REI Co-op  Ruckpack 18 Recycled Daypack

Small daypack with a single exterior water bottle holder, one exterior side zip (phone/wallet/snack bar sized) and a main compartment that is compatible with a hydration bladder/hose. There are also exterior loops for hiking pole cross storage. Pros: Lightweight, reinforced/padded back suitable for a small laptop as well, chest and waist strap, built-in whistle. Cons: Shoulder straps and buckles are narrow (feels and looks like a child's pack). Because of the smaller/shorter size of the pack, the bottom digs into your lower back unless you since the shoulder straps tight. Side water bottle holder will not fit the width of a 32oz standard plastic water bottle unless you force stretch it in. Exterior side zip compartment is slim and will only fit a phone and thin wallet. Wish it had one more exterior zip compartment along the top or across the front for additional quick access storage of small items (snacks, keys, wallet, chapstick, sunscreen, etc.) Solid pack if you're looking for something basic with some padding. Leans towards the minimalistic, solid non-flashy coloring, and can also pass for school or everyday work bag. Will fit a small/lightweight rain jacket and your lunchbox.

I love this pack for travel or a day hike. The straps aren't as meaty as some of my other packs, so it's not for anything super heavy. I love the color I got and the inside area is really huge. It could use an external pocket in the top or front, but does contain a side external pocket. The water bottle external pocket is nice and tall so a bottle doesn't fall out easily. I lost one of the buckles that are attached to the top front because they're removable. I contacted REI but they don't have any in stock to reorder so that's a bummer. Overall I do like the pack though.

I bought this, needing a new daily pack for hikes down the green belt and putting my server book and apron into for work etc. thought it was only main pocket and side water bottle pocket. But really has a hidden third pocket which surprised me and I fell in love with it. Light weight and comfortable definitely recommend this, almost bought the 24L but definitely glad I stayed toward the 18L

This is a pack that might be considered by smaller/shorter people who are seeking a smaller day pack. It has very modest capacity and the straps and padding reflect this. That is, they are adequate for light loads. Try this pack on before you buy. If you buy online, consider the following: The waist strap on the bag I bought barely fit around my 34” waist even when I wasn't wearing a jacket. Perhaps this was because the straps weren’t at the height for my waist, but rather my rib cage. I am 5’ 11” and this pack simply did not fit my torso. [This was my fault as I didn’t try the pack on in the store or read a description.]

This bag has all I need and more. I love the details - hiking pole holders, a clip for my keys on the inside pocket, an adjustable chest clip, a side pocket for my passport and pens, a deep water bottle holder, even a whistle, and more. It's a benefit to hold my 14" laptop so I use the pack every day use too. Highly recommend.

I took my new pack for a 5 mile hike today with our dog. I love that there are so many compartments in the pack, including space for my hydration reservoir with a velcro tab to keep it in place. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear. I'm 5' and it fit perfectly. I've had other packs and never really took them out. This is great for hiking or even short trips. My 15" laptop fits perfectly inside. I'm tempted to buy another color.

This updated design of the Ruckpack 18 is lacking the three most useful pockets that were present in the previous versions. One was a slot within the main compartment, adjacent to the water bottle holder. The next was a small card/wallet slot in the zippered pocket on the side. The most useful was a hidden, zippered compartment within this side pocket. Very, very sad that these features are missing. The Flash 22 has more useful pockets than this Ruckpack!! That said, I'm still considering keeping this backpack... the overall form factor and size remains functional (enough) for my needs, mainly as a commuter bag. If the next iteration of the Ruckpack 18 includes more of the hidden pockets/slots, I would switch immediately and relegate this one to hiking bag status... although truthfully I'd reach for the Flash 18 or 22 first. Come on REI!!!

I'm very disappointed with this bag. I looked at the Ruckpack 18 Pack (vs this one ehich is the DAYpack) in the store and fell in love, but bought this one because I wanted it in black, which is no longer available. I thought this bag was just a newer version of that one. While it is similar, it is missing the features that made me love the Ruckpack 18 Pack. Here's what's missing compared to the other: -no stowable bungees - missing hidden pocket under the organizer pocket -no fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses - the hip belt on the other can be tucked away. With this pack, you have to remove it completely or let it dangle if you don't want to use it. -missing interior bottle pocket All of those features are what made the bag special, and without them, it's just another bag. I don't understand why REI did away with all the cool stuff with this version of the bag, but this is not a keeper for me.

I bought this thinking it would be comparable to the last version. Although the look is the same, all of the extra hidden pockets are gone and you are left with a pack with only 2 pockets. Totally ruins the functionality of the bag. I bought it and was very disappointed. I will be returning it and looking for something with more functionality from a different brand. Sad to see the old one go, REI needs to read these reviews because it seems lots of people feel the same

The REI Ruckpack 18 is the perfect commuter backpack. It is very lightweight and is easy to use while biking to and from work. The breathable vents on the back side of the backpack make it nice for the long, hot bike rides too. The backpack is quite spatious on the indside and the small, inside zipper pocket makes it easy to store my wallet, keys, phone, etc. while I'm on my bike. The only issue I have with this backpack is the 'waistline' clips being a little bit too thin for my liking; a little bit of extra padding here would be nice. However, I would still highly reccomend this backpack to anyone who is looking for a commuter backpack or even a simple day hiking bag.