I own the Traverse 32. Having a pack with a waist strap moves a lot of the weight off your shoulders and spine and down on your hips. It works as an airline carry on. I like the side zipper a lot, as it makes it much easier to get into than my packs with only a top opening. It also comes in different sizes to fit different torsos.
I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
What is REI's warranty on their packs? Is it the same 365 days as their store return policy?
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
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05-24-2024 at 12:43 PM.
I own the Traverse 32. Having a pack with a waist strap moves a lot of the weight off your shoulders and spine and down on your hips. It works as an airline carry on. I like the side zipper a lot, as it makes it much easier to get into than my packs with only a top opening. It also comes in different sizes to fit different torsos.
I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Medic311
05-24-2024 at 03:14 PM.
What is REI's warranty on their packs? Is it the same 365 days as their store return policy?
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
I own the Traverse 32. Having a pack with a waist strap moves a lot of the weight off your shoulders and spine and down on your hips. It works as an airline carry on. I like the side zipper a lot, as it makes it much easier to get into than my packs with only a top opening. It also comes in different sizes to fit different torsos.
I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
What is REI's warranty on their packs? Is it the same 365 days as their store return policy?
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
Great deal on a good pack. The waist belt is integrated, and comfortable enough. I had one for overnight hikes, just enough space and features for this purpose.
What is REI's warranty on their packs? Is it the same 365 days as their store return policy?
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
The only brand that I know of that has a no questions asked lifetime warranty is Osprey. Other lifetime warranties like EastPak or JanSport are technically only for defects in material or manufacturing. Normal wear/tear and incidents should not be covered. Not that you couldn't get them to cover it, but it won't be a matter of no questions asked. As for Osprey, unless you get one on discount, you can get 2 or 3 of these at this price for the price of an Osprey. Ospreys are built with the same generic materials in similar factories; there's nothing inherent about them that makes more durable. Their business model is to price in the warranty cost into the purchase price. I've had an Osprey warrantied twice already.
The Traverse 32 looks like a pretty good deal at this price, and I have a gift card I've been needing to use… but the apparent design flaw with the chest strap is enough to keep me away. If you sort by 1 and 2 star reviews, you'll find several write-ups about the same issue with the chest strap detaching.
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I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank sunflowerfly
I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Medic311
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
I actually own an excellent name brand pack that costs twice as much, but usually grab this bag for 1-2 week trips. It is medium sized (compared to the big hiking and travel packs), but holds all the light jackets, umbrellas, snacks, etc. our family needs to handle unexpected weather while on the move from mid-spring to mid-fall. Obviously everyone's needs are different, you may need something bigger (or smaller).
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "
Wow. Great info, thank you for sharing
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Consider getting an 8 liter or something similar size sling bag. Tomtoc makes high quality affordable ones.
Wouldn't it be better to spend a little more and get a name brand that comes with one of those lifetime no questions asked warranty where they will repair or replace if you mail it in to them? (like those old EastPak warranties)
The reviews say the chest strap over time no longer is able to hold in place, and has a serious design flaw (Traverse and RuckPack). Can anyone comment? This spells big trouble for long term ownership. REI has offered 0 solution other than return if you are within 365 return period. They can't even provide a replacement connector.
"The strap is only popped onto a rail to secure it, so apparently very little pressure can disengage it,"
"The chest straps are secured to the shoulder straps by plastic clips that slide on a small, straw-shaped gathering of material. If the clips are torqued in anyway, they separate here from the shoulder straps. The chest straps should NEVER separate here. I found this out yesterday on a 10-mile hike where the chest straps separated from the shoulder straps about 20 times. Also, the back pocket / flap no longer has a zipper and the capacity was reduced 3 liters. I can't believe this pack was field tested and this flaw was accepted. I'm returning it, it is unusable."
"After three (3) hikes, the sternum strap dis-attached from the tubular slider. A totally defective design for a $229 backpack. I will not buy again"
"The chest strap popped off the second trip he took it on and we can't find anyway to replace it… rendering it unusable for the big philmont trip. Talked with REI rep who said i needed to just make my own…. But with the weird system, I'd need the plastic piece that connects it. What should i do? We've been REI believers/members since the 1990's… surely they'll make this right… right?"
"There is a quality issue with this product that makes it undesirable. The mounting clamp for the chest strap is not secure. It came loose on both backpacks we bought. Totally unacceptable "