Is the Nomad RT 38 big enough for overnight trips?

38 liters covers a light overnight or a fast multi-day trip with compact gear. Bulkier sleeping bags and pads will push it toward a weekend-only pack.

Does it come with a rain cover?

Yes. A rain cover is built in, so you do not need to buy one separately.

How does the roll-top closure work in practice?

You roll the top down and buckle it, which lets the pack shrink as you eat through supplies. The trade-off is that you unpack from the top rather than through a front panel.

Is it compatible with a hydration bladder?

Yes. It has a hydration sleeve and hose routing, so a reservoir can be carried inside the main body.

How does it compare with lighter 38 L packs?

It weighs more than many ultralight rivals, but the aluminum stays, ripstop fabric and included rain cover give it durability and weather protection those packs often lack.

Who is this pack not for?

Ultralight backpackers counting ounces and travelers who want panel-loading access will likely find it heavy and awkward.

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A do-it-all daypack for trail and travel

Name: ALPS Mountaineering Nomad RT 38 Pack
Brand: ALPS Mountaineering
Availability: InStock

ALPS Mountaineering Nomad RT 38 Pack

The ALPS Mountaineering Nomad RT 38 pack, sized for day hikes and overnighters, for hikers who want one bag that handles both.

Deal score 6.1 · Great deal

$109.67$220.00 REI's regular price

You save $110.33 at REI

Deal.ai's agents found this deal on November 14. The store may have changed its price since.

Why it's a great deal

Elsewhere right now: Arvada Army Navy Surplus $139.99, Frank's Great Outdoors $171.99, Nexgen Outfitters $179.99, and 1 more (typical $175.99 across 4 stores)
Cheaper than all 4 other stores selling it right now
REI lists its regular price at $220.00: 50% off by its own figures

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Specs

Capacity: 38 L
Closure Type: Roll-top
Suitable Activities: Hiking, Backpacking
Typical Users: Hiker
Water Resistance: Built-in rain cover
Tear Resistance: Ripstop, Yes
Hard Shell: No
Bag Type: Pack
Color: Chili/Charcoal
Style: Mountaineering

About the ALPS Mountaineering Nomad RT 38 Pack

The Nomad RT 38 is a 38-liter roll-top backpacking pack built around a pair of aluminum frame stays and a honeycomb ripstop nylon body. The roll-top closure lets you cinch the load down as the pack empties, and a built-in rain cover handles wet weather without a separate purchase. At 4 lbs 6 oz it is on the heavier side for its volume, so it suits hikers and backpackers who value a simple, weather-ready design over ultralight weight. It competes with roll-top packs from larger outdoor brands that often cost more and sometimes leave the rain cover as an add-on.

Best forWeekend and multi-day backpackersHikers who want a roll-top and rain cover built inBuyers who prefer a simple, durable pack over ultralight gearRiders and hikers who carry a hydration reservoir

Pros

Roll-top closure compresses the load as it shrinks
Built-in rain cover included
Ripstop nylon resists tears
Dual aluminum stays add structure and load transfer
Hydration compatible with side compression straps and lashing points

Cons

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