5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L vs. REI Co-op Trail 40
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L
| Capacity | 55 L |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 58×34×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 16% |
| Price | $190 |
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L | 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 |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1050D nylon (MultiCam® 1000D nylon) | 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 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L and REI Co-op Trail 40
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L; No on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Main compartments: 6 on the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L; 5 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Built-in organizer: No on the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Rain cover: No on the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 31 accept both. 0 accept only the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L, and 57 accept only the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Only the REI Co-op Trail 40 fits
Aegean Airlines, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Atlas Global, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, EVA Air, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iran Aseman Air, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Kuwait Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Onur Air, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L vs. REI Co-op Trail 40: which should you pack?
The 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L carries 15L more than the REI Co-op Trail 40 (55L vs. 40L), while the REI Co-op Trail 40 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 2.4kg). 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 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 Backpack 55L; if you want to travel lighter, the REI Co-op Trail 40 is the better call.