REI Co-op  Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack - Women's

This pack comes in 4 sizes. I chose the second largest, because, first of all I won’t be able to stuff it so it weighs almost as much as me (yes, I’ve done this), and because it is certified to fit under an airplane seat. It has many things most packs have, such as side pockets for water bottles, chest straps, multiple pockets for organizing things for easy retrieval, with a few nice conveniences, such as a key leash, sturdy back construction and padded hip straps for comfort. You can fold back / tie in the shoulder straps, but not really enough to check the bag on a flight. You’ll still have to secure them further. What I love most about this pack is that the pockets are mostly all inside, and thus far more difficult for would-be thieves to get to. Like if you were in a crowded train, and someone bumped you, their attempt at a quick score will be thwarted. There is an inside pocket and Velcro strip for attaching a large water bladder. Try putting mostly ice in there - this will keep your back nice and cool on a hot desert hike, and when you stop for lunch, you’ll have nice cold water to refresh you. A second inside pocket is nice for keeping things easy to get to. For hiking, I put a rain poncho in there, an maybe a small box in which lunch stays secure and not smooshed. For airplane travel, it is perfect for a laptop or tablet. There is also an inside pocket for, say a bag of trail mix. The outside side pockets have a bit of stretch, allowing multiple sized water bottles to fit snuggly. Both outside pockets have zippers. One of the pockets is not a separate storage pocket, but an access point for quickly getting to something at the bottom of the pack. I’m not sure I like this feature (the reason for subtracting a star), but I may be in the minority. Further usage will tell. A top padded pocket, complete with a key leash, is perfect for a phone or maybe a wallet, camera, airplane or train ticket stubs or other small items that won’t get lost in the main compartment. There is a second zipper and compartment in this pocket for further organizing. I love all these organizing / separate storage features! There are lots of loops for hanging things off the pack with a carabiner. I like to keep my small camera strapped on the outside so I can quickly grab it, without having to take the pack off, in case I stumble upon a perfect wildlife picture that will disappear if I have to take the pack off. I also like an easily accessible small towel to mop sweat off of my face in a scorching day, or to hang hiking boots while you are wearing your water shoes. It also comes with a rain cover, which folds up tiny, and fits in one of the outside side pockets, leaving plenty of room for other stuff. Overall it is an awesome pack to hike or travel with.

After lots of research, this bag came with me for a 3 week trip through Japan, moving around on public transportation a lot. It holds a decent amount and keeps it closer to your body as it's taller and skinnier than most. The suspension is comfortable, especially compared to some high end travel backpacks I've tried since. It doesn't fit carry on dimensions if you have it totally packed and everything spills out if you have to open up the main compartment and it's not very laptop-friendly, so it's not the unicorn for me but it's one I'm keeping because it did a great job for what was needed.

This is an awesome travel pack. The straps can be conveniently zipped away, so nothing gets caught on converter belts. I haven’t actually had the chance to use this pack for travel, due to the pandemic. However, I have used it climbing and packing for camping. The bag is super comfortable (similar to a small backpacking pack, in terms of comfort), even when loaded with a fair amount of weight. Although the bag doesn’t look or feel huge, you can fit so much inside of it. I like the hidden daisy chains and side straps that can easily create a helmet carry. The reason I gave this pack 4 stars instead of 5 is because I have a long torso (I’m ~6 feet tall) and the hip belt feels a little short (and aren’t adjustable).

I don’t often review things, but I LOVE this backpack. In 2022 I decided to buy one when there weren’t many reviews out. I used it for 449 days straight during an around-the-world trip. It came with me to 30+ countries and is not even worse for the wear. The 40 liter size is perfect for plane carry-on, without having to pay extra for checked luggage. I used 2 compression cubes and it held all my clothes and toiletries (with careful planning). It was pretty comfy to wear even when weighed down with all my belongings - but if you’re looking for a backpacking backpack for hiking tips I would probably recommend something else with better framing/padding. Anyways, if you’re on the fence, I highly recommend this backpack!

I considered all possible options for a travel/hiking backpack with laptop sleeve that could accommodate my 17 inch LG gram laptop. None of them said that a 17 inch would fit, and I believe for this pack someone posted sleeve dimensions that seemed too small. But in desperation, and wanting to take advantage of the sale, I ordered this pack and the Osprey Fairview 40 (which said it would fit a 16 inch). The Osprey definitely did NOT accommodate my laptop, but this pack does! I'm so happy, also because I saved about $50 and the REI is lighter in weight. I'm impressed at first glance with the features and construction, but have not yet used it. I wanted to get this out there right away for anyone else who may be having the same dilemma!

Great for air travel! Was able to carry on the way there and check it on the way back!

I bought the Osprey Fairview 40L in store and because the people who helped me at REI talked positively about the REI rucksack 40L women's, I ordered it for comparison. I love how light weight it is, love that it has so many pockets, comes with a rain cover and is built to be dual used for backpacking vs just being a travel pack...BUT when fully packed, it's so hard against my back making it very uncomfortable to wear. I read one review that says it has a break in period and that it gets more comfortable once it molds to your body. But the Fairview is a lot more comfortable right away. I can't really rationalize keeping a bag that hurts my back so I'm returning it. With one pack traveling, comfort is my top priority.

Used this 40L pack to backpack 3 countries in 3 months with ease. Comfortable, good storage, and durable. Some things I think that can be improved: 1. The waist straps don't seem as supportive as other Osprey brands I've used 2. Adding a dedicated side zipper to access laptop. Not a major deal but it's an inconvenience at times accessing the laptop when the pack is fully stuffed, especially around airport security.

I bought this pack primarily for air/road travel. I was able to fit 4 days worth of spring appropriate clothing, hoodie, toiletries, two pairs of shoes. It has accommodating compartments; I love the suitcase style open and top front pocket. The pack is comfortable on my 5'4" frame. It kind of fits under the seat. It'll eat up space for your feet but the flight attendants didn't say anything so it stayed.

Super solid backpack. I really love it. I ordered 4 backpacks to choose between for a 2-week trip abroad. The 3 others I was comparing this one to were the: Osprey Fairview 55 Travel Pack - Women's, Cotopaxi Allpa 42 L Travel Pack, and Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 44L. This pack tied for 1st place for it's comfort, convenience, and smart design. Osprey and Patagonia packs were let downs (Osprey: too much going on, annoying zippers/buckles, confusing overall. Patagonia: design not practical for lots of clothes, toiletries, etc.), I liked this one much better. Very simple, very grab and go. Lots of convenient pockets, zippers, etc. Love the side water bottle compartments - made of stretchy material so can stuff anything in. Love the side access so you can get into the main compartment without opening the whole pack. Just a great pack overall. I really appreciate that REI makes this in a women's version because the fit and comfort are worlds ahead of the unisex/men's packs. In the end, I chose the Cotopaxi pack because I loved how packing cubes were integrated into the design. But it was a really close call, and I'd recommend this pack to anyone.