REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Timbuk2 Command
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 | Timbuk2 Command |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Compression | N | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| side | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Backpack | ||
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | ||
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210-denier nylon ripstop | |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and Timbuk2 Command
- Passport pocket: Side on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; Top on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Hip belt: Removable on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; No on the Timbuk2 Command.
- Main compartments: 2 on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; 5 on the Timbuk2 Command.
Both have: sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 172 accept both. 9 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18, and 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Command.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Timbuk2 Command: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Command carries 14L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 32L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.1kg). 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 Timbuk2 Command; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the better call.