Rains Trail Mountaineer Bag 22L - Review 2025

Stylish Gear Can Also Be Technical

There are several outdoor apparel brands that have become very popular because of their technical profile. Not because the new market is testing their limits in challenging conditions, but because is fashionable and hot.

The 22 liter Trail Mountaineer Bag represents a stylish brand that has moved from making apparel that looks good in the rain to making gear that can also be used for technical activities.

And of course, if you like minimalist elegance, this backpack looks really good. It is a versatile, multifunctional waterproof everyday backpack with that’s ideal for everyday commuting, biking and hiking.

Because of the Trail Mountaineer’s technical aspects it’s also worth considering being used as a daypack–albeit for less technical endeavors.

As for its level of waterproofing, the taped seams are done well enough to withstand moderate rain. This is probably the legacy of the company’s roots in rainy Copenhagen.

Its front pocket has a seamed zipper for better waterproofing, it has double-function adjustable padded back and chest straps and a laptop pocket that holds a 15” device.

The back panel is air-mesh padded to cut down on sweating. But this is not as effective as we’ve experienced on more technical-first packs.

The flap on the top is hooded and offers better cover to the coated signature zipper, keeping water away and out of the main compartment. There is an external mesh pocket for a water bottle and two smaller zipped pockets on the top and the back for smaller items.

They all work just the way they should. But it’s worth noting that a lot of backpacks have mesh pockets that are too shallow or too small. The Trail Mountaineer succeeds in having side pockets that can actually accommodate 22 oz water bottles securely.

There are compression straps with buckles on the sides that have a double function. They can easily hold items like sleeping bags, camping or yoga mats but also work to compress the bag when it is fully packed for traveling.

In the front, you find an outer elastic adjustable bungee system that can hold extra items like a towel, a jacket or a pillow. Both features are a plus and make it a great hiking bag that allows you to pack extra on the outside of your bag. It comes in a few different colors and its signature matte finish is a unique touch.

Adjustable sternum straps should be the standard on any type of pack with design on urban or daytrip utility. Again, the Mountaineer succeeds here. Despite our scepticism of this fashion-forward brand wading into technical pursuits, design and manufacturing have done a good job on ergonomics.

CONSTRUCTION

The Trail Mountaineer is made for wet weather. It is constructed with a polyester and polyurethane coating and high-quality materials that are responsibly designed with the environment in mind. It features the Rains signature smooth, matte finish.

This adds longevity and durability to your bag and makes it a good investment considering that its price is at the higher end of the category range. Padding is found at the back, on the side pocket and the straps are durable and easily adjustable.

WATER RESISTANCE

The sloping extended top cover repels water due to its angle and shields the main compartment zipper. The entire bag can tolerate rain coming from all sides. We also tested its water resistance by completely soaking the padded back externally with water. The interior of the main compartment, especially where the laptop is kept, remained completely dry and intact, with no traces of moisture. That is an advantage.

It can easily be wiped dry and we didn’t need to worry about water when biking. The padded back is soft an​​d comfortable even when your bag is heavy. We would have liked a few more pockets with zippers on the inside for those smaller objects.

The design and the matte finish are very stylish, making it a perfect choice for the office commute or a weekend stroll. We also appreciated the brand being conscious of environmental impact and committing to producing items designed to last.

CAPACITY

Its design is contemporary with consideration to usable features that maximize functionality and space. It holds 22L but you can carry a yoga mat or sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and a large water bottle easily on the outside of your bag.

PRICE/QUALITY RATIO

The Rains Trail Mountaineer is one of the more pricey options but it makes up for longevity due to its durable material.

The company aims for environmentally conscious production and therefore your backpack is made to last. Its versatility and multifunctional design make it a good option worth spending on.

And, it’s got the elegance of the Rains design, which fits current fashion trends.

EVERYDAY BACKPACKS SIDE-BY-SIDE

Scanning through backpacks to find the one can be taxing. A good way to decide is to consider both your everyday needs, your extra activities and how to pack for them. Carrying a laptop from A to Z on an everyday basis could mean that water resistance is important, but maybe so is taking a yoga class after work. We compared the Rains Trail Mountaineer 22L to a few alternative everyday backpacks with the hybrid function element in mind. The North Face Borealis backpack 28L bag for example is a good multipurpose and durable, water-resistant alternative with a laptop sleeve and an outer elastic adjustable bungee system for hiking trips.

Equally the Heimplanet Transit Line is a slightly larger option. It holds 34L and comes with a laptop sleeve, an elastic stretch pocket and several internal pockets for clever organizing. If you want to explore more options, you can dive into travel backpack alternatives in this guide Best Travel Backpacks.

DO WE RECOMMEND IT?

It worked very well on the commute to the office when biking in the rain and on weekend hikes or trips to the beach. It is comfortable but it’s not our first choice for more technical hikes involving heavier gear. A larger pack with more supports would be recommended for that.

On the other hand, for an urban style that can easily handle light expeditions, this is a good one.

The Trail Mountaineer by Rains is a well-made, durable and hybrid choice for a variety of activities, we recommend it!