REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. MixedWorks Falcon S

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 18FeatureMixedWorks Falcon S
Storage
Compression 2
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
side Passport front
N Passthrough N
Carry
Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt removable
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
2 Main Compartments 2
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
210-denier nylon ripstopCORDURA® 1000 outer shell Waterproof X- Pac® liner YKK zippers and buckles

MixedWorks Falcon S

Front facing view of the MixedWorks Falcon S
Capacity20 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions49×30×17 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$320

Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and MixedWorks Falcon S

Both have: hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water resistant.

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 Ruckpack 18, and 0 accept only the MixedWorks Falcon S.

Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits

Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. MixedWorks Falcon S: which should you pack?

The MixedWorks Falcon S carries 2L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 20L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1kg). 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 MixedWorks Falcon S; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the better call.