REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Kifaru Antero
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 | Kifaru Antero |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled nylon shell frame: Rigid foam | 500 Denier Cordura Lined with 400 D packcloth |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Kifaru Antero
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Kifaru Antero.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Kifaru Antero.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 137 accept both. 0 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 39 accept only the Kifaru Antero.
Only the Kifaru Antero fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, 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. Kifaru Antero: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 carries 3L more than the Kifaru Antero (28L vs. 25L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kifaru Antero fits 93% 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 Ruckpack 28 is the better call.