I've been using this pack for two weeks now, and I love it so much that I'm tempted to get another one for when this wears out. I like this much better than the current Traverse 30 (darker blue, large mesh pocket).
The extra pockets are very well thought out. None of them has an organizer panel (with separate mesh pockets for cell phone, pens etc.) if that matters to you. There are two pockets on top: the outside one is around 8x5" and good for holding smaller items; the other has some depth (9x8x2") and my favorite use so far has been holding berries from the farmers market, when I didn't want them to get crushed in the main compartment.
The two front pockets are not symmetrical. There is an outside one, probably best for holding a map while hiking, and an inner one that has 2-3" of depth. This is where I keep all the random stuff that I don't want in the main compartment. (The larger top compartment is good for quick access, but I wouldn't want to load it down with too much weight.)
I've only used it as a daily pack around the city so far, but I think it would be terrific on day hiks as well. As a carry-on for air travel, the length of this pack makes it stick out a few inches from under the seat, but the top pockets are great for stashing items during a flight without removing the entire pack. Thank you REI (and please consider making this version of the Traverse again in the future). The reviewer who called this the best daypack ever--I totally agree.

Love this bag! I needed a bag to fit my office clothes and an extra set of workout clothes and lunch/snack for the day. This bag is the perfect size (one overnight) and is super comfy for commuting :) Weight distribution, chest and waist straps make a big load easy to carry. Very happy overall.

I needed a smaller pack than my 52 liter so i got this one with my coupon. Its is great! Its comfy and has useful pockets. The 10 essentials are also listen in the inside. Nice pack and i'll test it out next weekend for a strenuous hike.