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Add to SafariWhen comparing REI Trail 40 Pack vs Pacsafe Venturesafe 45L, the Slant community recommends REI Trail 40 Pack for most people. In the question“What are the best carry on backpacks for travel that hold at least 30L?” REI Trail 40 Pack is ranked 4th while Pacsafe Venturesafe 45L is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose REI Trail 40 Pack is:
There is a [women-specific version](http://www.slant.co/topics/5119/viewpoints/7/~carry-on-travel-backpacks-for-women-that-hold-at-least-30l~rei-trail-40-pack-women-s) of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Women-specific version available
There is a women-specific version of the REI Trail 40 available, which has a slightly smaller torso fit range.
Pro Pockets on the hip belt for easy access
The hip belt has two zippered pockets which lets you store things for easy access (such as papers, money or snacks).
Pro Four zipper access to easily get to your belongings
The pack is front load with four zipper access, allowing you to unzip from either the top or bottom. This is great if you want to grab something from the bottom of your pack without opening it completely.
Pro Includes raincover
The pack comes with a rain cover that stows away in it's own zip pocket.
Pro Both compartments can be locked with the same lock
The Roobar design allows the zippers of both compartments to be locked with a single cable lock.
Pro Anti-theft fabric
A stainless steel wire mesh is embedded in the fabric, making the pack much more difficult to cut open.
Pro Stowaway straps
The shoulder straps and hip belt can be tucked behind the back panel.
Cons
Con Pocket for hydration reservoir is difficult to access
The pocket for the hydration reservoir is external, located right behind the back panel. There is very little room, making it hard to access and can only fit a small amount of water (around 1.5L).
Con Internal bungee compression system can get in the way
The internal compression straps are a bungee system, which does not unclip the way most do. When your pack is full, this can make it a very tight squeeze if you want to access something in the back.
Con Laptop compartment is at the front of the pack
Heavy items should be closest to your back. However with the laptop compartment located at the front of the pack, the weight can throw off your balance and make the bag feel heavier.
Con Laptop compartment only unzips on one side
The laptop compartment only unzips on a single side, making it hard to access.
