REASONS TO BUY
Great comfort
Stabile frame
Robust construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Less mobility than others
High weight-to-volume
Sternum strap detaches easily
REI Co-op Traverse 32 Review
Top comfort and stability make this pack the right fit for hauling your gear on any outdoor excursion
Credit: Zach Lovell
RELATED: Best Daypacks of 2024
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Traverse 32 offers a refreshing take on a large day pack. REI's design brings the best of large backpack attributes and combines it with the size and versatility of a smaller daypack to give us this adaptable, multipurpose option. From the design of the padded hip belt to the supportive steel wireframe, this pack offers the necessary features to handle larger loads. With well-thought-out back ventilation and load management, the Traverse 32 can keep you going strong across many activities, from your casual hike with just the essentials, to a long winter day packed full of gear. To find out how the competing packs measured up, have a look at our best daypack review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
REI Co-op Traverse 32 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Big Days |  Best Overall Daypack | Best for Trail to Town |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best Buy on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $159 List $46.83 at REI | $119.93 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $100 List $99.95 at REI | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $26 List $21.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This highly capable pack particularly excels in carrying heavy loads on longer days | Time tested and a great option for versatility, this pack once again proves it's an excellent all-arounder | This feature-filled daypack is a great option for outdoors or urban environments | The updated Flash 22 is lighter than ever while still providing excellent performance for many types of activity | A high-volume backpack that boasts a lightweight design at a staggeringly low price |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Trail 25 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Venture Pal 35L |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Trail 25 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Venture Pal 35L |
| Advertised Volume | 32 L | 22 L | 25 L | 22 L | 35 L |
| Measured Weight | 41.0 oz | 30.7 oz | 30.9 oz | 14.0 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight per Liter | 1.28 oz/L | 1.40 oz/L | 1.24 oz/L | 0.64 oz/L | 0.30 oz/L |
| Back Construction | Contured, foam pad | Vented, contoured | Contured, foam pad | Removable foam pad | Nylon, no foam or structure |
| Hydration Compatibility | Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point | Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal sleeve that can be used for hydration, but no pathway for the hose |
| Hip Belt | 1 3/8" webbing, countoured padding, ventilated outer layer | Broad, padded, with pockets | 3/4" webbing | Broad, ventilated but not padded. | None |
| Number of Pockets | 7 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Description of Pockets | 1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip | 1 main compartment zippered, 1 stretchy mesh shoulder strap pouch, 2 waist zippered, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 back stretchy mesh, 1 top zippered, 1 open hydration reservoir pocket behind back panel, 1 internal mesh compartment zipper | 3 stretchy mesh side, 1 top zippered, 1 main compartment zippered, 1 bottom zippered for rain cover | 1 main zippered, 2 mesh side pockets, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch | 1 main zippered, 2 external zippered, 2 mesh side pocketed |
| Materials | 300D recycled ripstop nylon | 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon | 210-denier ripstop nylon | 70D nylon, polyurethane coating | Nylon |
| Outside Carry Options | Trekking pole lash points, ice axe attachments, daisy chains,attachment loops, compression straps | Bungee helmet tab, blinker light patch, ice axe loop and bungee holder, front-side pole carry bungee loops | Daisy chain, ice axe, pole loops, sleeping pad straps (bottom and top) | Ice axe loop and bungee holder, 10 loops for additional straps or attachments | 2 exterior straps |
| Whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Notable Features | Steel frame w/ 1 internal stay, hydration tube holder on shoulder strap, included rain cover, water bottle pockets angled forward to allow on the go access | Blinker patch, front-side pole carry loops | None | Removeable foam back panel doubles as sit pad, removeable sternum, removeable Packmod bungee | Incredibly lightweight for its capacity, folds up into its own pocket, reflective tape on exterior |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The REI Co-op Traverse 32 brings a lot to the table as a new contender. Built with the same ideas behind the existing Traverse line of packs, the Traverse 32 takes a tried and true piece of equipment and adds some upgrades, making this an easy choice for a hiking backpack. This model is designed with big-pack features in a small, well-balanced package. It is well thought out for handling hardy loads and staying comfortable and ergonomic during any number of activities and movements, just like its larger predecessor, but it manages to do all of this in a smaller, more streamlined package. During short backpacking trips, winter treks with snowshoes and crampons, huge day hikes, and even tossed in some commutes and beach trips, we found that this pack was able to be there for whatever we needed.
Performance comparison
Larger packs like the Traverse 32 are great for a larger-scale days, our gear experts loved putting this option to the test.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
This pack leads the way in comfort and stability. With a strong and light wireframe, an internal perimeter hoop, and ample but not overdone padding, you can feel confident bringing this one along all day.
Replacing the Traverse 35 in the REI lineup, the Traverse 32 switches up the formula and evolves the existing designs into a highly functional and solidly streamlined pack. REI chose to replace the mesh suspension back panel with a padded and shaped foam system when updating the previous model. While this might sound like old styling in a world of new tech, it does wonders for the pack's comfort. The well-planned placement of the vented padding allows much of the pack to rest off the back, even leaving open channels and spacing between the sections of padding on the shoulders and in the lumbar, creating airflow and reducing hotspots.
This pack fits hugs your back in the right places without losing too much breathability.
Credit: Zach Lovell
This pack hugs the body and moves with you, keeping everything stable. When you get into sketchy terrain, you can feel fully confident as you bend and shift that the pack will make those same movements with you. Handling moderate to heavy loads with ease, you can push it on your excursions, no matter where they take you.
Well designed padding, like that on the REI Traverse 32, allows the pack to move with the body and reduces hotspots while the channels between create air blow and keep the pack off of the back.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Versatility
While the Traverse 32 has the comfort and capacity to go almost anywhere, it often might not be the best suited for more specialized usages. If you are doing serious climbing, riding a bike, or taking the subway, this may not be your first choice due to its more rigid frame. This pack can be your best friend on any of your trekking-style excursions, no matter the season, but should you really need a use specific gear hauler on your back, another choice could be best.
We will say the Traverse 32 is more versatile than its predecessor, the Traverse 35, and can be handy in limited use in your climbing, cycling, and commuting needs. While the rigid frame may hinder these applications, the other features allow for a far greater range of motion than expected for a pack of this style and size. The hip belt has a separation in the center, allowing each side to swing with your movements separately, while the shoulder harness allows for good mobility without feeling restriction in the arms or the neck. Still, this pack is best for carrying those medium to heavy gear loads, and while it can be used for many purposes, those aside from straightforward seasonal trekking might be best in limited capacities.
Ease of Use
Having a full feature set without becoming too technical or complicated is a fine line to walk for an all-purpose daypack, and the REI team found that sweet spot when making the Traverse 32. Attention to detail and ergonomics make this pack an absolute pleasure to carry.
The features of the Traverse work smoothly as a system, unencumbered by one another, and straightforward to operate. This has pick-up-and-go practicality that makes it a pleasure to use. Smaller features like a clip for a hydration bladder tube on the shoulder harness are nice perks for minimally added weight that make you realize REI truly thought this one through for the end-user in their design process. While this pack does have top loader access and functionality, it also adds a full side zip for the main compartment. On fully loaded outings, the little bonus makes getting in and out of your gear a smooth process on the go, never having to fully unpack to get to something you may need. If extra external zippers are a concern for water resistance, there is no need to fret. REI includes a very effective rain cover that is smartly designed with elastic loops to attach over each side of the hip belt and a back pad strap, all of which combine to keep your rain cover perfectly in place while still allowing lip and top loader access when needed along.
The side access zipper made it easy to use this pack for many activities, especially when the bag was fully loaded.
Credit: Zach Lovell
One of our favorite features that stayed with the Traverse as it transformed anew from the previous model is the stretch side pockets. Forward-facing at an easily accessible angle, these pockets allow for on-the-go reach to water bottles on either side. The luxury of not having to remove your pack or struggle to reach your arm at an inhuman angle for your water while on an excursion added big points to this pack's scores in this metric. Additionally, these two pockets also have a snap button partial closure, which secures a larger 32-ounce bottle in place or allows for a nice snug fit of a small or soft-sided bottle.
The button snap was an excellent addition, balancing attachment and accessibility.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The hip belt pockets have an outer stretch mesh that is a very generous size. You can fit a ton in there, including a lot of larger smartphones and GPS units, leaving you able to have some of your most important small gear or snacks right there with you on the fly.
We loved the generously sized hip belt pockets.
Credit: Zach Lovell
With boatloads of attachment points, the Traverse allows for a wide array of gear to come along for the ride. While you may want a mountaineering-specific pack for serious alpine outings, the pack can still hang for more casual summits. An ice axe loop doubles as a holder for trekking poles when coupled with an elastic hook closure higher up on the pack.
This sturdy trekking pole and ice axe holder, along with a bungee keeper near the brain of the pack, was an excellent feature for many outings.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Daisy chains along both sides, an ample external stretch pocket, a traditional lid with straps connecting to the body, and the remaining modular straps let you add what you need where you need it, making the Traverse an easily customizable and easy-to-use pack.
The bungies held up throughout testing.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
The Traverse 32 is a bit heavy compared to some of the other daypacks we've tested. That being said, even with a full load, the weight distribution and pack stability help us overlook that fact.
The 300-Denier recycled ripstop nylon used to build this pack might be heavier than the more minimalist designed contenders, but with that comes peace of mind that the Traverse can take a beating and come back swinging another day.
While a bit on the heavier side, the easily accessible load lift straps for on-the-fly adjustments take your load weight from overburdening your shoulders to resting on your hips properly.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Construction Quality
Tough nylon materials make this a durable, tough-as-nails build. We have tested packs with similar materials over the years, and they can always keep up with whatever we seem to throw at them. Where the previous version of this pack combined 200 and 400-Denier materials, the Traverse 32 makes things simple and uses 300-Denier recycled ripstop nylon all around. The new kid on the block offers some well-thought-out durability, and we think this one is made to last. While we noted that REI is utilizing recycled materials, it should be mentioned that these are also bluesign® approved materials.
We took the Traverse through the snow, ice, and heavy rain. With the rain cover on, it really performed well, both with smaller and full loads. Without the cover, the main compartment kept gear fairly protected, other than equipment or clothes near the side zip. While top loaders offer more ample rain protection, the hybrid of having this convenient zipper created a bit of a weak point, but it was still surprisingly effective even with this minor downside. The most significant setback we experienced in construction quality was the sternum strap. One part of it fell off during testing, and we could never find it again. This is a problem that some REI packs are beginning to develop a reputation for, though we didn't have any problems with other REI packs we tested firsthand.
Our most substantial complaint in construction quality was the sternum strap, one side of the strap fell off during testing and we never found it again.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the REI Co-op Traverse 32?
The Traverse 32 is a well-built model full of big-pack features for many types of outings. The best part? You won't have to pay an arm and a leg for that versatility and performance. This is worthy of your hard-earned cash if you need a daypack that can handle heavier loads.
What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?
REI offers the Traverse 32 for a very reasonable price, considering what you are getting. However, there are better — albeit more expensive — packs for specific purposes. If the size and style of the Traverse 32 is a little bulky, consider the more svelte, lighter-weight Osprey Talon 22. And if you're freaked out by the price tags attached to these three packs, then you cannot go wrong with the REI Co-op Flash 22, our top choice for overall value.
—
Zach Lovell and Trevor Everts
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