REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Deuter Giga
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 Giga |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| 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 | 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 | 300D ripstop polyester |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Deuter Giga
- Compression straps: 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Deuter Giga.
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Top zip on the Deuter Giga.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Deuter Giga.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, 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 38 accept only the Deuter Giga.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Deuter Giga fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, 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. Deuter Giga: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 carries the same capacity as the Deuter Giga (28L vs. 28L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Deuter Giga fits 92% 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.