REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Salkan The Carry-On 35L
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 | Salkan The Carry-On 35L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 39L |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | back |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon shell frame: Rigid foam | Recycled 900D COTNA Polyester with wax finish |
Salkan The Carry-On 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×31×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 69% |
| Price | $275 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Salkan The Carry-On 35L
- Compression straps: 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 4 on the Salkan The Carry-On 35L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Back on the Salkan The Carry-On 35L.
- Main compartments: 3 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 1 on the Salkan The Carry-On 35L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Salkan The Carry-On 35L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, rain cover, 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. 129 accept both. 8 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 1 accept only the Salkan The Carry-On 35L.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Only the Salkan The Carry-On 35L fits
Pakistan International.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Salkan The Carry-On 35L: which should you pack?
The Salkan The Carry-On 35L carries 7L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 (28L vs. 35L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.9kg). 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 Salkan The Carry-On 35L; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the better call.