How can a hiking experience be improved before you hit the trail?
The REI Trail Hydro Collection
THE OPPORTUNITY
Savvy hikers will pack the night before, and then add fresh, cold water right before they head for the trail.
But hydration reservoirs are difficult to fit into a full pack, and they are prone to puncture, and press uncomfortably into wearers’ backs.
Our team knew they were entering a crowded market, and meaningful differentiation would be key to drawing in new consumers.
THE SOLUTION
The Trail Hydro collection feature all of the functions that hikers love (generous pockets, ample attachment points, robust padding), but also include the unique Quickload pocket.
This pocket is rigid but collapsible, protects reservoirs, prevents reservoirs from pressing into backs, and makes loading fresh reservoirs a snap.
MEET THE QUICKLOAD POCKET
It started with trying to change perception about reservoirs being uncomfortable and vulnerable, and ended with a unique solution that solves for hydration, but protects vulnerable food and technology as well. Simply spread the rigid wings in the pocket outward, and the pocket becomes a rigid container for whatever you need to protect.
How it works
This stop motion made by the team at REI conveys the function and simplicity of the Quickload Pocket.
Trail Hydro 30
Initial Sketches
I built numerous pocket prototypes before landing the final direction.
Build it, break it, build it again
The team at REI believes in early and rigorous field tests. It was always an honor to join these test trips, hearing directly from users and bearing witness to the success and failures of our ideas.
What People Are Saying
“BEST HIKING BACKPACK FOR LONG DAY HIKES.”
— Shape Magazine
“Love the ability to make the bladder sleeve rigid or flat.”
— rei.com user review
“This is a comfortable, supportive, high-volume pack with a bunch of clever design features and quite a reasonable price.”
— outdoorgearlab.com