REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
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 | Fjallraven Vardag 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | 100% polyester 600D (recycled) |
Fjallraven Vardag 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×29×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $100 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 and Fjallraven Vardag 28
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Top zip on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Rain cover: Yes on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28; No on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 136 accept both. 1 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28, and 37 accept only the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Fjallraven Vardag 28 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, 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. Fjallraven Vardag 28: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 carries the same capacity as the Fjallraven Vardag 28 (28L vs. 28L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Vardag 28 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.