REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L

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

REI Co-op Ruckpack 18

Front facing view of the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18
Capacity18 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×26×18 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$65

Feature by feature

REI Co-op Ruckpack 18FeaturePatagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
Storage
Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
side Passport front
N Passthrough N
Carry
Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt N
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
15in Laptop 13in
2 Main Compartments 2
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
210-denier nylon ripstop7.3-oz 400-denier recycled Polyester with DWR Finish

Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L

Capacity20 L
Weight0.6 kg
Dimensions41×30×13 cm
Airline fit95%
Price$90

Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L

Both have: 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 Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.

Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits

Great Lakes Airlines.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L: which should you pack?

The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L carries 2L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 20L), while the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (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 Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L is the better call.