REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack - Men's
Overnights, hut-to-hut backcountry hikes, hostel-to-hostel city romps—the men's REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 offers a comfy carry and easy organization when you're living out of the pack on your back.
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- Modern, streamlined silhouette with zip-away straps looks good in town and makes airplane travel easy
- Lash loops allow the Ruckpack 18 (not included) to connect to the Ruckpack 40 for check-and-carry convenience
- Rugged nylon shell and polyester lining fabrics are 100% recycled
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) finishes on the shell and lining help moisture bead up on the surface
- Included raincover stows neatly in the side pocket; recycled ripstop nylon raincover fabric fends off rain with a polyurethane (PU) coating, taped seams and nonfluorinated DWR
- 2 inclusive sizes let you pick the best fit
- Size XXL–4XL offers an extended-length hipbelt and shoulder straps that are wider, longer and spaced farther apart; torso dimensions are the same as the smaller size
- Padded shoulder straps and hipbelt and a foam-padded back panel offer the comfort and support of a hiking pack
- Ventilated air-mesh back panel promotes breathability
- Adjustable sternum strap provides extra stability while you're trekking or chasing a bus; sternum-strap buckle doubles as a survival whistle
- Zippered back panel cover protects straps while in transport and rolls up into a pocket at the base of the pack
- Full-zip design makes packing and unpacking easy
- 3 interior pockets—on the lid, front and side—help keep you organized
- Access port at the top of the pack accommodates a hydration reservoir tube (reservoir not included)
- Top- and side-accessible laptop/hydration sleeve offers flexibility for the day's plans; sleeve holds a 15 in. laptop or a hydration reservoir (not included)
- Top zippered pocket provides quick access for on-the-go items
- Easy-access side pocket with hidden zippered security pocket inside stashes the raincover and keeps travel essentials convenient and well-organized
- Dual stretch bottle pockets hold water while on the go
- Compression straps and load lifters keep the weight of the pack close to your back for stability
- Split-webbing daisy chain on the front of the pack lets you lash on gear
- Trekking-pole loops and tool keepers with squeeze locks stash away when not in use
- Lockable zippers keep contents secure while traveling (lock not included)
- Side and top handles make the bag easy to grab and go
- Top of the pack is perfectly sized to fit the Ruckpack Waist Pack (not included) inside for additional organization and convenience
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Ruckpack Product LineView all REI Co-op Travel PacksBest Use | Travel Backpacking |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Gear Capacity (L) | 40 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,440 cubic inches |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
Laptop Compartment | Yes |
Fits Laptop Size (in.) | 15 inches |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 18-20 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | XS - XL: 30-48 inches XXL - 4XL: 44-58 inches |
Material(s) | Shell: recycled nylon (bluesign approved); lining: recycled polyester (bluesign approved); back panel: recycled polyester air-mesh (bluesign approved) |
Frame Material | Spring steel internal perimeter frame; Atilon and EVA foam |
Dimensions | 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Weight | 2 lbs. 13 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Versatile travel pack that can stray backcountry
First and foremost, this ruckpack is made to travel before anything else. The fact it has a cover that zips over the shoulder straps - so the bag can be carried like a suitcase if you so choose - is innovative, unique, and useful. Last year I took the Amtrak most of the way across America to Glacier National Park, and this would be the pack I would have chosen had I owned it at the time. Secondly, this is a not a true backpacker's pack. I wouldn't want to backpack twenty miles in one day with this pack. As you can see from my pictures I loaded it with enough gear to fill a forty liter pack (about 20lbs), and it was a comfortable but not easy carry. My Osprey AG Aether carries that load much easier. But, as I said in my first point , this is a travel pack before anything else. Next, I could have used hip pockets. I know they're going for a sleekness of design, but I really could have used hip pockets. And, that's why this is only four not five stars. Fourth, my Osprey Hydraulics 3-liter Bladder fit perfectly into this pack's reservoir and functioned perfectly while I was hiking. Lastly, thank you for including a proper rain fly. While this is not a true backpacker's pack, it can be used for any overnight or even a week in the back country if you were pressed. You can't do that without a rain cover, so I appreciate it.
Versatile, spacious, well-made
I have not had a chance to take it out into the woods, so this review covers a 3-night anniversary getaway. First impression out of the box was underwhelming, but after use I am actually quite a fan of this bag. Build quality is very nice, all the stitching looks great and materials seem sturdy. Fit is maybe slightly above average; nothing revolutionary but the shoulder harness and belt are quite comfortable. The ridged padding on the back really helps keep air flowing and feels great. The zippable cover that goes over the straps and belt are a really nice touch. That in combo with the handles on the side make the bag very versatile. There are a few interior pockets, but organization is not really easy. The side pocket with some dividers kind of nulls the outer side pocket, you have to more or less pick one or the other. The main compartment is bigger than it looks. The interior support frame makes the inside look tight until you start packing; you can really fit a lot in there. Overall, I am a fan of the bag so far. It seems very durable, looks nice, fits well, and holds plenty.
Great Pack/Ruck Option From REI
This really is a great pack from REI, with one upfront comment: for someone familiar with "rucking", the Ruckpack designation might be a little misleading because I don't think I would actually use it to walk/run long distances with significant weight on my back, at least not competitively. With that caveat out of the way, I think this is an awesome pack. I really like the layout an the fact that it fully opens like a duffel. It has more than enough room and pockets to stay organized on a long weekend hike or other trip. The abilty to zip the straps inside the bag to make it a true duffel is great if you need to check the back on a flight. And cinches and hand straps on both sides make it easy to handle even without the backpack straps. I also like that it has a very lightweight internal frame on the back, providing just enough stability, but not making it heavy/substantial like other backpacking options. So far, I have used this for a quick flight/weekend trip and a day hike. It held up well and performed in both situations. I am looking forward to using this as a regular travel bag going forward. I highly recommend for someone in the market for a new 30-50L pack.
My new go to weekender bag
Kudos to the product designers, a lot of thought was put into making this product. Usually an all around anything tends to be really good at nothing but ok with everything. This is a legit backpack with technical features that easily transforms into a travel ready bag, designed to make it through the airport baggage system gauntlet At 40L there is plenty of room for a long weekend away and if you are a really efficient packer, you could squeeze in a 5-6 day trip. The bag has all the hallmarks of a high-end pack, with details like strap keepers and the whistle in the sternum straps mounted to a sliding adjustment rail. The backpack straps are comfortable and padded, you won't be traveling the AT but for a 2-3 day hiking trip this is very adequate, comfortable hip belt and chest straps to take the load off your shoulders. All the technical features are there: axe/pole loops, stretch bottle pockets (2) , sleeve for bladder and compression straps, lightweight integrated pack frame helps put the weight on your hips and keeps the bag's shape. Sturdy fabric and beefy zippers looks like it will take a beating and last a while. As luggage, loops tuck away and the elastic axe/pole loops come off quickly to be stowed in a pocket. A panel unfurls from a neat tuck away under the pack and zips up to protect the shoulder straps and hip belt. Reinforced top and side handles make this an easy bag to toss up in the overhead or pull off the luggage carousel and allows you to carry the bag quickly from pretty much any direction. Pretty nice when you're trying to pull it out of from the depths of a trunk with a bunch of other bags. Inside the bag you get some dedicated zip pockets on the inside for toiletries and loose items as well as a bigger mesh pocket for books/maps/papers. There is also a padded pocket accessible from the side that doubles as the bladder sleeve if you want or you can use the internal hanger for that. It's nice to be able to quickly throw in your tablet or (full-size laptop in a jiff). I love the extra "secret zipper". I don't know if this was intended that way, but opposite from the bigger outside side zip is a smaller zipper pocket, useful for plugs, power banks, etc. in there is a smaller discreet pocket that would be hard to catch if you didn't know it was there. Good place to put a passport and/or cash/wallet, anything you might be nervous about getting lifted. Like I said, a lot of attention to detail on this bag. Lastly, this is a full zip open bag, so you can get to any part of it without having to dump the bag to get to the bottom and it helps a lot with the packing too. The bag comes with a removable rain-fly that you can put on. That's a personal preference I guess. I would save the space and leave it behind, but again, thoughtful of them to include it and it's available if you need it. Make sure you size it right. The hip belt is not adjustable so you'll want to get the right size or you're not going to get a good fit or comfortable weight distribution. for reference, I'm 5'10" and the bag fits right. (xs-xl) So far, love this bag, looking forward to more trips!
Big, light and comfortable!
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Sliding into this backpack after having worn the same clunky bag that I have had since I was in a college was like that feeling you get your first time in an airport lounge. What have I been missing? I got to trial this bag during every imaginable, nasty element that you can throw at it and it held up respectably. But thats not what surprised me the most. I hadn't really realized just how much fun you can have with a backpack just discovering all the new bells and whistles, all the new pockets, and all the new little straps you can fit into a small, light package. The bag itself boasts four pockets on the interior/exterior and the large main compartment. I don't think I found all of the entrances to all of the pockets, but it seems like every corner of this bag is accessible from anywhere you put your hands. And unlike other bags, which will put an exterior side zipper to allow you access into the main compartment, this bag gives you a small piece of material to separate the important items you want to access at a moment's notice from getting lost in the jumble. In practical use, and in the outdoors, I was able to pack for a full five day trip using only this single bag with no attachments on the exterior molly. Very cool. But here is where the turning point for me regarding REI Ruckpack 40 begins. The customization. It's not often that you find the same exact bag in different sizes for different frames that still gets the job done in comfort. What's even more rare is when the customization for that bag allow somebody with my build to feel comfortable. I stand at 6'3 with an athletic build. Its hard to find a backpack which can accomodate broad shoulders with a thin waist but this bag allows customization parameters i havent seen before. I was able to take so much weight and compresion from my lower back with the padded cushions and straps that after 2 full days of hiking, I felt like I had packed only pillows. With the state of my back, it was a miracle to experience and i havent been that grateful in a long time Overall, its a great backpack that i would recommend to basically anyone. I dont spend as much time wearing my hiking packs as I do my work bag, but if i could, i would use the Ruckpack everyday. Great product
A Wonderful Pack Full of Features
The 40L ruckpack is a delightful travel companion. It’s easily adjustable, fits comfortably and distributes the weight evenly. I used it for two trips, one two night stay at a cabin and a three night trip to Baltimore. The pack sufficiently held enough clothes and gear for each trip, with room to spare. During the cabin trip I used it as a daypack for some hiking and it accommodated everything necessary; water, rain gear, extra layers. The feature I was most surprised about the ability to zip up and conceal the shoulder and waist straps. This feature came in quite handy for my flight to Baltimore. It greatly reduced the bulk of the pack and I managed to sneak it in as a carry on.
REI got it right!!
The REI Co-op Men’s Ruckpack is probably one of the nicest and most versatile packs that Inhabe ever worn! The features on this pack are many! There are several compartments that can store just about anything that you want. I even found a secret compartment at the bottom of the pack that I did not know was there. Aside from the storage possibilities this pack is also made for my height. I have a long torso and the length of this item fits me perfectly. The padding on the back is great for ventilation for hotter treks in the world. Day Hiking in the woods with this pack is not as ideal(id go smaller) but for say,travelling on a plane to another state or country is more ideal. There is storage for a water bladder and the pack comes with a rain cover stored in one of the side pockets. All in all this ruckpack is durable and innovative and for the price point its worth it IMO. The color is great as well!!
A bag that fits a big body!
I love that this bag fits me. I am a pretty large male. Usually I wear 3x tall shirts and 42 waist pants. This pack doesn't need any modifications and it seems to wear on me well. It is designed as a travel bag so the main pocket is only accessible through the top zips which you can throw a TSA approved lock on when flying somewhere but you can still access the laptop compartment through a non locking side zipper. Usually my electronic devices are the things that I want to keep most safe so for that to not be part of the lockable zip area seems like a flaw. I do like that the access to the main pocket is so large, you can essentially unzip the bag all the way to the base to access all the things in the main pocket. The shoulder straps can be zipped up behind a piece of fabric so they wouldn't get caught in sorting systems if you do decide to check this bag while flying. My main uses for this bag will be day hikes with the dog and any weekender that I must fly for. Definitely a good multi use bag for anyone but especially a bigger body.
Hipbelt not always needed
I like the bag and its features. It was what I wanted in a travel bag. One Exception, the large hipbelt is a hinderance when moving through airports and other transportation facilties. I would not use the hipbelt in those locations. However, the hipbelt is large and combersome hang off the pack. This bag would be a perfect travel bag if the hipbelt could be stored in its own pocket.
Great Design. I mean Great!
This is exactly the carry on / travel size pack I've been looking for. Have multiple packs this size, but all top load. Nice that the whole front unzips for access. Rain cover was a nice touch when tropical storm Debby ruined travel plans (pack was more reliable than AAirline).