What does trust look like far from the trailhead?
The REI TraVERSE Collection
THE OPPORTUNITY
From extensive interviews with backpackers both at home and on the trail, we heard clearly a desire for a do-anything, bomb-proof multi-day pack that could carry everything they needed, plus a bottle of wine for the summit.
These backpackers also wanted to get the most value out this pack; able to use it for travel, hunting, snow camping, and so on.
All this AND it needed to be affordable, repairable, and built for sustainability. Users wanted the rugged build and versatility of a Jeep with the footprint of a Prius.
THE SOLUTION
The Traverse 60 and 32 reflect hours of interviews, miles of on-trail testing, and a massive team effort.
The fit is based on years of ergonomic research. The recycled fabrics have a sleek matte finish that cleans easily. The back panel adjustment is fast and intuitive, crucial to making the pack engender itself to busy store staff.
Hearing that need for versatility, all compression straps can be repositioned quickly for unique configurations, and because they are removable, they can be replaced more easily.
The Traverse collection offers a rare blend of approachable price, bomber yet lightweight construction, and in addition to using recycled fabrics throughout, the Traverse is Bluesign certified.
INTUITIVE ACCESS
In addition to incorporated a loved REI feature in the quick access bottle pocket, we also heard that users didn’t want the rainfly buried in case of a sudden downpour. We created a pocket that put it at the ready on the side and included clear labelling to avoid confusion. We also made the rain cover vibrant yellow after hearing how much users want to stand out in adverse conditions.
Easier for retail staff means more sales
We heard from store staff that they tended not to show customers packs that were difficult to adjust because of the added time (and occasional injury) to the staff. The Traverse has an intuitive webbing ladder that attaches to a harness that slides up and down on the pack’s exposed frame rails. Instructions are easy to ready and well marked.
We also found that the traditional Small/Medium/Large sizing strategy was leaving out segments of the population, and we successfully lobbied for unique large torso/small waist and small torso/large waist sizes, a unique offering on the pack wall.
miles in their shoes
Over the course of a year, we went on 4 trips into the backcountry to generate usable insights and once early prototypes arrived, rigorously test them with a diverse range of users in all conditions. The insights from the users directly affected the final product.
The REI Traverse 60
The REI Traverse 32
A minimalist summit pack deploys from the lid, and a unique variable width webbing reduced build.
All compression straps are girth-hitched for easy adjustment/removal/replacement.
With so much adjustment, the Traverse packs are intended for a broad range of activities beyond backpacking, as seen on this prototype.
REI's unique bottle pocket and a quick access rain cover.
Easily adjustable torso adjustment slides on the pack's exposed frame rails.
An early foam buck made for quick volume studies.
Early sketch exploration
Highlight of the backpanel adjustment, and the wrapped webbing straps on the summit pack.
What People Are Saying
“The Traverse proves that fancy technology is never a substitute for smart design.”
— Outside Magazine
“It's comfortable. I've had it loaded with climbing gear, or just a few things for a ski, and I forget that it's even there.”
—Rebecca, rei.com user review
“Adjustable fit, decent load support, and a reasonable price make the Traverse 60 a great all-rounder and our top choice for a new hiker’s first pack.”
— Backpacker Magazine
“the features are very intuitive and the size adjusting mechanism is very clever and easy.”
—MW862, rei.com user review