---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/4ur3vo1zzw/rei-co-op-ruckpack-18/cp4fciny/tom-bihn-synapse-19/"
title: "REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs Tom Bihn Synapse 19"
description: "REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs Tom Bihn Synapse 19: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/4ur3vo1zzw/rei-co-op-ruckpack-18/cp4fciny/tom-bihn-synapse-19/"
---
1.  [Home](https://onebag.travel/)
2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 19

# REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 19

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [REI Co-op Ruckpack 18](https://onebag.travel/carryon/4ur3vo1zzw/rei-co-op-ruckpack-18/)

![Front facing view of the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601601381/carryons/reirutpack_nq5156.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>18 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.7 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>44×26×18 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>96%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$65</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>210-denier nylon ripstop</td><td>200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Tom Bihn Synapse 19](https://onebag.travel/carryon/cp4fciny/tom-bihn-synapse-19/)

by [Tom Bihn](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Tom Bihn)

![Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Synapse 19](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/carryons/uwtawghajoe4uwr4xhoy)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>19 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>0.7 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>41×29×20 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$240</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.