REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Chrome Rostov
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 | Chrome Rostov |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Compression | 2 | |
| 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 | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | 1, side | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210-denier nylon ripstop | Abrasion resistant 1050d nylon exterior 1680d ballistic nylon bottom panel |
Chrome Rostov
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×31×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 and Chrome Rostov
- Passport pocket: Side on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; Front on the Chrome Rostov.
- Hip belt: Removable on the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18; No on the Chrome Rostov.
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. 174 accept both. 7 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18, and 0 accept only the Chrome Rostov.
Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 vs. Chrome Rostov: which should you pack?
The Chrome Rostov carries 5L more than the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 (18L vs. 23L), while the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). 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 Chrome Rostov; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 is the better call.