OutdoorGearLab

For the person who is just as likely to take this pack to a coffee shop as on an after-work hike, the REI Trail 25 is the workhorse of budget packs, making it an easy pick for its excellent value. It's attractive, durable, and pretty comfy too. The design is one of the most well-thought-out for simplicity of use. On each side of the pack, there are two deep outside pockets that are great for storing water and other miscellaneous items that you might normally store in your hip belt. Another awesome feature is the large U-zip opening which allows you to fit bigger, bulky things - such as a helmet - and easily grab the layer stuck at the bottom of the pack.
There are so many things to love about the Trail 25, but a supportive hip belt isn't one of them. It has a webbing-only hip belt that is meant to stabilize your load rather than take the weight off of your shoulders. If you want a more technical, load-bearing pack, look elsewhere. The Trail 25 isn't meant for heavy, all-day hikes - even though it does have a pretty big capacity. This pack thrives while carrying your essentials on a short hike to a hot spring, commuting to work, or hitting the farmer's market.      

For the person who is just as likely to take this pack to a coffee shop as on an after-work hike, the REI Trail 25 is the workhorse of budget packs, making it an easy pick for its excellent value. It's attractive, durable, and pretty comfy too. The design is one of the most well-thought-out for simplicity of use. On each side of the pack, there are two deep outside pockets that are great for storing water and other miscellaneous items that you might normally store in your hip belt. Another awesome feature is the large U-zip opening which allows you to fit bigger, bulky things - such as a helmet - and easily grab the layer stuck at the bottom of the pack.
There are so many things to love about the Trail 25, but a supportive hip belt isn't one of them. It has a webbing-only hip belt that is meant to stabilize your load rather than take the weight off of your shoulders. If you want a more technical, load-bearing pack, look elsewhere. The Trail 25 isn't meant for heavy, all-day hikes - even though it does have a pretty big capacity. This pack thrives while carrying your essentials on a short hike to a hot spring, commuting to work, or hitting the farmer's market.      
Read more: REI Trail 25 review

Day Hike Pack Comparison