REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack (10L) Review
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A no-frills, ripstop nylon drawcord stuff sack that punches above its weight class on value — but isn't a substitute for a true dry bag.
Overview
The REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack is designed to save space in your pack by corralling bulky gear — like sleeping bags and puffy jackets — without adding significant weight to your load.
It’s a dead-simple drawcord stuff sack: no compression straps, no roll-top, no frills.
Available in capacities from 5 to 20 liters, the lineup weighs between 0.04 and 0.08 lbs across sizes
, making the 10L version one of the lighter options in its price bracket. This is squarely aimed at weight-conscious backpackers who want basic gear organization at a budget price — not waterproofing, not compression.
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21 g (0.74 oz) |
| Volume | 10L |
| Sizes Available | 5L, 10L, 15L, 20L |
| Material | Ripstop nylon |
| Water Resistance | PFAS-free DWR coating |
| Closure | Drawcord |
| Price | ~$12.95–$15.95 |
| Rating | 4.6/5 (7 reviews) |
| Comparison | See how REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack compares to similar gear |
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At 21 grams for the 10L, this is genuinely a light sack. For context, the REI Co-op Durable Stuff Sack in the same capacity runs considerably heavier, and even Sea to Summit’s 70-denier Lightweight Dry Bags tip the scales heavier once you add the roll-top hardware. The weight savings are real, even if they’re modest in absolute terms — at this size category, every gram does count when you’re carrying two or three stuff sacks across a long trip.
The sack is made from ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without PFAS, which helps moisture bead up on the surface.
That’s meaningful in two ways: the PFAS-free formulation is a genuine environmental step forward, and the DWR will handle light condensation and splash. But don’t mistake it for waterproofing — this is a stuff sack, not a dry bag. If you’re packing anything truly moisture-sensitive (down insulation, electronics, first-aid supplies), plan to use a liner or reach for a roll-top dry bag instead.
The drawcord closure is fast and intuitive. You pull the cord, cinch it down with the cordlock, and you’re done. One reviewer noted it lacks an end flap to protect the bag contents from full exposure to the environment — a fair point. The cinched top leaves a small opening that’s fine for most gear but does expose contents to dust and light moisture. If you’re using this to store a down quilt in your pack, that’s something to keep in mind.
It’s also worth flagging a caveat that applies across REI’s stuff sack lineup: the stated volume is for a fully open stuff sack, as the size measurements are to the very edge of the fabric. When fully cinched closed, the capacity is somewhat less. Budget a little extra room when sizing for a specific sleeping bag or jacket.
REI’s Co-op label offers strong value in outdoor basics and accessories, and this sack competes directly with other light-not-ultralight offerings from brands like Sea to Summit.
That’s an accurate assessment. It isn’t going to beat a Hyperlite Mountain Gear DCF drawstring sack on weight-to-durability ratio, but it costs a fraction of the price and will handle normal backpacking duty without complaint.
User feedback is limited — only 7 reviews on the current SKU — so take that 4.6-star average with a grain of salt. One reviewer confirmed that the “light weight stuff sack is as described” and that the 5L fit a belay parka perfectly. That’s the ballpark: it does exactly what it says it will do, and very little else.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuinely light at 21 g for the 10L — one of the lighter options at this price
- PFAS-free DWR finish handles light splash and condensation
- Four sizes give you flexibility across different use cases
- Budget-friendly at under $16 for the 10L
- REI Co-op is Climate Label certified — a real sustainability commitment
- Fast, fuss-free drawcord operation
Cons
- Not waterproof — DWR only; inadequate for prolonged rain or wet gear
- No end flap means the drawcord opening is semi-exposed when cinched
- Stated volume is measured fully open; effective capacity when cinched is less
- Very limited real-world review data on the current SKU (238955)
- No compression capability — if you need to shrink a sleeping bag, look elsewhere
- Thin ripstop nylon; avoid packing rigid or sharp items
Who Should Buy This
This sack is for the weight-aware backpacker who wants a simple, cheap organizer for soft goods — a puffy jacket, camp socks, a fleece, a quilt that already packs small. If you’re building a three-bag organization system (clothes, sleep, misc) and want to keep the overhead as close to zero as possible, the REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack is a sensible pick. Skip it if your primary concern is waterproofing, compression, or durability under hard use. For those needs, step up to the REI Co-op Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack, a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry bag, or — if budget permits — an HMG DCF drawstring sack.
Verdict
The REI Co-op Lightweight Stuff Sack is a competent, honest piece of kit that doesn’t oversell itself. At 21 grams and sub-$16, it’s a low-stakes, low-weight way to bring some organization to your pack interior — and the PFAS-free DWR and Climate Label certification are genuine positives that distinguish it from cheaper no-name alternatives. Just be clear on what it is: a DWR-treated drawcord sack, not a dry bag. Match the tool to the job, and it won’t let you down. Rating: 7/10.