REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line

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 18FeatureOrtlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line
Storage
Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 2
side Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt removable
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
2 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
210-denier nylon ripstopPS55C

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line

Front facing view of the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line
Capacity21 L
Weight0.74 kg
Dimensions50×30×15.5 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$200

Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line

Both have: hip belt, 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. 173 accept both. 8 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18, and 0 accept only the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line.

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. Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line: which should you pack?

The Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line carries 3L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 21L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.74kg). 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 Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the better call.