Updated 07/31/2025

Spacious, comfortable, and built to last, the REI Traverse 35 is a versatile pack designed for all-day adventures. Thoughtful features make gear access easy, while excellent padding ensures a comfortable carry.

The REI Traverse 35 Pack is a well-designed, roomy day pack that excels in comfort and functionality. With generous padding and an adjustable torso fit, I find that it provides comfortable support for long hikes, making it especially useful for winter and shoulder-season adventures when extra layers are necessary.

Stats

• sizes available: 16-18 Torso / XS-S Hip; 16-18 Torso / M-XL Hip; 16-18 Torso / 1X-4X Hip
• materials: shell: 210-denier ripstop nylon and 400-denier recycled nylon; lining: 200-denier recycled polyester; raincover: 70-denier recycled nylon (all bluesign approved)
• sustainability: contains materials that meet the bluesign criteria; contains recycled materials; from a Climate Neutral Certified brand
• weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.
• price: $159

One of the standout features is the forward-tilted side pockets, which allow for easy access to a water bottle or other essentials without removing the pack. I like to stash my gloves and a water filter in one of these pockets for quick retrieval on the go. Being able to reach into side pockets on a day pack has been on my wish list for a very long time!

Another favorite is the front panel J-zipper, which makes it easy to access gear inside the main compartment without having to open the top closure—especially handy when reaching for an extra layer or snacks.

This pack is thickly padded, and I was a bit skeptical at first that it wouldn’t be comfortable, but after wearing it on multiple hikes, I really appreciate the overall feel of this pack and have found it to be very comfortable. The back panel is ventilated to help improve airflow and reduce sweat buildup. I haven’t used this pack in hot weather yet, so I’ll update this post once I have more experience with using it this summer.

The large front stuff pocket is perfect for storing my sit pad and rain gear, keeping them separate from the rest of the pack to prevent moisture or dirt from getting inside. The hip belt pockets are also generously sized, offering plenty of space for snacks and small essentials. Additional features include a built-in rain cover, durable fabrics for long-term use, and sustainability-minded materials that meet bluesign criteria.

The only con for me is the number of straps and loops on this pack. I typically don’t use the compression straps on day packs – and the Traverse 35 has two on each side in addition to the straps for the top lid, plus two large loops at the bottom for carrying an ice axe or trekking poles. While I think this is a bit of overkill, other hikers may prefer the extra compression that these straps provide.

Overall, the REI Traverse 35 Pack is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a comfortable, feature-rich day pack with plenty of room for extra layers and trail essentials. If this pack was made in a smaller 25 liter size, it would be perfect for when I don’t need to carry as many items (hint, hint, REI!).

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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