REI Co-op Commuter Pack vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
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 | 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 |
| 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 | 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 Commuter Pack and Fjallraven Vardag 28
- Opening: Clamshell on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; Top zip on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Water resistant: No on the REI Co-op Commuter Pack; Yes on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 173 accept both. 8 accept only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack, and 0 accept only the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Only the REI Co-op Commuter Pack fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
REI Co-op Commuter Pack vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Vardag 28 carries 6L more than the REI Co-op Commuter Pack (22L vs. 28L), while the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.8kg). 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 Fjallraven Vardag 28; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Commuter Pack is the better call.