I've been struggling to find the right backpack for months now. Literally bought and returned probably half a dozen bags. The other day I stumbled on the Ruckpack 18 and it looked good on paper. I searched up reviews and of course found this one, which convinced me to buy it. For me it has just the right amount of pockets and internal organization. The build quality seems fantastic so far and the price isn't bad compared to its competition. It's rare to find a bag with just one water bottle pouch and I'm glad they made good use of the other side of the pack to include the small admin pouch. Great review and thanks for helping me find my perfect pack!
Man, comments like yours are the best! I can relate to that. Super happy that I could help someone find the bag for them. Yea the single water bottle pouch is great. Versatility for2 if needed, but zip pocket usable for other stuff if you only have 1. Enjoy! I made a couple other bag reviews if you're interested hah.
Just ordered one of these after watching your review! I've bought and returned way too many backpacks and this one seems to hit every one of my requirements: small, unassuming, false bottom laptop pocket, interior organizer, water bottle holder, breathable straps and back, theft deterrents. I almost kept an Osprey Daylight Daypack but the weird shoulder strap handle and non-removable hip strap just didn't work for me. Thanks for the review, super helpful!
Yess! comments like these really make my day so thanks. I've done the same as you, bought and returned too many to count. Did you happen to get this bag for like $45 USD? It was on sale at REI, which is an insane deal. Yea, the big thing that did it is the looks/features for its size. If you see my channel, ive been getting into some Osprey bags recently and I almost bought a daylight daypack but it was just too "outdoorsy" for me. This REI pack, I hike with it and take it traveling or to work.
@@EDG I did get it for $45 USD which seems like an incredible value indeed! The versatility you mentioned is another thing I was looking for and this fits right in between light hiking and "urban adventures". Thanks again!
@@vpsaxman man what a steal. I got mine for retail which is still a pretty great value. Yea hope you enjoy. No pack is perfect but this one checks many boxes. Just not alot of competition at this size behind flimsy daypacks or like hydration packs.
Hey bro great video - concise and straight the point, like the bag :D. I saw this bag the other day and had wanted to do more research on it before making a final purchase. I am preparing for a six-month trip to Europe and was told by the organization I'm going through that I would need a daypack/carry-on would be recommended. That being said, I have been looking for something that is a good-mid size, compact, pack for hitting the cities, or for packing a few layers. This one seems like a great go-to.
Hi Liam, thanks for the comment. You're exactly who I made \the video for! I saw that it didn't have many reviews on UA-cam and thought I'd give it my own thoughts. yea, this is definitely a great pack for everything you need. And damn, 6 months to Europe? That sounds like quite a good time.
@@mynamewalter5082 no I think the 28L would be perfect. If you’re interested, I posted a video comparing the 18L and 28L so you can be familiar with the differences!
@@EDG Actually I did see the video and it pushed me to buy it almost right after! I do like the 18l but I just figured its more practical for me to get the extra space and use that bag for all my needs rather than get an 18l for edc and another bag for traveling/hiking or other activities. Literally had no idea about these bags till your video was recommended yesterday
@@mynamewalter5082 I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, while I do think the 18L is a better buy, it’s because it’s better than other bags in the same size/price. A 25-30L bag is soooo much easier to find due to options. But strictly comparing an 18L bag vs 28L bag, if I had to choose just 1 it’s definitely the 28. Much more versatile
Niiice! Yea they go on sale a couple times every year. And it makes a good deal into a great value. Good to hear! I May have to pickup another color, or the larger one.
Is this the updated version? I am interested in this backpack but I saw many negative reviews comparing it with the previous version, saying that a lot of good features are disappeared in their new design. I want to buy it if your review is based on the updated version. btw, nice review!
I believe mine Is the new version. I bought it in Nov2021 and I looked in REI recently and they still carry my version. I'm not familiar with the previous version but I do like this one.
@@jink3280 Yea, check it out in your local REI. I'm not sure what features they removed, but this version has so many features I literally can't even imagine the previous model had even more features
Hi, how is the theft prevention on this pack? You quickly brushed over some loops to fasten the zippers on in the beginning of the video I believe. Are there any other mechanisms or is it easy to open from behind? I'm thinking of situations in big cities or public transportation. Thank you for the review btw.
It jsut has little loops that you can put a tiny combo lock to lock the zippers. No other mechanisms, and it's about as easy to open as any other pack. Luckily, it doenst have a quick access pocket or any pockets on the way outside of the pack, so a thief would have to open the oval main compartment which is pretty close to your head and hopefully you'd hear the zipper.
@@EDG That's true! I've been reading people talking about how the straps aren't as nice as the earlier iteration, but what you said makes perfect sense and is confidence-inducing. Thanks!
@@yokusi it’s very possible to straps got worse, I just haven’t owned previous versions to compare. If you’re looking for the most comfortable straps in a day pack, I’d look at Osprey as well! I’m gonna make a video on their packs
Hi,thanks for the question. I would say no, the reason is because the straps are very lightweight and built more like a daypack instead of a normal pack that can handle that kind of weight.
hi Mark. It depends on your use, but I'd say the REI wins by a mile. It's a fully usable backpack at a budget price. While the Cincher is smaller, has a cinch opening which is love or hate, no bottle pocket, less organization, and more outdoorsy looking.
@@EDG Is this really the 18? Did they do an update? It looks more like the Flash 22? The REI site could use a better description. I am not really familiar with the brand.
I would say no. It fits my 13” with a sleeve, so would probably fit the new 14” without a sleeve at max. Thanks for the comment, Grant. Hope you found the video helpful.
Very easy. I carry my camera in my pocket! I don't own a true camera anymore and just shoot with phone now. But, if I did still have my camera, I'd put it in it's own case before putting it into the backpack.
I've been struggling to find the right backpack for months now. Literally bought and returned probably half a dozen bags. The other day I stumbled on the Ruckpack 18 and it looked good on paper. I searched up reviews and of course found this one, which convinced me to buy it. For me it has just the right amount of pockets and internal organization. The build quality seems fantastic so far and the price isn't bad compared to its competition. It's rare to find a bag with just one water bottle pouch and I'm glad they made good use of the other side of the pack to include the small admin pouch. Great review and thanks for helping me find my perfect pack!
Man, comments like yours are the best! I can relate to that. Super happy that I could help someone find the bag for them. Yea the single water bottle pouch is great. Versatility for2 if needed, but zip pocket usable for other stuff if you only have 1. Enjoy! I made a couple other bag reviews if you're interested hah.
Totally agree with you about water bottle pockets. Seems to be an afterthought on most bags
definitely. I enjoy the pockets on these . Very sturdy.
Just ordered one of these after watching your review! I've bought and returned way too many backpacks and this one seems to hit every one of my requirements: small, unassuming, false bottom laptop pocket, interior organizer, water bottle holder, breathable straps and back, theft deterrents. I almost kept an Osprey Daylight Daypack but the weird shoulder strap handle and non-removable hip strap just didn't work for me. Thanks for the review, super helpful!
Yess! comments like these really make my day so thanks. I've done the same as you, bought and returned too many to count. Did you happen to get this bag for like $45 USD? It was on sale at REI, which is an insane deal. Yea, the big thing that did it is the looks/features for its size. If you see my channel, ive been getting into some Osprey bags recently and I almost bought a daylight daypack but it was just too "outdoorsy" for me. This REI pack, I hike with it and take it traveling or to work.
@@EDG I did get it for $45 USD which seems like an incredible value indeed! The versatility you mentioned is another thing I was looking for and this fits right in between light hiking and "urban adventures". Thanks again!
@@vpsaxman man what a steal. I got mine for retail which is still a pretty great value. Yea hope you enjoy. No pack is perfect but this one checks many boxes. Just not alot of competition at this size behind flimsy daypacks or like hydration packs.
Hey bro great video - concise and straight the point, like the bag :D. I saw this bag the other day and had wanted to do more research on it before making a final purchase. I am preparing for a six-month trip to Europe and was told by the organization I'm going through that I would need a daypack/carry-on would be recommended. That being said, I have been looking for something that is a good-mid size, compact, pack for hitting the cities, or for packing a few layers. This one seems like a great go-to.
Hi Liam, thanks for the comment. You're exactly who I made \the video for! I saw that it didn't have many reviews on UA-cam and thought I'd give it my own thoughts. yea, this is definitely a great pack for everything you need. And damn, 6 months to Europe? That sounds like quite a good time.
@@EDG do you think the 28L is too big for a trip similar to this? Or would that work just as fine?
@@mynamewalter5082 no I think the 28L would be perfect. If you’re interested, I posted a video comparing the 18L and 28L so you can be familiar with the differences!
@@EDG Actually I did see the video and it pushed me to buy it almost right after! I do like the 18l but I just figured its more practical for me to get the extra space and use that bag for all my needs rather than get an 18l for edc and another bag for traveling/hiking or other activities. Literally had no idea about these bags till your video was recommended yesterday
@@mynamewalter5082 I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, while I do think the 18L is a better buy, it’s because it’s better than other bags in the same size/price. A 25-30L bag is soooo much easier to find due to options. But strictly comparing an 18L bag vs 28L bag, if I had to choose just 1 it’s definitely the 28. Much more versatile
Just purchased this for $45. REI has a 30% off these packs right now.
Niiice! Yea they go on sale a couple times every year. And it makes a good deal into a great value. Good to hear! I May have to pickup another color, or the larger one.
Is this the updated version? I am interested in this backpack but I saw many negative reviews comparing it with the previous version, saying that a lot of good features are disappeared in their new design. I want to buy it if your review is based on the updated version. btw, nice review!
I believe mine Is the new version. I bought it in Nov2021 and I looked in REI recently and they still carry my version. I'm not familiar with the previous version but I do like this one.
@@EDG thank you. I might gonna give it a shot.
@@jink3280 Yea, check it out in your local REI. I'm not sure what features they removed, but this version has so many features I literally can't even imagine the previous model had even more features
Hi, how is the theft prevention on this pack? You quickly brushed over some loops to fasten the zippers on in the beginning of the video I believe. Are there any other mechanisms or is it easy to open from behind? I'm thinking of situations in big cities or public transportation. Thank you for the review btw.
It jsut has little loops that you can put a tiny combo lock to lock the zippers. No other mechanisms, and it's about as easy to open as any other pack. Luckily, it doenst have a quick access pocket or any pockets on the way outside of the pack, so a thief would have to open the oval main compartment which is pretty close to your head and hopefully you'd hear the zipper.
Wonder what you can use the daisy chain for. Sorry, new at this
A lot of ppl use caribiners to hook random stuff like water bottles or collapsible jackets. Stuff like thay
This is on sale at REI right now. $45
Oh shit! you right, might have to get another one.
Hi, thanks for the review. The shoulder straps seem a bit thin, how much weight can you put in it before it gets uncomfortable?
Hey , yea they are pretty thin to keep the bag light. I’d say keep it under 10-12lbs, which shouldn’t be too hard because the bag is smalll anyways.
@@EDG Thanks for the quick reply! Indeed you're right, as a small bag you can't put too much in it.
@@yokusi yeah but it’s still really comfortable because the straps are wide
@@EDG That's true! I've been reading people talking about how the straps aren't as nice as the earlier iteration, but what you said makes perfect sense and is confidence-inducing. Thanks!
@@yokusi it’s very possible to straps got worse, I just haven’t owned previous versions to compare. If you’re looking for the most comfortable straps in a day pack, I’d look at Osprey as well! I’m gonna make a video on their packs
Do you think this bag could hold 35lbs of weight? It seems like a nice ruck bag for lower weight
Hi,thanks for the question. I would say no, the reason is because the straps are very lightweight and built more like a daypack instead of a normal pack that can handle that kind of weight.
Awesome. Thank you for the timely reply:)
How does this compare to the Osprey Daylite Cincher?
hi Mark. It depends on your use, but I'd say the REI wins by a mile. It's a fully usable backpack at a budget price. While the Cincher is smaller, has a cinch opening which is love or hate, no bottle pocket, less organization, and more outdoorsy looking.
@@EDG Is this really the 18? Did they do an update? It looks more like the Flash 22?
The REI site could use a better description. I am not really familiar with the brand.
@@markraciborski4289 Yep, this is the 18L. the Flash 22 I think is larger and skinner. They didnt update that I know of.
Its not on sale any more or am I wrong? :/
no but it goes on sale like every holiday it seems
will the laptop pocket fit the newer 16” macbook pro?
I would say no. It fits my 13” with a sleeve, so would probably fit the new 14” without a sleeve at max. Thanks for the comment, Grant. Hope you found the video helpful.
What size laptops can fit in the laptop section?
13-14” is ideal. Slim 15” may fit but it’ll be a bit tight
Can it fit a nalgene bottle ?
yep it can
Can it fit a wide water bottle?
Yea, it can fit a 32oz hydroflask but it’s a very tight fit. It fits smaller bottles much better.
@@EDG Thank you!
@@Donyale6230 Yeah no problem thanks for the comment
I just ordered it.
@@Donyale6230 hope you enjoy!
Thanks for the video
Thank you for the comment.
Is this bag black or navy blue? Is this the recycled backpack?
It’s black. And I’m not sure if it’s the recycled. I think so? I didn’t see an option of both when I bought it
how do you deal with bringing along your camera in a bag like this?
Very easy. I carry my camera in my pocket! I don't own a true camera anymore and just shoot with phone now. But, if I did still have my camera, I'd put it in it's own case before putting it into the backpack.
It’s not pronounced ‘rack’, rather ‘rook’. Ruck means ‘back’ in German.
thanks google translate, I'm sure American retailer REI had the German for 'back' when they were naming this.
@@EDG haha. Very good review nonetheless. It’s similar in some ways to the Deuter StepOut 16.