REI Co-op Commuter Pack vs. Topo Designs Mountain Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
REI Co-op Commuter Pack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×27×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $90 |
Feature by feature
| REI Co-op Commuter Pack | Feature | Topo Designs Mountain Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | >5 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| 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 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled oxford nylon | 1000D exterior, 210D coated pack cloth liner |
Topo Designs Mountain Pack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $180 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Commuter Pack and Topo Designs Mountain Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; >5 on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; Rolltop on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
- Water resistant: No on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; Yes on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 175 accept both. 6 accept only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack, and 0 accept only the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
Only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
REI Co-op Commuter Pack vs. Topo Designs Mountain Pack: which should you pack?
The Topo Designs Mountain Pack carries 8L more than the REI Co-op Commuter Pack (22L vs. 30L), while the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Commuter Pack fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Topo Designs Mountain Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the better call.