REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
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 | Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| 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 | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| 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 | SHELL200 |
Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×31×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $325 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
- Compression straps: 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 16in on the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L.
- Main compartments: 3 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; 1 on the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 132 accept both. 5 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 35 accept only the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.
Only the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, 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), Volotea, Xiamen.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L carries 2L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 (28L vs. 30L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L fits 88% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the better call.