Jansport Odyssey vs. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Jansport Odyssey

Front facing view of the Jansport Odyssey
Capacity39 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions50×35×31 cm
Airline fit2%
Price$100

Feature by feature

Jansport OdysseyFeatureREI Co-op Ruckpack 40
Storage
2 Compression 2
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
top Passport top, side
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack hideable
hideable Hip Belt hideable
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
5 Main Compartments 5
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly Y
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
420 Polyester Dobby, 210 Nylon Point Dobby, 840 Junior Ballistic Nylonrecycled nylon shell

REI Co-op Ruckpack 40

Capacity40 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions58×38×24 cm
Airline fit4%
Price$159

Key differences between the Jansport Odyssey and REI Co-op Ruckpack 40

Both have: compression straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 2 accept only the Jansport Odyssey, and 5 accept only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40.

Only the Jansport Odyssey fits

Adria Airways, Air New Zealand.

Only the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 fits

Frontier Airlines, Island Air, PenAir, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country.

Jansport Odyssey vs. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40: which should you pack?

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 carries 1L more than the Jansport Odyssey (39L vs. 40L), while the Jansport Odyssey is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 fits 4% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40; if you want to travel lighter, the Jansport Odyssey is the better call.