REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Deuter Gigant
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 | Deuter Gigant |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | 300D PES Ripstop, PFAS free |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Deuter Gigant
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Top zip on the Deuter Gigant.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 17in on the Deuter Gigant.
- Main compartments: 3 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 6 on the Deuter Gigant.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Deuter Gigant.
- Water resistant: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Deuter Gigant.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, built-in organizer, 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. 136 accept both. 1 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 1 accept only the Deuter Gigant.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Deuter Gigant fits
Pakistan International.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Deuter Gigant: which should you pack?
The Deuter Gigant carries 4L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 (28L vs. 32L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits 72% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Deuter Gigant; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the better call.