I can’t find enough superlatives to express how much I have enjoyed testing out the REI Trail 40 backpack. Through daily use, I have found this pack to be exceedingly versatile. The Trail 40 can easily be used for a backwoods rucksack or an awesome school bag to carry your books from class to class. I have even found excuses to use the Trail 40 for tasks like carrying home groceries and offering to be the mule on hikes.
For decades, I have been a huge fan of REI products. In fact, I own several pieces REI gear that are more than 15 years old and have held up over the years. With this kind of dedication to producing quality products, it practically goes without saying that the Trail 40 backpack lives up to REI’s reputation. This product review focuses on some of the cool and interesting features the Trail 40 backpack has.
Built-in Whistle
This feature almost went unnoticed. Built into the chest strap is an easily accessible whistle. This clever tool can serve a beacon or be used to signal for help. I can also attest if you aren’t in danger, the whistle can be used to annoy your wife.
Shoulder Straps, Chest Strap, and Hipbelt
These padded straps are amazing and amazingly comfortable. Not only do the straps stabilize the load you’re carrying, but they also snuggle up to your shoulders like two comfy pillows. When using the chest strap and hipbelt in concert with shoulder straps, the Trail 40 experience is complete. The belts are adjustable to achieve your own personal comfort level. This means you can choose anything from loosey-goosey to man girdle.
Rainfly
Before testing out the Trail 40, I thought rainflies were only made for tents. I was wrong, but much to my delight, the Trail 40 comes with its own rainfly and compartment that houses said rainfly. The rainfly somewhat resembles a large shower cap made from rain-resistant material. I tried this out in the rain, and sure enough, it kept the pack dry.
Water Bottle Hook
There is a compartment between the shoulders that houses a hook for your water bottle. This is a nifty feature if your backpack is already filled to the gills. Otherwise, there are plenty of pockets on the inside and outside of the pack to carry your water bottle. There is also space for a hydration reservoir, but this upgrade is sold separately.
Plethora of Pockets
You can never have too many pockets. Luckily, the Trail 40 has pockets practically everywhere both inside and outside. This backpack is fun to explore to orient yourself with all the pocket locations. The only drawback to having so many pockets is you might forget that you left something behind when emptying out the pack.
Zip Hipbelt Pockets
The hipbelt has pockets that somewhat resemble two miniature fanny packs. These two pockets are so cool. They’re handy for the smaller items you need ready access to. The capacity of these mini pockets can hold your sunglasses and its case with ease. The Trail 40 has an overabundance of pockets, but the hipbelt pockets are great when you aren’t in the mood to take off the pack to access your chewing gum.
The good:
- Pockets galore
- Cool rainfly
- Whistle
- Adjustable hip and chest belts
- Hipbelt pockets (little fanny packs)
- Room for hydration reservoir
- Many more
The bad:
- Not an ideal day pack (but it’s not really designed to be)
The REI Trail 40 backpack is available at REI.
All photos by Anthony Frohlich
Note: REI provided me with a product sample for review purposes. The opinions express are my own and not influenced by the company.