly comfortable back...
The REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack has a fairly comfortable back panel and shoulder straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Genaveve Bradshaw, Maggie Nichols, and Rebecca Glades