REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
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 | Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon shell frame: Rigid foam | 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish |
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $109 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Other on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
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 42 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, 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. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 carries 2L more than the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L (28L vs. 26L), while the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits 94% 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 Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the better call.