Which backpacks fit as a carry-on
Which travel backpacks really fit as a carry-on? 10 popular packs checked side by side against the carry-on and personal item limits of 18 airlines, drawn to scale.
| Bag | Listed size | Volume | Carry-on limits it fits | Personal item limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CABINZERO Classic 28L | 39 × 29.5 × 20 cm (15.4 × 11.6 × 7.9 in) | 28 L | 18 of 18 | 9 of 15 |
| Tortuga Pro Backpack 40L | 22 × 14 × 8 in (55 × 35 × 20 cm) | 40 L | 18 of 18 | 0 of 15 |
| Nomatic Travel Pack 20L | 18.5 × 12 × 6 in (≈ 47 × 30.5 × 15.2 cm) | 20 L / 30 L | 18 of 18 | 0 of 15 |
| The North Face Borealis | 12 × 6.5 × 19.5 in (30.5 × 16.5 × 49.5 cm) | 28 L | 18 of 18 | 0 of 15 |
| Aer Travel Pack 3 | 21.5 × 13 × 9 in (54.5 × 33 × 21.5 cm) | 35 L | 17 of 18 (+1 not packed full) | 0 of 15 |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | 55 × 35 × 23 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.1 in) | 40 L | 13 of 18 (+5 not packed full) | 0 of 15 |
| Osprey Fairview 40 | 55 × 35 × 23 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.1 in) | 40 L | 13 of 18 (+5 not packed full) | 0 of 15 |
| CABINZERO Classic 44L | 51 × 36 × 18 cm (20.1 × 14.2 × 7.1 in) | 44 L | 13 of 18 | 0 of 15 |
| Osprey Daylite Plus 20 | 48 × 28 × 24 cm (18.9 × 11.02 × 9.45 in) | 20 L | 8 of 18 (+9 not packed full) | 0 of 15 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | 22 × 12 × 10 in (56 × 30 × 25 cm) | 35 L | 7 of 18 (+6 not packed full) | 0 of 15 |
Sizes are the makers’ listed outside dimensions. Missing a bag? We add packs whose maker publishes full dimensions.