Timbuk2 Blink vs. Rehose Barrel
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Blink | Feature | Rehose Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | ||
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura black500D Cordura colored lining | |
Rehose Barrel
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $210 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Blink and Rehose Barrel
- Passport pocket: Front on the Timbuk2 Blink; Top on the Rehose Barrel.
- Sternum strap: No on the Timbuk2 Blink; Removable on the Rehose Barrel.
Both have: 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. 133 accept both. 34 accept only the Timbuk2 Blink, and 3 accept only the Rehose Barrel.
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the Rehose Barrel fits
Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, WestJet.
Timbuk2 Blink vs. Rehose Barrel: which should you pack?
The Rehose Barrel carries 4L more than the Timbuk2 Blink (24L vs. 28L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Blink fits 88% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Rehose Barrel; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.