Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. REI Co-op Trail 40
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×31×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L | Feature | REI Co-op Trail 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 7.9-oz 210-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a TPU coating | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
REI Co-op Trail 40
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×30×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L and REI Co-op Trail 40
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Removable on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 5 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Rain cover: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 2, side on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 50 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L, and 38 accept only the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Only the REI Co-op Trail 40 fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. REI Co-op Trail 40: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Trail 40 carries 2L more than the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L (38L vs. 40L), while the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the REI Co-op Trail 40 fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the REI Co-op Trail 40; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the better call.