when you’re on your own in a foreign place, what matters most?
The REI Ruckpack Collection
THE OPPORTUNITY
Adventure travelers want to be mobile, self-sufficient, and to maintain a low profile. How can a backpack support them on their journey, offering everything they need and nothing they don’t?
The original Ruckpack collection launched in 2017, and was embraced by adventure travelers, but spoke to commuters and adventurers as well.
The challenge was to continue to speak to the core adventure traveler, but also spoke to a broader audience through exceptional versatility, clean design, and an increased focus on sustainability.
THE SOLUTION
This collection is all about versatility, at home in a foreign country, on a trail, through the airport, and on the commute. Exteriors are spare to streamline through crowds and be easy to maintain; belt loops on the sides allow users to lock 3 zippers with a single lock, and the harness and fit come from years of development of backpacking packs.
Best of all, we were able to use recycled nylon on the exterior, and the packs are bluesign certified.
Meaningful features keep a low profile
From our research and interviews, we knew how much adventure travelers valued minimal add-ons, while simultaneously being able to quickly adapt to new needs. The Ruckpack collection features details like tuck-away pole keepers and a belt loop that both traps trekking poles, but also acts as a single locking point for both side and main zippers. All zippers open toward the wearer to dissuade attention in crowded spaces.
Ruckpack 60+ and included Daypack
Ruckpack 40
Ruckpack 28
Ruckpack 18
Initial Sketches
A foam buck covered in tape to explore patterning for an in-house build.
The challenge is to balance color usage across a line without running into minimum order issues.
What People Are Saying
“In all, nearly every complaint we had with the Ruckpack 65 has been addressed in the 60+.”
— NY Times Wirecutter, winner best Travel Backpack
The 18l has great features and great looks that made it stand out above the ocean of small daypacks I considered.”
— Lizzy, rei.com user review
“REI KEPT IT FAIRLY SIMPLE AND MINIMALISTIC AS FAR AS FEATURES GO, BUT THEY DID A GREAT JOB OF SUPPLYING THE RUCKPACK WITH ALL THE NECESSITIES.”
— outdoorgearlab.com
“I’m using it for an EDC bag and would work great for anything, from motorcycling to snowshoeing.”
—sky hero, rei.com user review