I have been hiking with the REI 40 Liter Backpack for over 9 years now! In this article I share three reasons that I recommend this backpack!

In May of 2015 I received my packing list to hike down the Grand Canyon and it included a 40 Liter Backpack.

Consider this moment the beginning of my ALWAYS ON love experience with the REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack. I remember going to REI after receiving the packing list from Grand Canyon WhiteWater for this multi-hiking trip and thinking “$129.00 for a backpack?” Give me a break! That was May of 2015…that was a VERY LONG time ago.
I still have the same backpack in 2024 and it even survived 1,500 miles on the AT and the PCT in the past 12 months.

Below I share three reasons why I recommend this backpack!

This 40 Liter Backpack has been around the world with me, and I have loved this piece of gear!

When we started doing the gear review blogs my first thought went to shoes, but after that it was the backpack. The reason I thought about the backpack right away is because the pack is multi-faceted. It’s part luggage, part storage unit, and part outdoor adventure. As you can see from the photos above my backpack has stains on the bottom of it.

This particular 7 year old REI Trail 40 Pack has been down the Grand Canyon and back out twice, gone all over Iceland, lived in Costa Rica, went all over the Pacific Northwest/American Southwest while we lived out of our car, and has most recently been section hiking the AT and the PCT. It has also served as a laptop storage pack, our dog Cotopaxi’s last ditch sleeping unit when tired out on a metro park walk, and has allowed me to never purchase another piece of “travel luggage” due its multi-purpose performance.

Three reasons I recommend the REI Co-Op Trail 40 Pack.
And one very important reason that I need more info on currently.

1. Price. Pro.
   I mentioned it before. But the price is tough to beat. I don’t anticipate purchasing another piece of backpack gear for several more years. Low price isn’t always good because it potentially means fast fashion and unlivable wages, but it seems REI has been putting an emphasis on social responsibility with its partners. At least they have been saying that.
   BUT…

2. Union Busting. Con.
   At the time of this writing I am not sure how I feel about continuing to be an avid REI customer.
   Union Busting is not muy bien en mi libro. Here’s a petition you can sign to support REI Workers!

3. Size. Pro.
   Regardless of whether you choose to shop at REI or not, if you are looking for a multi-day backpacking pack, day hiking, or international travel pack 40 Liters is a great size to me!
   It’s not big enough to through hike the AT or PCT if you are solo hiking (unless you are an ultra-light backpacking badass). If you want something bigger than holding just water and can serve as luggage 40L is a good size if you ask me!

4. Comfortability.
   I got fitted. It fits well and it feels good. One thing that is super cool in my experience are the people on ground level at REI stores. They are kind and over accommodating and my pack fits well because of their dedication to care. And for the people who work at REI and always have done such a caring job (and who are never the problem), I am grateful. Regardless of whether the Union Busting holds is all that the rumors say it is the people working at the stores are great. And I want to support them.

If you are looking for a universal backpack I recommend a 40 Liter Pack made with care, comfortability, one that is durable, and one that you have been fitted for.

Whether REI chooses to continue union busting/being anti-union remains to be seen.
There are a lot of other locally owned gear stores around, and for the time being that might be my favorite way to find new gear.

It’s an important piece to you enjoying your outdoor adventures so choose wisely friends!

What’s your backpack of choice for hiking? Comment below with any questions on this pack and thanks for reading.

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R