So I just finished a 4 month trip to multiple countries. A big part of my trip was hiking the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. I used this pack, the ruck pack 28, as my carry on for all of my flights. Once I arrived in Nepal I realized I broke the frame on my osprey pack that I was going to use for the trek. As a last minute choice, I used the ruck pack 28 as my hiking pack for the 135km multi day trail. Honestly it was the best decision I accidentally made. The trekking pole holders and integrated rain cover made this bag perfect for that type of trek. And the secret pockets were perfect for holding my currency and passport. Super impressed with this bag. Truly multifunctional.
Hey Joe V808! Great to hear from you. Sounds like an amazing trip! Thank you for the update and info. I was really close to taking this bag as my carry on on our recent trip. I may have to next time : ) Thanks again!
Hi! I just want to say that your reviews are very thorough and informative! I’ve been weighing between the REI rucksack 18 and 28 liters. This video helped me make a decision! I hope you keep making bag reviews. Cheers
Just got back from a 2 week trip to Europe. My wife and I both had the REI Ruckpack 40. We flew RyanAir, Veuling, and Easyjet. We had NO problems with any of them including the return flight on Norwegian air that measured and weighed our bags. Absolutely LOVED the Ruckpack 40. It even fit in the lockers at the Louvre. The published measurements are actually a bit smaller than what I measured with the pack full.
Hi Kyle! Great information, thanks for sharing! Even with this bag, I would have been hesitant to use as a personal item but I've heard from others they have used it with no issues. Now I would not hesitate to use it as a personal item. I've been interested in taking a look at the Ruckpack 40 for some time, and hope to do so in the near future. You've given me some motivation to do so sooner than later. Thanks again and safe travels!!
Awesome review! I snagged two during their current sale for an upcoming camping trip. Thank you for the tutorial, much needed as my son and I are new to outdoor trips.
I got the trail 40 as well. You can modify with shock cord and a cinch with the daisy chains. Question? Do you hammock camp? You said a 2 nighter at the beginning. I can’t see tent camping with this bag. I just bought this bag today. Thanks for the review. Couldn’t find the damn rain over. And it’s 🌧 in nyc.
I had a pack with a little hidden pocket on the bottom just like that. I stuck a derringer in it since it was hidden. Nice job on a thorough review on this pack.
Hey Josh! Thank you! Awesome to hear you love the bag. I kept looking for reasons to take the bag back but, as you mention, its a great bag and couldn't find a reason to return. Finding it on clearance is also nice : ) Take care!
Just started watching your videos. I like this set up better than the sofa/loveseat. You are thorough without being too repetitive. I like the fact that you stuff the bags which gives viewers a true perspective. Nice format. I too am an REI fan and this bag looks real good. In the market and been looking at their 40 but a bit afraid it may not pass scrutiny of European flights. Heading to Spain in a few weeks. Now this bag might work for some local one to two night trips I'll be taking once a month. Thanks again. New subscriber.
Thanks Miamis4me! I appreciate the feedback! I agree about the 40, along with bags like the Osprey Porter 46 and Farpoint 40. Love the bags but you never know how "strict" certain airlines may be so it makes packing a little more challenging! Enjoy your trip to Spain, it's definitely on my wish list. I would love to hear which bag you decide on. Take care and safe travels!
Chris, thanks for the shoutout! Awesome thorough review. So as a bag addict, I got the Ruckpack 18, 28, and the 40. They all look identical on the outside but they are all very very different at the same time. Different pockets, access points, etc. the 40L opens up like a clamshell, which is amazing. The 18 is the best day pack for travel I’ve ever used, the lockable zippers and sleek design make getting around feel easy and your stuff feels secure. as for the 40L, I specifically bought that for 1-bag travel to Europe. I travel to Europe 3-4 times a year for a month at a time and usually I’m on dozens of flights....on paper, the Ruckpack 40 looks like it’s too big. I think it’s 2 or 3 inches too big for the carry on requirements listed on the strictest airlines, but I’ve never had a problem! I’ve taken my 40L through Ryan Air, WOW Air, Norwegian Air, Easy Jet, and basically all the other “budget” airlines within Europe, and as long as your bag isn’t stuffed to the max where the zipper is bursting, you’re good. Extra items? Just put them in your “personal item bag.” Again, I’m a light packer so this might not work for those that pack the kitchen sink. Random: i recently traveled to Barcelona for 2 weeks and New Zealand for another 3 weeks.....with just my North Face Base Camp Duffel XS. It’s a 31 liter bag, but I managed to fit the same things as my Ruckpack 40? Thank god for packing cubes. Try out the 40! The organization and secret pockets are ideal for a European trip.
Joe V808, thanks for the awesome information!!! Nothing beats real world experience! Also, thanks for bringing the Ruckpack line to my attention! Very impressed with the 28. Love hearing about TNF Base Camp Duffel XS! Also an amazing bag! Lol, sounds like we may need to start a self help group with our addiction :) !!! Thanks again!
@@ChrisU So I just got back from Spain. Ordered and returned the Osprey Porter 30.I found it too small in comparison to the Eagle Creek EC Lync 20... which is what I ended up taking. I'm so glad I did. The EC Lync 20 was the perfect choice. Not even on Swiss International's smaller plane did I have to check it. It was sized and weighed and still came in under their regulations. And boy was I surprised at how much it holds. I even fit an extra pea coat on the way back! I didn't use the wheels portion which I do regret since at times we had a lot of airport walking to do but I'll try using it with that set up on my next trip...
Miamis4me awesome info, thanks! I hope you enjoyed your trip. I would love to go someday! Good to know about the Porter 30. I like the look of the bag but it doesn't sound practical. Glad to hear the EC Lync 20 came through like a champ! I know it's nice to be hands free traveling but you're right, wheels are nice to have on those long walks. Thanks again for the update!
For hiking purposes is this a good one for day hikes and 2-3 day hikes camp and hike sorry I am new to the hiking scene. Or should I go for a 35-40L bag for 2-3 day hike/camp. I bought this and Ruckpack 18 after watching your reviews was thinking of picking up a flash backpack to. Also could you do a video on how you tie your trekking polls to this bag thank you 🤙🏽🤙🏽 can you give me the link to the blue thing you put your close in thanks. And what light weight waterproof not expensive jacket do you recommend? And a tent and air mattress to use with this backpack. I seen the frozen packed food that I would have to eat. And I would need a small thing to warm up water.
good info, had the 40 and took it back, to big for a day pack for out of town over nighters or a bike trip, Ill be cutting away some of the straps I never use like the hip belt
i live in canada and wanting to order a ruckpack from rei online but debating between 18L & 28L for day hiking. i dont see any comparison videos on youtube..you should do one! 🙌🏻🤞🏻 Thanks for the review! this was helpful
Hi Cynthia! That's a great idea! I've looked at the 18L in store and almost bought it. Both are nice bags but do offer some different features. I know it's always helpful to see before buying. I may just have to make a trip to REI soon : ) Thanks again for the idea. Take care!
Imo the 18 is just too small. Its the difference between having to pack everything super tight, or having a comfortably packed load on your back. The 28 just seemed way more functional for me.
Hey soulkitchen1979! Thank you! I'm not a huge fan of the side pockets either : ) Just used this bag for a 2 night trip and I still feel it's a great bag. It's an even better bag/deal if you can catch it on sale at REI. Take care!
Can you do a comparison of rei Ruckpack 28 vs flash 22 rei.. I am using these for hiking purposes only and camping. Are these good for 2-3 day hike and camping and day hikes and would you be able to give a demonstration how to run your hydration bladder pack with this pack I wouldn’t know how to run the tubing for it and could you recommend me a light weight waterproof jacket that fit in this pack,Thanks 🙏🏽 new to the hiking scene.
Hello! At 10:52 you mention that the sternum straps are adjustable. Does that mean you could move it down lower? I usually wear my bags with my height adjusters down to the bottom just like you did in the video but I would like the straps to be a bit lower.
Hey Trap Card! Yes, this bag offers a lot of room to adjust the sternum strap. In the video, I had the sternum strap high on the backpack straps but you can almost take it down to where you adjust the length of your backpack straps, if that makes sense : ) I measured approximately 9 inches of adjustability. Hope this helps. Take care!
Hi M K.U! Great question! I'll have to give my standard answer. Soft sided bags do give some flexibility as long as they are not overpacked. This bag is technically too large for most, if not all, airline personal items so I would be hesitant to use it as my personal item. REI also makes an 18L version which looks to be a better choice for using as a personal item. I normally use TNF Base Camp Duffel XS or the REI Flash 22, which have worked well for me. Thanks and take care!
@@ChrisU Thank you so much for the response! I went ahead and ordered the REI Ruckpack 18L. If it comes in and I do not like it I will return it and try the Flash 22. By the way your videos are awesome! I will be traveling with the Osprey Transporter 40 (carry-on) and then the 18L as a personal item.
@@ChrisU One thing with the 18L version is I hope it holds my laptop. My laptop is just under 15in and they list the pack as having the ability to hold a 15in laptop. I guess I will see soon.
Awesome, thanks for sharing! I love the Osprey Transporter 40! One of, if not, the best travel bags in my opinion. I've looked at the Ruckpack 18 in store and almost picked it up. I would have if not for buying the 28L. The only downside to the Flash 22 is that it's not the best bag to travel with a laptop. Very thin material with little to no support or protection. Safe travels and thanks again!
Hey M K.U! I had to look but found an old HP laptop that I believe is 15.6". It's pretty bulky but does fit in the bag. The bulk does cut a little into the interior space. A 13" MacBook Pro fits really well.
Chris U awesome thanks!! I recently ordered the 18L and sadly it does not fit my 15in laptop like it states it would. I don’t think it fits any 15in laptop. The 28L might be what I need. Thanks for the response.
Chris U I got the 28L in the mail and it’s amazing. Fits my stuff perfectly. It’s also small enough to go under seats in an aircraft. I had a THULE crossover 32L that was bigger and it went under. I’m so happy I got this pack.
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So I just finished a 4 month trip to multiple countries. A big part of my trip was hiking the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. I used this pack, the ruck pack 28, as my carry on for all of my flights.
Once I arrived in Nepal I realized I broke the frame on my osprey pack that I was going to use for the trek. As a last minute choice, I used the ruck pack 28 as my hiking pack for the 135km multi day trail. Honestly it was the best decision I accidentally made. The trekking pole holders and integrated rain cover made this bag perfect for that type of trek. And the secret pockets were perfect for holding my currency and passport. Super impressed with this bag. Truly multifunctional.
Hey Joe V808! Great to hear from you. Sounds like an amazing trip! Thank you for the update and info. I was really close to taking this bag as my carry on on our recent trip. I may have to next time : ) Thanks again!
Hi! I just want to say that your reviews are very thorough and informative! I’ve been weighing between the REI rucksack 18 and 28 liters. This video helped me make a decision! I hope you keep making bag reviews. Cheers
Just got back from a 2 week trip to Europe. My wife and I both had the REI Ruckpack 40. We flew RyanAir, Veuling, and Easyjet. We had NO problems with any of them including the return flight on Norwegian air that measured and weighed our bags. Absolutely LOVED the Ruckpack 40. It even fit in the lockers at the Louvre. The published measurements are actually a bit smaller than what I measured with the pack full.
Hi Kyle! Great information, thanks for sharing! Even with this bag, I would have been hesitant to use as a personal item but I've heard from others they have used it with no issues. Now I would not hesitate to use it as a personal item. I've been interested in taking a look at the Ruckpack 40 for some time, and hope to do so in the near future. You've given me some motivation to do so sooner than later. Thanks again and safe travels!!
Awesome review! I snagged two during their current sale for an upcoming camping trip. Thank you for the tutorial, much needed as my son and I are new to outdoor trips.
This an awesome looking bag. Great value for money too.
I got the trail 40 as well. You can modify with shock cord and a cinch with the daisy chains. Question? Do you hammock camp? You said a 2 nighter at the beginning. I can’t see tent camping with this bag. I just bought this bag today. Thanks for the review. Couldn’t find the damn rain over. And it’s 🌧 in nyc.
I had a pack with a little hidden pocket on the bottom just like that. I stuck a derringer in it since it was hidden. Nice job on a thorough review on this pack.
Thank you very much!
Lol! Creative way to make use of the pocket!
Great video man! I actually just picked up this pack at an REI clearance sale this past weekend & love it.
Hey Josh! Thank you! Awesome to hear you love the bag. I kept looking for reasons to take the bag back but, as you mention, its a great bag and couldn't find a reason to return. Finding it on clearance is also nice : ) Take care!
Now I just need to go online and order some of those eagle creek cubes. The medium sized one you used looks like it fit perfectly in the pack!
Thanks for the thorough review Chris!
Thank you Rob!
Just started watching your videos. I like this set up better than the sofa/loveseat. You are thorough without being too repetitive. I like the fact that you stuff the bags which gives viewers a true perspective. Nice format. I too am an REI fan and this bag looks real good. In the market and been looking at their 40 but a bit afraid it may not pass scrutiny of European flights. Heading to Spain in a few weeks. Now this bag might work for some local one to two night trips I'll be taking once a month. Thanks again. New subscriber.
Thanks Miamis4me! I appreciate the feedback! I agree about the 40, along with bags like the Osprey Porter 46 and Farpoint 40. Love the bags but you never know how "strict" certain airlines may be so it makes packing a little more challenging! Enjoy your trip to Spain, it's definitely on my wish list. I would love to hear which bag you decide on. Take care and safe travels!
Chris, thanks for the shoutout! Awesome thorough review. So as a bag addict, I got the Ruckpack 18, 28, and the 40. They all look identical on the outside but they are all very very different at the same time. Different pockets, access points, etc. the 40L opens up like a clamshell, which is amazing. The 18 is the best day pack for travel I’ve ever used, the lockable zippers and sleek design make getting around feel easy and your stuff feels secure.
as for the 40L, I specifically bought that for 1-bag travel to Europe. I travel to Europe 3-4 times a year for a month at a time and usually I’m on dozens of flights....on paper, the Ruckpack 40 looks like it’s too big. I think it’s 2 or 3 inches too big for the carry on requirements listed on the strictest airlines, but I’ve never had a problem! I’ve taken my 40L through Ryan Air, WOW Air, Norwegian Air, Easy Jet, and basically all the other “budget” airlines within Europe, and as long as your bag isn’t stuffed to the max where the zipper is bursting, you’re good. Extra items? Just put them in your “personal item bag.”
Again, I’m a light packer so this might not work for those that pack the kitchen sink.
Random: i recently traveled to Barcelona for 2 weeks and New Zealand for another 3 weeks.....with just my North Face Base Camp Duffel XS. It’s a 31 liter bag, but I managed to fit the same things as my Ruckpack 40? Thank god for packing cubes.
Try out the 40! The organization and secret pockets are ideal for a European trip.
Joe V808, thanks for the awesome information!!! Nothing beats real world experience! Also, thanks for bringing the Ruckpack line to my attention! Very impressed with the 28.
Love hearing about TNF Base Camp Duffel XS! Also an amazing bag!
Lol, sounds like we may need to start a self help group with our addiction :) !!! Thanks again!
@@ChrisU So I just got back from Spain. Ordered and returned the Osprey Porter 30.I found it too small in comparison to the Eagle Creek EC Lync 20... which is what I ended up taking. I'm so glad I did. The EC Lync 20 was the perfect choice. Not even on Swiss International's smaller plane did I have to check it. It was sized and weighed and still came in under their regulations. And boy was I surprised at how much it holds. I even fit an extra pea coat on the way back! I didn't use the wheels portion which I do regret since at times we had a lot of airport walking to do but I'll try using it with that set up on my next trip...
Miamis4me awesome info, thanks! I hope you enjoyed your trip. I would love to go someday! Good to know about the Porter 30. I like the look of the bag but it doesn't sound practical. Glad to hear the EC Lync 20 came through like a champ! I know it's nice to be hands free traveling but you're right, wheels are nice to have on those long walks. Thanks again for the update!
For hiking purposes is this a good one for day hikes and 2-3 day hikes camp and hike sorry I am new to the hiking scene. Or should I go for a 35-40L bag for 2-3 day hike/camp. I bought this and Ruckpack 18 after watching your reviews was thinking of picking up a flash backpack to. Also could you do a video on how you tie your trekking polls to this bag thank you 🤙🏽🤙🏽 can you give me the link to the blue thing you put your close in thanks. And what light weight waterproof not expensive jacket do you recommend? And a tent and air mattress to use with this backpack. I seen the frozen packed food that I would have to eat. And I would need a small thing to warm up water.
good info, had the 40 and took it back, to big for a day pack for out of town over nighters or a bike trip, Ill be cutting away some of the straps I never use like the hip belt
Hey Chuck woof! Thanks! The Ruckpack 28 is a great bag multi purpose bag. Take care!
i live in canada and wanting to order a ruckpack from rei online but debating between 18L & 28L for day hiking. i dont see any comparison videos on youtube..you should do one! 🙌🏻🤞🏻 Thanks for the review! this was helpful
Hi Cynthia! That's a great idea! I've looked at the 18L in store and almost bought it. Both are nice bags but do offer some different features. I know it's always helpful to see before buying. I may just have to make a trip to REI soon : ) Thanks again for the idea. Take care!
Chris U 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Imo the 18 is just too small. Its the difference between having to pack everything super tight, or having a comfortably packed load on your back. The 28 just seemed way more functional for me.
Hi! Can we put the bag under the seat with Easy Jet? ( max. 45 x 36 x 20 cm)
Great review. I don't like the side pocket but overall it looks like a great pack.
Hey soulkitchen1979! Thank you! I'm not a huge fan of the side pockets either : ) Just used this bag for a 2 night trip and I still feel it's a great bag. It's an even better bag/deal if you can catch it on sale at REI. Take care!
Can you do a comparison of rei Ruckpack 28 vs flash 22 rei.. I am using these for hiking purposes only and camping. Are these good for 2-3 day hike and camping and day hikes and would you be able to give a demonstration how to run your hydration bladder pack with this pack I wouldn’t know how to run the tubing for it and could you recommend me a light weight waterproof jacket that fit in this pack,Thanks 🙏🏽 new to the hiking scene.
Hello! At 10:52 you mention that the sternum straps are adjustable. Does that mean you could move it down lower? I usually wear my bags with my height adjusters down to the bottom just like you did in the video but I would like the straps to be a bit lower.
Hey Trap Card! Yes, this bag offers a lot of room to adjust the sternum strap. In the video, I had the sternum strap high on the backpack straps but you can almost take it down to where you adjust the length of your backpack straps, if that makes sense : ) I measured approximately 9 inches of adjustability. Hope this helps. Take care!
You think this bag is ok to use as a personal item bag on an airline to go under the seat? Or is it too big?
Hi M K.U! Great question! I'll have to give my standard answer. Soft sided bags do give some flexibility as long as they are not overpacked. This bag is technically too large for most, if not all, airline personal items so I would be hesitant to use it as my personal item. REI also makes an 18L version which looks to be a better choice for using as a personal item. I normally use TNF Base Camp Duffel XS or the REI Flash 22, which have worked well for me. Thanks and take care!
@@ChrisU Thank you so much for the response! I went ahead and ordered the REI Ruckpack 18L. If it comes in and I do not like it I will return it and try the Flash 22. By the way your videos are awesome! I will be traveling with the Osprey Transporter 40 (carry-on) and then the 18L as a personal item.
@@ChrisU One thing with the 18L version is I hope it holds my laptop. My laptop is just under 15in and they list the pack as having the ability to hold a 15in laptop. I guess I will see soon.
Awesome, thanks for sharing! I love the Osprey Transporter 40! One of, if not, the best travel bags in my opinion. I've looked at the Ruckpack 18 in store and almost picked it up. I would have if not for buying the 28L. The only downside to the Flash 22 is that it's not the best bag to travel with a laptop. Very thin material with little to no support or protection. Safe travels and thanks again!
@@ChrisU did the Ruckpack 18 have decent laptop protection?
How well does a 15in laptop fit in the 28L?
Hey M K.U! I had to look but found an old HP laptop that I believe is 15.6". It's pretty bulky but does fit in the bag. The bulk does cut a little into the interior space. A 13" MacBook Pro fits really well.
Chris U awesome thanks!! I recently ordered the 18L and sadly it does not fit my 15in laptop like it states it would. I don’t think it fits any 15in laptop. The 28L might be what I need. Thanks for the response.
Oh, no! I was hoping for better news on the 18L. Yes, check out the 28L if possible. Hopefully it will work!
@@ChrisU other than the laptop issue, the rest of the pack was awesome!!! I am really upset that it did not work out.
Chris U I got the 28L in the mail and it’s amazing. Fits my stuff perfectly. It’s also small enough to go under seats in an aircraft. I had a THULE crossover 32L that was bigger and it went under. I’m so happy I got this pack.