REI New Star Review

"I went to Yellowstone this summer and I
decided to invest in a solid, but reasonably
priced backpack. After looking at over 50
backpacks I decided to get the REI New Star.
The regular price is $190, but I was able to
get it during their annual spring sale for $140.
This was by far the best overall deal I found.
Comfortable, large (4,600 cubic in.), and very
adjustable. Even at $190 it was a good deal!"

"I've just returned from a 5 day winter backpacking trip in the Sierra using this internal frame pack which worked out great for me. It held all my gear, with some room to spare, thanks to the large extension collar on the pack's opening which allows you to stuff pretty large loads inside.

The shoulder straps and hipbelt were comfortable and can be easily adjusted to fit almost any torso length. The generous padding where your back touches the pack adds to the comfort. There are plenty of adjustable straps on the outside to lash on gear and compress the load.

Best of all is the price: $190 ($150 or less on sale). The New Star's quality seems to be good so the real question is: why spend twice as much for a similar-sized pack (like Gregory, Dana Designs or Arc'Teryx)? Maybe those companies should figure out what REI is doing right or they just might go out of business someday!

The only downside of the New Star is the lack of external pockets except for two mesh water bottle pockets on the sides and the detachable day pack/ top lid. But the bottom line is that for what you're paying, this pack is really a good value made with quality and REI will usually fix anything that breaks without a hassle."

"For an internal-frame pack, the New Star is a really good value. It might not be up to the standards of those who are willing to spend a lot more for a Gregory or Arc'Teryx, but at around $200 you get: a lot of capacity (5,000 cu.in. base volume for the large version), lots of comfortable padding, a wide adjustment range for the shoulder straps and good overall quality. It's the perfect size for 3-5 day trips, but not so big that you'll be tempted to pack things you really won't need.
The detachable top is useful too, if you want to carry it seperately or leave it off to downsize the main pack for a one-nighter or a long dayhike.

As another review mentioned, there could be more outside pockets but that's only a minor inconvenience. One other complaint is that I wish the hipbelt was a little bigger so it would extend further around my hips, but it still does the job.

With loads over 50 pounds, this pack would start to reach it's limitations- but if you're carrying that much you should be using an external-frame pack anyway."

"This pack is fine for shorter trips (less than 3 nights) but don't expect it to be O.K. with big, heavy loads- there's lots of capacity but the hipbelt isn't comfortable with more than 35-40 pounds and there's no framesheet; just two narrow stays. The quality is good considering the price ($190) but this is definitely a "minimalist" pack for those who put value and simplicity ahead of lots of features and a beefy suspension. If most of your trips are weekends (1-2 nights) this pack should be fine for that purpose.

However, if you're planning a longer backpacking trip or thru-hike then look at a higher priced internal (like Arc'Teryx) or a good external (like Kelty) for those longer trips with heavier loads.

Like the saying goes,"you get what you pay for". I'm not really putting it down; just be aware of its limitations."

"I spent 5 days hiking the AT in Georgia. This pack handled it all. I had plenty of room for all of my stuff, plus room to spare. I was carrying between 40-50 pounds, then it rained and made it heavier. But the pack withstood the trip just fine. The only room for improvement is that it needs external pockets. Otherwise, this was the best deal (I paid $70 at an REI clearance sale) that I have ever gotton on a backpack."

"I just got a New Star at REI in Sacramento,CA and used it for the first time on a three day Sierra trip. Bottom line: it was great! If you're looking for an internal framer with lots of space at an affordable price (some of those Gregory packs cost a fortune!) then this is the one for you. There's more than enough room for most multiday trips without the "bells and whistles" you really don't need anyway. Sure, the suspension isn't state-of-the-art but who cares? If you carry heavy loads maybe you should think about lightening up so you don't have to get a super expensive pack in the first place! Comfort, capacity, quality and price- if these are your criteria then buy the New Star. And hey, if you don't like it then REI will take it back no problem."

"Nice pack and a good value; I got it at REI's Labor Day sale and it was a lot cheaper than any other similar size internal frame pack they had. It's got plenty of room and it's comfortable too. I've only used it once with about 35 pounds and it carried fine but I could see where it might not be so good with a lot of weight like some other reviewers mentioned. I have a long torso and I was able to adjust it to fit me perfectly, unlike some other packs I've used before which just didn't seem big enough for me. For the price, it's hard to beat this one."

"Ive had no problems with this pack. I didn't even consider the downsides until reading these reviews. It is a nice big pack, with careful planning you are able to fit all the comforts you need for a beautiful alpine meadow camp. An idea Ive had is to but the REI extra pockets which fasten to their backpacks. These work well and add a generous amount of space, also adding more accesible pockets as well. Also Wool is so much tighter than fleece. Period."

"I have used this pack for our annual 5 day trip and it has performed and held up without flaw. Highly recommended."