REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack
A go-anywhere pack for campus, trail and travel, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 comfortably organizes the day's supplies—whether loading up your laptop for spring break or prepping for a day hike.
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- Modern, streamlined silhouette looks good in town and makes airplane travel easy
- Lash loops allow this Ruckpack 18 to connect to the Ruckpack 40 (not included) 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
- 2 inclusive sizes let you pick the best fit
- Size XXL–4XL offers an extended-length waistbelt and shoulder straps that are wider, longer and spaced farther apart; bag and torso dimensions are the same as the smaller size
- Nongendered, padded shoulder straps and an air-mesh back panel offer the comfort and support of a hiking pack
- Adjustable sternum strap provides extra stability while you're running to class or chasing a bus; sternum-strap buckle doubles as a survival whistle
- Waistbelt is removable when not in use
- Access port at the top of the pack accommodates a hydration reservoir tube (reservoir not included)
- Laptop/hydration sleeve offers flexibility for your plans on any given day; 13 x 11 in. sleeve holds a 15 in. laptop or a hydration reservoir (not included)
- Zippered interior lid pocket helps keep you organized
- Easy-access side pocket with hidden zippered security pocket inside keeps travel essentials convenient and well-organized
- Stretch bottle pocket holds water while on the go
- Compression straps secure your water bottle and keep the weight of the pack close to your back for stability
- Discreet 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—creating a more streamlined look for travel or everyday use
- This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size not to exceed 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H; this is subject to change, so check with your airline)
- 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
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Ruckpack Product LineView all REI Co-op Travel DaypacksBest Use | Travel Hiking |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,098 cubic inches |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 2 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Laptop Compartment | Yes |
Fits Laptop Size (in.) | 15 inches |
Carry-On | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Material(s) | Shell: recycled nylon (bluesign approved); lining: recycled polyester (bluesign approved); back panel: recycled polyester air-mesh (bluesign approved) |
Dimensions | 18 x 11 x 6 inches |
Weight | 1 lb. 5 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 16-20 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | XS - XL: 28-46 inches XXL - 4XL: 42-58 inches |
Frame Material | Atilon and polyurethane foam framesheet |
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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Basic but versatile daypack
If you're in the market for a sturdy, adaptable daypack, this is a good pick. It isn't the lightest, nor is it flashy with multiple accessories but that didn't keep me from using it for everything from climbing gear to office gear. It has one large interior pocket and a flip top/lid mesh pocket. It was easy to use the zipper while holding the bag one-handed for placing things in the large pocket, which I feel is a necessity when hiking, biking or just not wanting to put your bag down. The interior mesh lid pocket fits more than you'd think. I had a charger, large pack of gum, keys and snack in there, no problem. It sits too high to make accessing the water bottle possible while buckled up but you can swing it to one shoulder and get to the pocket easily. Alternatively, there is a hydration sleeve with a clever hose holder on the right and left for your preference. There's also multiple lash points on the shoulder straps and a built in daisy chain along the outside with several different attachment points, which I thought was cool. I used a carabiner to hang climbing shoes and a hat off it. The shoulder straps could have a few things hang off them like an in-reach or bear spray. I don't typically lash a lot of stuff to the outside of my pack, but this bag has several options. The trekking pole holders were a bit of a let down. They store in little integrated pockets making them invisible when not in use, however, they don't hold the poles secure at all. The lower loops are not adjustable, leaving the poles to swing around and rattle. I also didn't like the upper bungees at first since they easily detach, but I realized I could use them for the daisy chain if you don't own a carabiner. There's two compression straps with buckles on each side but the one on the water bottle side is in the way of the bottle. Perhaps if storing something tall in there that's what the strap is for but I didn't figure out a use for either of them. As far as weight, I loaded it with about 12 pounds of items for my day then rode my bike to work. I easily fit gym shoes and clothes, laptop and charger, keys, bike lock, water bottle, badge, pens and a protein bar on the side pocket with some space remaining. It felt comfortable and light and like it could prob handle 15 or so pounds easily. For the 8 mile round trip ride, the bag didn't move and straps stayed where I adjusted them. I particularly like the little plastic slides on the waist belt and shoulder straps that keep any excess length of strap from flapping in the wind while riding. It does lay flat when worn so don't expect to have a dry back while exerting yourself with this bag. I got pretty sweaty where it sat on my body and could see the foam soaking up a lot of sweat in the future when used on hot days. However, for light loads I was pleased with the ergonomic shoulder straps and foam was comfy on my back. The side pocket is cleverly designed with a zippered pocket inside the other pocket, but to utilize them both requires a little thought and also possibly squishing whatever is in there. It is handy for accessing small items though that would get lost in the large single pocket. The sternum and waist straps were easily adjustable and stayed put. The sternum strap also has a loop to hang sunglasses or maybe a in-reach mini which I liked a lot. I used this bag in November for climbing gear for one person (quickdraws, shoes, harness, chalk bag, puffy) and it was a tight fit but doable. I could prob have fit more if I had packed more carefully. All my work and gym stuff fit pretty easily as well. Biking with it was super comfy and I like it for commuting via bike. I did only a short day hike with it but compared to my other bag, this is way more comfortable, if also quite a bit heavier. It seems durable and after tossing it around for a few weeks, still looks good. Overall, this is a solid choice for a multipurpose day pack with the only caveat being if you're super weight conscious. And if you plan to stow your poles be prepared for them to shift around and maybe slip down a little. There's really no ventilation I noticed to prevent sweat either. Finally, I think there's plenty of pockets for my purposes and would be happy using this for everything from air travel and around town commuting to day hikes and cragging.
Comfortable, Right-sized Daypack
I tested the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 while hunting and day hiking in Coastal Alaska in October and November. Overall, the pack is very comfortable and is a great size for a day hike. You can comfortably carry it for a long time. It has plenty of room for a snack, drink, extra layer, and binoculars or something, with enough room left to take a layer off and stuff it in too. Trapping season is open here now, and you can see in my photo that the pack was just deep enough to carry a trap opening tool in case my dog got caught in one. I like that the pack has a little bit of stiffness in the back panel, so it’s very supportive like a hiking pack should be and transfers weight to your torso, not like just a floppy sack that hangs off your shoulders. The DWR finish is OK. It can handle a light rain or sprinkle, but an all day duck hunt in heavy on and off rain was way beyond its limits and it got fairly soaked. This was new out of the package when the DWR would have been at its best. Otherwise the pack seems well constructed and made of quality materials. I wish that the interior of the pack had a little more organization. It’s really a matter of taste, and a person might prefer the simplicity of the pack. My Ruckpack 28 though has just a few more interior pockets and little sleeves for pens and pencils, and I wish that had carried over to the Ruckpack 18 so small items like pens, lighters, etc. don’t need to all have their own standalone pouches or live in the bottom of the pack in a jumble. Overall Pros: comfortable, supportive, good size, simple, stylish. Cons: not extremely waterproof, lack of internal organization. I think this is a great pack for traveling or for day hikes in more moderate and drier climates. Maybe even hyper-minimalist overnight trips. For coastal Alaska I, don’t think it is up to the insane amount of rain and dampness we receive without a cover. For a school or work backpack, I might want a little more internal organization, but some standalone pouches might work just as well. 4 stars because I would have liked it to be more waterproof and have more internal organization, but the pack is a quality pack and will work really well for the right situations.
breaks easily
Was really excited for this bag, but the handle broke after 2 weeks of use :(
Versatile and functional
This has been my daily bag for work and travel for three years. I use it to carry my laptop, lunch, papers, and various small items (pens, hand sanitizer, etc), as well as clearing it out for the occasional hike. I'm not gentle with it, and it held up well until the zipper finally gave out from years of stuffing things in it on the move. I rarely use the chest or hip straps, and the elastic bands that keep the hip belt in place (nice feature!) loosened over time, so they sometimes hang loose, which is slightly annoying. Still, when I've wanted to use them, I've been glad to have them. I'm quite pleased with how it's worked for me and would recommend it.
Best ever! It's a tardis!
Two years of use and this is the best pack I have ever owned. It's just so perfect for everyday use, hiking, traveling etc. It has just the right amount of pockets and it's amazing how much you can fit. I once went to make a rhubarb crumble at my girlfriend's and I put a full size glass baking dish and two bags of groceries. She was shocked when I pulled it all out. It's like a tardis. After 2 years it does show some wear and minor tears appearing but I've used it everyday for work and taken it around the world so it's held up well.
Great bag, iffy straps
I bought this bag two months ago, and use it weekdays when commuting to work. Though I like the size and comfort, both of the straps have broken in the past two weeks. 😩 The first time it was one side of the clasps on the upper strap, but I figured it must have come undone during a bike ride and I didn’t hear it fall. But today, the bottom strap completely disconnected at the seam. I did not expect this from a bag this new. I had an older version that lasted me 6 years! Don’t recommend if you’re depending on the chest and waist straps.
I'm going to enjoy this pack for many years!
After hours of research and combing through 200 packs on REI's site, I opted for this one, and am so glad I did. LOVE the bucket lid, the sleek, simple design, hip strap. There are a few hidden pockets and extra ties and loops, but no excess bells and whistles.
Shoddy Quality
I was excited for this bag as a daily carry for me, but less than a week in the zippers kept snagging. I've tried every DIY fix and got it working for one zipper, but still not ideal. The worker didn't offer a receipt and I was too polite to ask for one. I don't want to toss it in the bin but it's limited in function. I'll take it as a learning moment.