REI\u2019s hydration sling<\/a>, new for spring 2026, is such a gamechanger.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rei-trailmade-hydration-sling.png?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
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How Much Gear Can the REI Trailmade Sling Actually Hold?<\/h2>\n
The zippered, 4.5-liter main compartment is just big enough for a rain jacket, and a cinch-top exterior mesh pocket holds the included 24-ounce Hydrapack water bottle. A small strip of webbing loops around the bottle\u2019s cap and secures it in the pouch. In fact, carrying my beverage is pretty much all this sling aspires to do.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rei-trailmade-hydration-sling-detail-shot.png?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
The REI Co-op Trailmade hydration sling features a secure internal attachment point to keep your water bottle from shifting while on the move.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhy is a Hydration Sling Better Than a Traditional Daypack?<\/h2>\n
Apparently, I\u2019m not the only one hiking with scarcely more than that. Jon Almquist, product manager for REI Co-op Brands, described the rise of a \u201cnew school\u201d hiker that doesn\u2019t load the Ten Essentials into a bulky daypack. \u201cThe conventional advice to \u2018Be Prepared\u2019 has served us well, but it includes lots of gear and preparation,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
New schoolers take a more casual approach. \u201cYou see them out there in tennis shoes, with maybe a water bottle in hand, and if you\u2019re lucky, some snacks,\u201d Almquist continues. REI wanted to develop a more comfortable carry solution for this increasingly common scenario. I\u2019d say the Trailmade sling does exactly that.<\/p>\n
How Does the Trailmade Sling Perform on the Trail?<\/h2>\n
On a 2.5-mile loop through Devil\u2019s Back in Harpswell, Maine, I toted a full 24-ounce bottle of water, a rain jacket, car keys (clipped to the key fob inside the sling), and a battery pack for my smartphone (a search and rescue essential, even during short hikes). The ventilated padding on the shoulder strap and backpanel comfortably distributed weight.<\/p>\n![\"Author](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rei-trailmade-hydration-sling-front-shot.png?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
The cross-body strap feels padded and well-ventilated.<\/span> (Photo: Kelly Bastone)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSo far, I\u2019ve enjoyed the way the sling unburdens my pockets. The mesh sleeve on the strap holds my smartphone or a pair of sunglasses (pro tip: keep them in a cloth bag if you\u2019re precious about scratched lenses). You can change the strap\u2019s orientation so it can be worn over either shoulder. My fingers appreciate the release from cap-gripping duty (which gets tiresome after a while). The sling does have a tendency to make my shirt ride up periodically, but an occasional tug smooths things out. And it\u2019s nice to have the option of stuffing a jacket (or swim towel, or charcuterie kit, or sunscreen) in the sling for use along the way.<\/p>\n
Bottom Line: When Should You Use the REI Trailmade Sling?<\/h2>\n
I still use my daypacks when mileage leads me farther from the car, and when hike duration or elevation gain is big enough to include significant changes in weather. But for less ambitious walks, I\u2019m sold on the REI Trailmade Sling.<\/p>\n
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