REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 19
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×26×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $65 |
Feature by feature
| REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 | Feature | Tom Bihn Synapse 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Compression | N | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| side | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Backpack | Y | |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | 1, front | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210-denier nylon ripstop | 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back |
Tom Bihn Synapse 19
| Capacity | 19 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×29×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and Tom Bihn Synapse 19
- Passport pocket: Side on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; Front on the Tom Bihn Synapse 19.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; No on the Tom Bihn Synapse 19.
- Main compartments: 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; 6 on the Tom Bihn Synapse 19.
Both have: hip belt, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 180 accept both. 1 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Synapse 19.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 19: which should you pack?
The Tom Bihn Synapse 19 carries 1L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 19L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tom Bihn Synapse 19; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the better call.