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Backpacking Pack: REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 ($149)

An ill-fitting and uncomfortable backpacking pack can easily ruin a trip, so it’s an important product to get right. As a result, this is a category where we recommend avoiding going overly cheap. REI Co-op offers a high-value solution in their Trailbreak 60: For $149 (half the price of the premium competition), you get decent-quality foam padding, plenty of exterior storage—including zippered pockets on the hipbelt—and a highly adjustable backpanel. You’re not going to match the low weights, premium fabrics, or custom fit of a high-end model, but the REI is a proven choice, and its 60-liter capacity is a nice match for overnight or shorter multi-day treks.





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