REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Review
Cons: Zipper not leakproof, thin insulation, less durable, loose sternum strap
Manufacturer: REI Co-op
Our Verdict
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REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $80 List | $239.99 at Amazon | $249.98 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $110 List | $114.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comfortable to carry, convenient design, good features, tons of dry storage | Very durable construction, excellent insulation, useful handles and features, comfortable shoulder strap | Extremely durable, easy to use, great insulation, tons of handles, convenient size | Soft cooler body, good pockets and features, comfortable shoulder strap | Durable design, comfortable to carry when full, good capacity, relatively inexpensive |
| Cons | Zipper not leakproof, thin insulation, less durable, loose sternum strap | Zippered exterior pocket not waterproof, very large | Very expensive, no extra pockets, flips upside down easily | Exterior and zipper not waterproof | Learning curve for best use, not 100% leakproof, no extra pockets |
| Bottom Line | Lacking a bit of beefiness, this pack is optimal for cool AND dry storage | Our choice for best all around soft cooler | Sized for personal use, this option is a high-performer | A pleasant mixture of solid insulation, usable capacity, and simplicity of design | With a unique design and comfortable carry straps, we love it for long distances |
| Rating Categories | Cool Trail Split Pack | Engel HD30 | YETI Hopper Flip 12 | REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 | IceMule Pro |
| Insulation Value (30%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (25%) | |||||
| Portability (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Cool Trail Split... | Engel HD30 | YETI Hopper Flip 12 | REI Co-op Cool... | IceMule Pro |
| Measured Capacity (qt) | 13 qt | 32 qt | 13 qt | 18 qt | 25 qt |
| Measured Capacity (cans with no ice) | 16 cans | 48 cans | 18 cans | 28 cans | 39 cans |
| Carry Style | Backpack | Messenger Bag | Lunchbox | Messenger Bag | Backpack |
| Internal Maximum Height (in) | 11" flex | 13" | 8" | 11" insert 12" lid |
17" fully closed 23" max |
| Fits Standard Wine Bottle Standing Upright? | Yes - some flex required, no zipper strain | Yes | No - will fit on side | Yes | Yes |
| Shelf Life of Food (Measured Hours Below 40ºF) | 32 hr | 98 hr | 82 hr | 58 hr | 40 hr |
| Days of Cold Beverages (Measured Hours Below 50ºF) | 37 hr | 103 hr | 92 hr | 61 hr | 48 hr |
| Measured Weight (lb) | 2.4 lb | 5.9 lb | 3.6 lb | 4.3 lb | 3.0 lb |
| Exterior Fabric | Recycled ripstop nylon outer/polyester inner | Abrasion-resistant fabric | 840D double-sided thermoplastic urethane | Ripstop nylon, polyester shell | Mule SkinET 1000D ripstop tarpaulin/vinyl/nylon |
| Closure Method | Zippered flip top, dry storage cinch and clip | Zippered top, watertight zip | Zippered flip top, watertight zip | Zippered flip top | Roll-top |
| Handles and Straps | Backpack straps, top handle, sternum strap | Shoulder strap, end handles, duffel handles | Shoulder strap, top handle, end handles | Shoulder strap, end carry handles | Backpack straps, sternum strap |
| Additional Storage | Yes; top half of pack, brain pocket, 2 mesh side pockets | Yes; 1 larger exterior zippered (meant to be waterproof but isn't) | No; webbing attachment loops | Yes; 2 slip exterior, 1 internal zip, webbing attachment loops | No; exterior shock cord panel |
| Removable Liner? | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Cool Trail Split Pack is a half backpack, half cooler option that has comfortable backpack straps and a sternum strap. Its interior is leakproof, but the zippers are not. The cooler section fits 12 cans plus ice, and the dry storage area on top easily holds trail accessories like an extra layer, a first aid kit, snacks, a camera, etc.
Performance Comparison
Insulation Value
Probably the least impressive part of the Split Pack is its insulation testing performance. Where some of its competitors lasted almost three days holding food-safe temperatures of 40°F or less, this one made it just 32 hours in our hot room before rising to unsafe food temps. Another five hours after that (37 hours total), it surpassed the average "cold beer" temperature of 50°F. This isn't totally surprising, given its lightweight PE foam insulation that's merely 10mm thick. However, given that its intended usage is for a single day of adventuring, we think it's more than adequate to do the job at hand.
Importantly, while the inner PEVA lining is leakproof and holds ice long after it's turned to water, the zipper is not. So while you're carrying it, it will stay nice and dry, but if you tip it on its side to say or slide it under your seat as you travel, it will leak.
Ease of Use
REI really thought things through when it comes to the usability of this multi-function pack. Not only is the half-and-half design convenient for truly bringing all you might need for a full solo day in the backcountry or at the park, but there are also plenty of features to make it even handier. Two large, mesh side pockets can hold the beverage you're currently consuming or become excellent trash collectors. The top dry section is large enough to easily hold all your ten essentials while the over-the-top flap is a large, easy-access pocket for stuff you might need to use en route. Front lash straps make it easy to attach additional items and don't have to be messed with to gain access to the cooler or dry storage.
The cooler section itself can also be completely removed from the pack, so you could put it in your fridge or freezer the night before if you're feeling really prepared (pre-cooling a cooler is a great way to extend the lifespan of your cooler's ice). While it's in the pack, it's accessed by both its regular zipper and an additional zipper on the outside of the pack, hidden under a cover flap. This double zipper system pretty much guarantees you'll need to set down the whole thing to rummage around in the cooler, but also adds an extra layer of protection to your chilled goods. The lid of the cooler also velcros to the underside of its compartment within the pack to keep it all opening and closing together while in use. Because the pack splits in half to reach the cooler, a full dry storage compartment counterbalances the open bag, stopping it from tipping over like so many other backpack models tend to do. And though this cooler isn't particularly large, with capacity enough for 12 regular-sized cans plus ice, we think it's plenty large enough for 1-2 people on a day's worth of adventuring.
Portability
Another easy A for the Split Pack! Not only is it more convenient because it's a backpack, but it's also actually comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are wide and pliable, offering both support and comfort. The pack alone is a featherlight 2.4 lbs, so you're not carrying much more weight than the actual items you're putting in this bag. Though it (like the vast majority of backpack coolers) lacks a waistbelt, we didn't find ourselves too upset about it even when it was packed full on a long slog up a canyon - though we did manage to soak the back padding with sweat! The shoulder straps are a bit on the wide side for some narrower shoulders, but the sternum strap helps to correct that. Of all the backpack coolers we tested, this is one of our favorites when it comes to actually being able to carry it - fully loaded - for long distances.
Durability
This is one other area in which the design of the Trail Split struck a compromise that's perhaps not the same deal other coolers have made. While it's made of recycled ripstop nylon with a polyester interior (and all eco-friendly, bluesign® compliant), it's just not living up to some of the super-intense, beefy models that can take some hardcore abuse. It does have pretty solid construction for what it is, but cut down on weight and added extra comfort by using less intensively durable materials. We don't think that trade-off is a terrible thing for what you get, though we would like to see a beefier bottom that is better able to withstand being set down on whatever picnic surface you choose. Additionally, the sternum strap slides a little too easily for our taste, and can actually come off its rail, which it's not supposed to do. While we didn't lose ours, we read several other reports from users saying one half or the other accidentally fell off somewhere along the trail. Bummer.
Value
Considering that this pack is both a cooler AND a daypack, we think it's a pretty exceptional value. If you're after a super insulative cooler or an amazing daypack, this is neither of those. But if you love striking a middle ground and having one awesomely useful piece of gear, this is your jam. For a pretty low price compared to most of the competition, you don't have to sacrifice bringing cold beverages and food OR an extra layer and a guidebook to reference while on your adventures.
Conclusion
Though it doesn't win an award this time around, we think the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack is an extremely useful piece of equipment. It does the hard job of merging a cooler and a daypack into this wonderful little bag that won't break the bank. It's not the most rugged, nor does it have the longest-lasting ice, but for bringing along those dry goods on your adventure, it's hard to beat this bag.
— Maggie Brandenburg