REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack - Women's
Overnights, hut-to-hut backcountry hikes, hostel-to-hostel city romps—the women'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 1X–4X 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
- Women-specific fit features different harness strap and hipbelt shaping and a shorter torso length than the men's model
- 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.) | 16-18 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | XS - XL: 28-47 inches 1X - 4X: 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. 11 oz. |
Gender | Women'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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Simple and solid.
A solid pack from REI. Good capacity, nice amount of partitioning and smaller pockets inner and outer. Nice padding on shoulder straps, back, and hip straps. They tighten up comfortably and distribute weight well. I want slightly bigger water bottle pouches- hydroflask with a boot is a struggle to get in. Additionally, there are loops to hold one on the back but no criss-crossed elastic for stuffing a quick raincoat or something into. Seems odd to have left out, since it’d be easy to remove for those uninterested. Also no steel frame, which is a plus for air travel but slight minus if you’re using it for hiking out.
Versatile Backpack for International Travelers
Backpack is great overall. Definitely the type of pack for flights or European backpacking, but not for camp backpacking. It has a stiff structured back panel so it can’t get squished to push under a plane seat. It’s built more so as a carry-on and I do enjoy its ability to stash straps (both hips and shoulders) like a rain cover. To stash them, there’s a pop up flap from the bottom that zips up towards the top of the bag. The flap is thin but made of a material where I wouldn’t worry about an accidental tear. However, I did knock off a star because the stash pocket for the flap closes with Velcro which wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the stiff teeth on one side of the Velcro directly rubbing against my hand when I try to tuck in the flap. The other reason I knocked the star off is because the top of the bag hits the back of my head. I expected it to be large for me given my short torso and I played around with the straps, but the back panel is so stiff that it didn’t give me much room to work with. Other than that, it has plenty of useful pockets, can accommodate a water bladder and my 32oz water bottle, and I LOVE the clam shell opening for its main pouch. It’s comfortably padded, sits well for a backpack (aside from the head situation I mentioned), and it has side handles for when it’s in carry-on mode. I’d recommend this to my taller friends.
Fantastic All-Around,, Comfortable and Versatile
You know when you are packing to go on a trip and you can't find the right backpack...so you end up with three? This backpack is now my go-to all-around item, pack one pack and it works for everything. It works great as a 40L duffle (there is a cover you can zip up and over the waist and backpack straps), then when you arrive you can use it as a hiking backpack or for errands around town. I have taken it on a number of trips with me and the internal pockets are very helpful for organizing, two zipped mesh on the front, one small pocket with a key loop in the top, and two long pockets on the sides. Since receiving this pack I have taken it on a few trips, but I also have been using it on a regular basis while at home as 1) a bag to carry home groceries...I walk to the store in my city and it is so nice having a good supportive pack with a waistbelt, food gets heavy, and then alternating as 2) my diaper bag, a nonconventional use, but it can fit so much stuff and has such good organization capabilities. I already own a fair number of backpacks but this one really fills so many niches and I've been reaching for it over my older packs. One note, upon receiving I wore the pack and it felt extremely uncomfortable, it was constantly pulling away and so made things feel heavier. A few weeks ago I realized that I hadn't adjusted the load lifters, got those settled away and the pack became extremely comfortable. All to say, if you are trying this on in the store have someone adjust the straps to fit your back and if you are doing it at home definitely don't miss the load lifters before you make a call.
Most Versatile Backpack!
This backpack has it all! The front completely zips to the bottom for easy access, it has so many pockets, it’s heavy duty, and it’s so much stuff into it. The hip belt is comfy as is the chest strap.
my new go-to bag!
I’ll admit I’m a fan of REI packs- I’ve been using my trusty 2019 Trail 40 Pack as my go-to pack for the last 5 years. So while I was excited to receive this pack to review, I was also ready to be critical. I almost hate to admit it, but this pack is more comfortable, more functional, and better designed than my trusty 2019 pack. I used it as a travel bag (it’s just the right size to be a carryon), then as a daypack on a longer day hike with extra gear (snowshoes, poles, winter gear, etc), and it performed exceptionally well in both scenarios. As a travel pack, it breezed through TSA and the watchful eye of the gate agents, fit easily in the overhead compartment, and held all my bulky winter clothes. As a hiking pack, it performed well in light snow, keeping my gear dry and remaining comfortable while I trudged through the snow. I see this bag becoming my new go-to for short backpacking trips, travel, and gear-heavy day hikes! My one concern is the one-size fits all make- I’m 5’6//135lbs//average across the board, and, while this pack fits me well, I could see taller folks or folks with wider hips struggling with the sizing. Overall, though, I’d highly recommend! (I’ve actually already recommended it to a friend!)
1 Bag - 2 Weeks in Thailand
Purchased this backpack for a 2 week trip through Thailand where we’d be traveling a lot and needed to pack very light. This backpack fit all the clothes I needed. I added a bungee cord to the back for stuffing soft items on the go and clipped my sandals and neck pillow to the outside. It was very comfortable to wear and easily fit into overhead compartments even on the cheap hopper flights. Even with the inner mesh pickets loaded with small items it still easily zipped closed and the ability to lock the zippers was an added bonus. On our way back we checked our bags and the panel to secure the straps was a great feature. I have been a Cotopaxi Allpa girl for the last 4 years but I think this is my new go to travel pack.
Good fit and breathable!
Good fit and breathable. I used this pack for a seven day, European island hopping trip. It’s was perfect! I’m 5’8, 140ish lbs. No issues with straps or fit when fully loaded. I would recommend this pack for anyone looking for a midsized pack.
Perfect carryon bag
Bought this bag in September before a 6-week trip in Europe and it was perfect. Needed a carryon size bag and was able to fit more than I expected in it since you can fully open it like a suitcase and then zip it up and pack more from the top. Also love all the pockets inside and outside. My boyfriend has the Osprey Farpojnt bag and thought this one was better with all the pockets and how the laptop sleeve is on the back. It’s also a good size for someone who is 5’2”, it doesn’t look ridiculously large on me.
Great all around carry on bag and backpack!
If you're looking for an all-around backpack for when you're traveling by plane for work or hiking out on the trail. The exterior computer compartment is great, so you don't go into the pack. Love the extra padded hip pack. My back isn't killing me anymore after flying. I was able to zip up the backpack straps (favorite feature) and fit under the seat in front of me on the plane (if you overstuff you'd put in work getting it under). Only returned to get the back color instead!
Does not hold space well
I have been traveling with this backpack for one year in hot and cold climates. The issue with this bag is it does not hold space well. For example the bottom half of the bag is half empty while the top is completely full when I pack it. I’ve realized that people traveling with the Cotopaxi 35 L bags are fitting wayyy more clothes in their packs plus shoes while with this rei bag I can’t fit any shoes in the bag. This is due to the way the bag is set up where the majority of the weight and storage is on the top. If you are considering long term travel think again and don’t choose this pack like I did