REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. REI Co-op Commuter Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $130 |
Feature by feature
| REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 | Feature | REI Co-op Commuter Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon shell frame: Rigid foam | 100% recycled oxford nylon |
REI Co-op Commuter Pack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×27×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and REI Co-op Commuter Pack
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 137 accept both. 0 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 44 accept only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack.
Only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. REI Co-op Commuter Pack: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 carries 6L more than the REI Co-op Commuter Pack (28L vs. 22L), while the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Commuter Pack fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the better call.