**A Comprehensive Review of the REI Ruckpack 40**
The Perfect Combination of Organization and Comfort
When it comes to multi-stage travel, a good backpack is essential. As someone who’s had their fair share of experience with various daypacks and backpacks, I can confidently say that the REI Ruckpack 40 has earned my loyalty. This pack has proven to be the perfect combination of organization, comfort, and affordability.
- It has a backpacking-pack-style internal frame system supported by a wide, padded hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and load-lifters to keep the weight close to your back.
- It features a back panel with vented Airmesh and dual channels for airflow that help keep sweat at bay.
- It has a comfortable fit, sitting right on the hips, and doesn’t yank the shoulders back.
The Ruckpack 40 is available in both men’s and women’s models, which helps dial in the fit. For me, 40 liters is the perfect size for a trip where I’m trying to pack smart but not limiting myself too much. Our trip was quite varied, including everything from snorkeling on a tropical island to hiking in 40-degree Fahrenheit rain to city sightseeing.
Organization and Packing
I used two Thule packing cubes to organize my clothes (one for shirts and one for pants) and an Eagle Creek packing cube for toiletries. The three cubes were stacked neatly in the main compartment, which opens in a full U-zip for easy access. The multiple mesh and zippered internal pockets were perfect for socks and underwear, important documents, and my electronics and cables.
| Packing Cubes | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Thule packing cubes | Kept clothes organized, made packing and unpacking easier. |
| Eagle Creek packing cube | Helped to keep toiletries tidy and accessible. |
Durability and Features
The bag’s durability is another area where it shines. It’s made with rugged 400-denier nylon outer material, which has held up incredibly well to the abuse of international travel. The pack is also fortified with tough zippers, weight-distributing webbing, and hefty buckles.
“The REI Ruckpack 40 is, without a doubt, my favorite travel backpack, but I also have tested and recommend a few others if you’re looking for different organization and design options.”
Alternative Options
If you like the design of the Ruckpack 40 but want something smaller, REI also makes it in a 30-liter capacity with similar pockets and features, or an 18-liter daypack with a pared-down build. For travelers looking for a different organization and design option, I recommend the Osprey Fairview 40, the Thule Aion 40, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42, and the Gregory Border 30. The Osprey Fairview 40 has a similar design to the Ruckpack 40, but it opens more widely, making it easier to find items fast. The Thule Aion 40 has a more angular structure, which can help when maximizing space with packing cubes and rigid items. The Cotopaxi Allpa 42 has impeccable organization, with a whole bag that opens like a book. The Gregory Border 30 feels like a mix between the Ruckpack and the Allpa, with a comfortable fit and classic travel backpack design.
The Timbuk2 Wingman Travel Backpack Duffel
For travelers looking for the most access while still being able to carry the bag like a backpack, a combination duffel backpack is a good option. The Timbuk2 Wingman Travel Backpack Duffel is a great option, with a mesh compression panel to organize and keep gear in place, and at just under 40 liters, it’s a no-brainer for even the smaller domestic airline overhead bins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the REI Ruckpack 40 is an excellent travel backpack that has earned my loyalty. Its perfect combination of organization, comfort, and affordability makes it a great choice for multi-stage travel. While there are alternative options available, I highly recommend the Ruckpack 40 for its durability and features.
