Bottom Line
The REI Trail 2 Waist Pack is a lightweight, versatile, and well-organized option for carrying essentials on day hikes, backpacking trips, or travel days. The 2-liter design includes a dual-zippered main compartment, a front zippered pocket, and a hidden stash pocket for passports and wallets. It’s all wrapped in a DWR-coated, weather-resistant fabric.
The strap keepers worked wonderfully to keep the waist belt organized and out of the way. The capacity was ample for our phone and many hours’ worth of snacks but still compact enough that the pack wasn’t bulky or floppy. The pack did suffer some damage when exposed to rocks and pokey brush, but this wasn’t too surprising considering the harshness of the terrain.
Overall, we consider the Trail 2 a great do-it-all design that performs well both on the trail and around town. If you’re looking for something more rugged for technical backcountry adventures or something more stylish for everyday carry, check out our guide to the best fanny packs.
How We Tested
Our gear analyst took his Trail 2 fanny pack on over 200 miles worth of adventures. It was put through its paces in slot canyons in Utah, on alpine excursions above 13,000 feet, and even on scrambles in Boulder’s iconic Flatirons.
Quick Specs
REI Trail 2
Best Performance for the Price
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $35
Weight: 4 oz.
Capacity: 2 L
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Hidden pocket for valuables
- Weather-resistant
- Lightweight
- Comfortable as a sling bag
Cons
- Less durable than some
- Has a DWR coating but no waterproof zippers
Comfort
The REI Trail 2 Waist Pack is a standout do-it-all fanny pack – great for day hikes, as a backpacking accessory, or for running errands around town. The lack of structure and minimal padding pair well with the 2-liter capacity, allowing the pack to conform to your body without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
The one-inch strap allows for comfortable carrying on your waist or as a sling bag, with enough length to fit waists up to 46 inches. The pack itself has a slim profile that doesn’t feel bulky or floppy during travel or out on the trail.
Though the webbing strap is a bit rough against bare skin, it offers amazing grip. Once adjusted, there’s no slipping or loosening of the tension at the buckle, meaning you can really lock it down if you want. The lack of padding means you’ll likely feel some bumps and protrusions depending on the pack’s position and what’s inside, but the Trail 2 still earned solid marks for comfort.
Durability
The REI Trail 2 scored about average for durability. Made from 70-denier, recycled ripstop nylon, the pack is soft and pliable without feeling crinkly or totally unstructured.
We put the pack to the test in some truly harsh environments, including desert canyoneering and scrambly alpine terrain. We squeezed into chimneys and dihedrals and exposed the pack to crystal-laden sandstone and sharp granite blocks. As expected, the pack suffered some abrasion and thread breakage, but this likely would have been the case with any lightweight fanny pack.
On the bright side, the ripstop material prevented actual holes from forming and confined the biggest damage to tiny areas. And despite being out in the desert and exposed to significant sweat and dirt, our pack showed no signs of color fading or staining. Overall, we’d love to see the next iteration upgraded to a thicker ripstop material, but for the price, it performed exactly as expected.
Features
Despite being a relatively simple and low-volume design, the Trail 2 includes some quality features that really make it shine. First are the dual strap keepers, which actually stay where you want them and help keep everything organized and tidy. Second is the hidden pocket against the back, which is perfect for stashing a passport or wallet while traveling.
We also loved the easy-to-grab zipper pulls and dual zippers on the main compartment for easy, one-handed access. Though limited, the color options are attractive, and we appreciate that REI treated the pack with a PFAS-free DWR coating to fend off light moisture and spills. The zippers aren’t waterproof, however, so we’d recommend lining the bag with a Ziploc if you plan to encounter truly inclement weather.
Organization
With a convenient main compartment, one front zippered pocket, and a hidden zippered stash pocket, there is no lack of organization with the Trail 2. Inside the main compartment, there are two simple stash pockets that are easy to access, along with a webbing loop for attaching a set of keys.
We’ve found 2-liter fanny packs to be the ideal size for most outings, and the Trail 2 is no exception. The main compartment is wide enough to fit modern smartphones in protective cases, with ample depth to stash a day’s worth of snacks. Smaller items like lip balm fit well in the front zippered pocket.
Should You Buy the REI Trail 2 Waist Pack?
If you’re looking for a simple but practical design that can do it all, the REI Trail 2 should be at the top of your list. From day hikes to backpacking, bumming around town, or even heading to the airport for a stint of international travel, the Trail 2 makes it easy to stay organized and comfortable.
The Trail 2’s lightweight build and straightforward but sufficient organization make it versatile for storing snacks, securely stashing a passport, or keeping track of small items like Chapstick or sunscreen. It’s fully trail-ready and comes in a nice assortment of colorways that look the part around town, too.
Unfortunately, durability is average at best. If you’re rough on your gear or do a lot of scrambling and bushwhacking, there are more rugged options available. For everyday and casual outdoor use, however, the Trail 2’s combination of affordability and just-right capacity makes it a strong choice.
What Other Fanny Packs Should You Consider?
Not quite ready to end your search? Below are some standout alternatives worth considering. For even more favorites, head to our guide to the best hiking fanny packs.
Atom Packs The Roo Review: If you were eyeing the Trail 2 for day hikes or additional storage on long trails, consider The Roo from Atom Packs. It offers a little less storage in a more durable and weather-resistant package.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Review: If you need something more durable for harsh conditions, the Versa is an excellent alternative. Designed for long hikes and inclement weather, it offers plenty of space in a noticeably premium (albeit pricey) package.
Thrupack Eco Summit Bum Review: The Eco Summit Bum has a little more capacity and is a smart choice for shoppers looking for a backpacking-focused fanny pack. It pairs nicely with a range of packs thanks to the simple but effective pass-through sleeve at the rear.
