Best for
- First multi-day hikes
- Weekend backpacking
- Budget trekking
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REI Co-op Trailbreak 60
8/ 10
REI Co-op · Trailbreak 60
Best for Beginners
The beginner 60 L pack I point new hikers toward — simple organisation, adjustable fit, and enough capacity for first multi-day trips without flagship pricing.
Researched / considered
Worth considering
- Notes drawn from gear guides — not claimed as personal kit unless marked above.
Fit check
Who this gear is for
Quick read on where REI Co-op shines — and where you should look elsewhere.
Specs
Key numbers
- Capacity
- 60 L
- Weight
- 1.73 kg (3.81 lb)
- Torso
- Adjustable fit
Full trail review
In-depth analysis
The beginner 60 L pack I point new hikers toward — simple organisation, adjustable fit, and enough capacity for first multi-day trips without flagship pricing.
Suited for hiking · trekking · camping
REI Co-op Trailbreak 60
REI Co-op
At a glance
4 min read8/10
- Weight
- 1.7 kg
- Editorial score
- 8/10
- Best for
- First multi-day hikes
- Capacity
- 60 L
What we like
- Beginner-friendly organisation
- Adjustable torso for better fit
- 60 L capacity for first multi-day trips
- Accessible REI pricing
Trade-offs
- Heavier than premium trekking packs
- Hip belt limits on heavy loads
- Less durable than high-end materials
I carried Decathlon MT500 Air on Alta Via 1, not the Trailbreak. Trailbreak is the sensible first pack I recommend when hikers want REI fit support and 60 L capacity before committing to Osprey-class suspension.
My experience on the trail
I have not carried the REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 on a published HikingWithLee trek — my hut-route pack on Alta Via 1 was the Decathlon MT500 Air. I have loaded the Trailbreak for shakedown hikes and recommend it in beginner backpacking guides when hikers want a straightforward 60 L frame with REI sizing support before spending Osprey money.
The layout is intentionally simple: large main compartment, front pocket, lid access, and an adjustable torso range that forgives early packing mistakes. It will not carry 18 kg with Atmos-level hip-belt comfort — that is not the job. The job is teaching new hikers what they actually need on a first weekend or week-long trip without overwhelming them with pocket archaeology.
Who it's for
First-time backpackers, weekend campers, and hikers buying their first multi-day pack who need 60 L capacity with padded hip belt and torso adjustment. Ideal before you know whether you will upgrade to Osprey, Gregory, or Deuter suspension tiers.
Strong fit for REI members who can try packs in store with weighted bags. Less ideal for experienced trekkers carrying camera kit and cold-weather layers above ~14 kg total weight — upgrade harness tier when loads grow.
Carry and comfort
Hip belt and shoulder straps are adequate for beginner weights on maintained trails — comfortable enough for a first week if you pack honestly. You will feel limits above ~14 kg total pack weight compared with Osprey Atmos or Gregory Baltoro on long descents.
Ventilation is basic compared with AirSpeed or Anti-Gravity panels — acceptable for cool shoulder-season trips, sweaty on hot valley days. Break the pack in on local overnights before committing to a remote route.
How it compares
$199.95indicative on Amazon
Redwing is lighter and strong value at 50 L; Trailbreak offers more volume headroom and REI fit support for campers starting with tents and sleeping bags.
Read full review$290.22indicative on Amazon
Atmos is a significant upgrade in ventilation and load transfer — worth saving for once you commit to longer hut or camping routes above ~14 kg.
Read full reviewMT500 is what I carried on Alta Via 1 — better ventilation per euro for warm hut treks; Trailbreak wins for US shoppers who want REI sizing help and slightly more capacity for first camping trips.
Read full review$284.95indicative on Amazon
Exos is the premium lightweight upgrade once you know your kit list — Trailbreak is the learning pack before that investment.
Read full reviewReady to buy?
REI Co-op Trailbreak 60
Trade-offs
- Harness tier is entry-level — not the pack for heavy camera kits or winter camping loads
- Heavier than 50 L ultralight options when you only need hut trek volume
- Fewer refinement details than Kelty Redwing or Osprey lines at similar price bands — you are buying simplicity and REI support
- Will feel outgrown within a few seasons if hiking becomes your main hobby — plan to upgrade suspension, not capacity
Bottom line
The REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 is the sensible first trekking pack I recommend — learn what you actually carry on shakedown trips, stay under harness limits, then upgrade suspension tier when your routes outgrow it.
Ready to buy?
REI Co-op Trailbreak 60
Capacity and weight
- Volume
- 60 L main capacity — enough for first backpacking trips with tent, sleeping bag, and kitchen kit without cramming.
- Pack weight
- Roughly 1.6–1.8 kg empty — heavier than ultralight frames, lighter than expedition packs.
- Torso range
- Adjustable length covers most medium hikers — dial at home with weight in the bag before trail day one.
- Sweet spot load
- Comfortable near 10–13 kg total weight on maintained trails; feel limits above that versus premium suspension.
Organisation and features
Large front pocket swallows maps, snacks, and rain layer for trail access. Top lid and main compartment teach basic packing discipline — sleeping bag at bottom, heavy food near spine, daily items up top.
Ripstop nylon handles forest brush at this price point. Hydration sleeve and side pockets cover standard beginner needs without the feature sprawl of flagship packs.
User-friendly layout is a feature for first trips — you spend less time explaining where the headlamp went and more time walking.
Backpack guide
Best Hiking Backpack: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Best hiking backpacks for multi-day trails: picks tested on trail. Osprey, Gregory and budget packs compared for fit, hip-belt comfort and load carry.
Read guide →
Backpack guide
Best Hiking & Trekking Backpacks: Hut-to-Hut & Multi-Day Picks
Best hiking and trekking backpacks for multi-day trails — picks tested on trail. MT500 from Alta Via 1 leads hut picks; Osprey, REI and Hyperlite compared.
Read guide →