REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
REI Co-op Flash Pack 22
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 | Feature | Fjallraven Vardag 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | 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 | |
| Recycled nylon (bluesign®;-approved) | 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 Flash Pack 22 and Fjallraven Vardag 28
- Compression straps: No on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22; 2 on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Opening: Top flap on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22; Top zip on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Hip belt: Yes on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Water resistant: No on the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22; Yes on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, 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. 173 accept both. 3 accept only the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22, and 0 accept only the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Only the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Vardag 28 carries 6L more than the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 (22L vs. 28L), while the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 is the lighter pack at 0.4kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Flash Pack 22 fits 93% 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 Flash Pack 22 is the better call.