Backside Line
The REI Trailmade 60 is likely one of the most cost-effective packs on our record, so we had been skeptical it could present a superb expertise. Nevertheless, we got here away pleasantly shocked. It’s not essentially the most premium backpack, but it surely focuses on a couple of issues and executes them effectively.
Beginning with the positives, the general high quality and sturdiness is superb. It is a pack that we might simply give to a newbie backpacker with out concern 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 preferred the hip belt, however you’re getting a really primary consolation expertise right here.
It does get overshadowed a bit by another backpacking backpacks we advocate, however that doesn’t detract from how a lot we loved the REI Trailmade. Although we’re skilled backpackers, we might 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 Basic Styling & Nice Value
CleverHiker Score:
4.4/5.0
Value:
$180
Weight:
3 lb. 5 oz.
Quantity:
60 L
Max Weight Rec.:
40 lb
Execs
- Sturdy materials choice and development
- Good water bottle entry
- Nice characteristic set for rookies
Cons
- Too shut in worth to lighter and extra featured packs
- Common consolation
Consolation
The Trailmade gives common consolation for its class, not doing something excellent but in addition not making any main stumbles. The assist right here is easy and easy, with giant items of froth on the again panel, an enormous 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 had been good design tradeoffs.
After 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 assist, and the hip belt felt actually good, tightening and supporting the load 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 funds packs, the Trailmade doesn’t lower corners in sturdiness, delivering a strong 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 may get the pack to indicate weak point and it held up towards our exams simply tremendous. The seams had been tight and effectively constructed.
The material feels robust as effectively. This is likely one of the solely packs we checked out that utterly forgoes mesh of any sort. 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 rookies who may abuse a pack a bit greater than skilled backpackers, it will assist the pack final for much longer. It’s additionally wonderful to see 100% recycled materials, and Bluesign certification.
Sturdiness
Not like many funds packs, the Trailmade doesn’t lower corners in sturdiness, delivering a strong 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 may get the pack to indicate weak point and it held up towards our exams simply tremendous. The seams had been tight and effectively constructed.
The material feels robust as effectively. This is likely one of the solely packs we checked out that utterly forgoes mesh of any sort. 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 rookies who may abuse a pack a bit greater than skilled backpackers, it will 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 strong and constant expertise that we discovered ourselves idly dreaming about taking it on our subsequent journey, even above dearer choices. And that’s a superb lesson about outdoor gear that generally is simple to overlook when buried in spreadsheets, generally the most effective gear for you personally is the one that you just simply really feel good utilizing. And the general expertise of the Trailmade is simply quietly pleasant that we are able to 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 gives a lighter, and arguably extra versatile and full expertise. For most individuals, it is going to be price it to save lots of up that additional bit to spend on the Flash which makes the Trailmade onerous to advocate.
Nevertheless, backpacks are very subjective, and if the Flash doesn’t really feel that nice, the Trailmade is a superb various. We wish to be clear, that is positively a pack geared toward rookies. 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 moving into the passion, we expect the Trailmade will supply a pleasant expertise that can enable folks to benefit from the stunning outdoor with out getting distracted by a cheaply made pack.
What Different Backpacking Packs Ought to You Take into account?
When you’re on the lookout for one thing completely different, please see our full lineup of backpacking backpacks.
REI Flash 55 Overview – The Flash is just somewhat bit dearer, and it’s lighter with higher air flow, a flexible attachment system, and a roll prime, and extra.
Granite Gear Crown 3 Overview – When you just like the traditional stylings of the Trailmade however need one thing that’s a bit extra versatile, the Crown 3 is price a glance.
Gregory Paragon 58 Overview – When 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.
