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Overview of the REI Ruckpack 40

• Cost: $139.00
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Dimensions: 24″ x 13″ x 10″ (61 x 33 x 25 cm)
• Style: Top Load
• Weight: 4.25 lbs.
• Laptop: 15”
• Materials: 210D ripstop nylon
• Shop: REI Ruckpack 40 @ REI

This is a great bag for first time minimalist travelers, longing to carry less stuff, or if you want to combine travel with trail hiking. The versatility, sizing options, and low cost will appeal to new travelers and backpackers who like top-loading packs. But thin denier nylon, and an awkward packing style will prove frustrating to experienced one baggers, or those who prefer bags with easier access.

This bag is very similar in design to the popular Osprey Farpoint 40, so be sure to also check that one out if you’re considering the REI Ruckpack 40.

Shop Ruckpack at REI

Note: The REI Ruckpack 40 has been updated to a lighter (2lb 4oz.) recycled version. The original is still availalbe on clearance. Also available in a Women’s version.

Materials, colors, and sizes

The REI Ruckpack 40 is constructed from thin-weight nylon material, an uncoated 210 Denier ripstop nylon. While stronger than polyester, this fabric is thinner than the kind used in most travel backpacks. Compare it to the 1680 Denier ballistic nylon of the Aer Travel Pack 2, the 940 CORDURA of the Patagonia MLC 45, or even the 600 denier Minaal 2.0. It does however, match the 210D fabric of its nearest competitor, the Osprey Farpoint 40.

Dimensions

If you’re a fan of 90’s movies, you’ll understand why I say “You’re killing me smalls” when I refer to the dimensions on the REI Ruckpack 40. At 24”x13”x10”, it’s just slightly above the standard carry-on dimensions of 22”x14”x9”. Most bags intended for travel try to stay below this standard, as an oversized bag cannot be taken as carry on luggage in the airplane and must be checked. Why REI insisted on making the Ruckpack just 2” taller is beyond me.

The good news is that this backpack is soft sided, and can fit into smaller spaces than the dimensions suggest, if it isn’t too full. The solid back support panel is about 21.5” tall, meaning if you don’t over pack the bag, it will fit in the overhead fine. Recently I took the Ruckpack to Puerto Rico on Spirit Airlines, who have a 22”x18”x10” carry on size. My bag wasn’t packed completely full, and it fit easily.  

Weight

This backpack has a lot of extras such as the spring metal frame, beefy backpack straps, padded hip belt, and side and top pockets, causing it to weigh in at a hefty 4.19 lbs. This might not be a deal-breaker for many people, but it’s a lot, especially when you consider airlines commonly restrict carry on weight from between 15-22 lbs. Your bag could be a quarter of your total weight! Also compare this to the Osprey Farpoint 40, which weighs in at 3.17 lbs (M/L), a full pound lighter.

Sizing

One of the reasons I say this bag is good for most travelers is that the REI Ruckpack 40 has sizing options, while many of the most popular travel backpacks don’t. The Men’s version fits torso lengths from 18-20”, and waist/hips of 30-46”. The Women’s version will fit a torso length of 16-18”, and waist/hips from 28-38”.

Instead of labeling the bags as “women’s” and “men’s” versions, it might be more appropriate to label them by their sizing, as Small and Large. The arbitrary sex of the bag is irrelevant, as the dimensions, weight, and carrying capacity of both these bags are identical.

Exterior components

There’s a lot happening on the outside of this pack. So much so that I’m not really sure how some of these features apply to a travel bag. There are exactly 16 daisy chain loops, 2 bungee loops, 8 fabric loops, 2 expandable water bottle pockets, 2 side pockets, a top compartment (brain), a bottom access rain cover pocket, 2 side compression straps, and 2 side carry handles. And this isn’t even counting the backpack straps!

Exterior pockets, compartments, and organization

Despite the overabundance of straps and loops on this bag, the REI Ruckpack 40 offers a lot of organizational options. The top brain pocket allows easy access to smaller items, while the two side water bottle pockets are also useful for larger items like a tripod or umbrella. However while most appropriate for actual backpacking, you probably won’t find a use for most of the (26!) exterior loops on this pack.

Side Pockets

Access is a good thing, but too much access isn’t. Especially if you’re talking about other people’s access to the inside of you bag. Ideally you want one main zipper access on your bag, and a way to secure the zipper. Additional zippered pockets are fine, but you don’t want them all going into the main pocket. The REI Ruckpack 40 has a main pocket with a lockable zipper, which you can also access from one of the unlockable side zippers. This is a problem. What good is a lockable main compartment, if you can easily access it from an unlockable side zipper? A quick, but not ideal, solution is to use a keyring, or a small carabiner to secure the zipper to a fabric loop.

Backpack Straps

This is where this pack shines bright. Modeled after a true backpacking backpack, REI endows the Ruckpack 40 with a full-featured backpack carry system. Complete with large padded shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap (with a whistle!), a padded hip belt, and comfortable foam, breathable back padding. As an added bonus, this entire entourage can be stored inside a zippered fabric flap, allowing for a cleaner looking bag, and easier trips through the airport security line.

It’s Waterproof!

The 210D ripstop nylon fabric is no match for the mighty torrents of rain you will inevitable encounter on your journey. Luckily, the REI Ruckpack 40 includes a magical built-in rain blocking device, a raincover! Stowed away into a secret compartment on the bottom of the bag, the raincover is there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t.

Interior components and design

Full Zip Opening

The self-described full-flay zippered opening on the REI Ruckpack 40 initially seems like a great asset. However, in reality this is feature is only moderately useful when packing the backpack, because functionally the Ruckpack is a top-loading backpack. The extended zipper is great when you initially load the bag, but will quickly unleash your gear into an unorganized pile if you attempt to access it while your bag is fully packed.

Interior Pockets

I was about to bring an empty packing cube for dirty laundry when I discovered the large interior mesh zippered pocket. Perfect for laundry! I love pockets, and the Ruckpack does not disappoint. The large mesh pocket runs the length of the bag, and is great for loose items, and is big enough to fit most of your dirty laundry. The bottom of the brain has another smaller zippered mesh pocket, with a keyring lanyard. And a third mesh interior pocket separates the exterior side pocket from the interior. While not zippered it works as a separator for medium sized items.

Hydration Reservoir….er….Laptop Compartment

A standard backing backpack has a sleeve on the back of the bag to hold a water bladder. This is a great feature when you’re on the trail, easy access to water without putting your bag down. However, the sleeve doesn’t really do double duty as a laptop compartment. Can you put a laptop in here? Sure, of course you can. Is it going to be an easily accessible, padded case designed to protect high-priced electronics? Absolutely not.

Packing the REI Ruckpack 40

Click here for a drop down packing list for the REI Ruckpack 40

Packing the Ruckpack proved challenging for me. I’m used to both top-loading style backpacking packs, and clamshell-style carry on bags. The Ruckpack uses an odd combination of both of these styles, while not maximizing the advantage of either.

The way I see it, you have a couple options for packing the main compartment of the REI Ruckpack 40. You can roll and stuff your clothes and gear like you would on a backpacking backpack. Distributing the weight with lighter items on the bottom, and medium and heavier items towards your back, and the top. Or you can use packing cubes.

Packing cubes will work in this bag, but you might need to get creative. Because the pack is taller and thinner than most carry on bags, they won’t fit perfectly. My solution to this was to use two medium Eagle Creek packing cubes, stuffed in the bottom of the pack. Then zip it up most of the way, and put the remaining loose items (jacket, toiletry kit etc.) on top.

The metal frame is not your friend here. It prevents the backpack from standing up straight, and it will fall over, and slip and slide all over the place when you try to pack it from the top. Especially on smooth surfaces.

The remaining loose items are pretty easy to pack into the interior or exterior pockets. Small items and electronics in the two brain pockets, travel documents and longer items in the side pockets. I would be careful of the one side-access pocket though, keep it secure when you’re in public places, as it’s pretty easy to get into the main compartment of your bag this way.

Fit, durability, and testing

Because of the full function backpack straps, this bag is super comfortable to carry. At 5’10”, the men’s size of the bag fits me well. When the bag is fully packed the adjustable sternum strap, and padded hip belt help to distribute the weight, and keep the shoulder straps in a comfortable position.

The lightweight denier fabric makes me a bit apprehensive. The 210 denier ripstop is pretty thin for a travel packpack that sees a lot of abrasion through loading and unloading. I haven’t had the bag rip on me yet, but if it did this is probably be where it would happened. As for the stitching and craftsmanship, the bag is definitely well made. And it’s hard to go wrong with an REI purchase, they have one of the best guarantees in the business and you can return it for up to a year if you don’t like it.

Overall summary

If you’re new to one bag travel, or if you prefer top loading packs, this will be a great choice for you. It has a super comfortable carry system, a large capacity, tons of pockets, and a great price. If you are more familiar with clamshell style luggage or backpacks, the REI Ruckpack 40 will probably be frustrating for you to pack. The backpack is well made, and definitely worth the price, however a thin material and heavy weight might be a deal-breaker for some minimalist travelers.

Best features

• Great price
• Large capacity (40 liters)
• Super comfortable backpack straps

Worst features

• Heavy at over 4 lbs.
• Awkward packing style
• Thin 210D ripstop nylon

Details and Buy

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