5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack vs. REI Co-op Trail 40
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×33×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack | 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 |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 330D ripstop 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 Skyweight 36L Pack and REI Co-op Trail 40
- Hip belt: Removable on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; Removable on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Main compartments: 4 on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; 5 on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Built-in organizer: No on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
- Water resistant: No on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack; Yes on the REI Co-op Trail 40.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, rain cover, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 88 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack vs. REI Co-op Trail 40: which should you pack?
The REI Co-op Trail 40 carries 4L more than the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack (36L vs. 40L), while the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack 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 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack is the better call.