Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Troubadour Ridge Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $190 |
Feature by feature
| Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro | Feature | Troubadour Ridge Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top, front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 7 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| X-Pac VX42 Also: Axoflux Recycled Fabric (POLY 600D) | Recycled polyester. |
Troubadour Ridge Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $325 |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro and Troubadour Ridge Backpack
- Passport pocket: Top on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; Top, front on the Troubadour Ridge Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; No on the Troubadour Ridge Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; 17in on the Troubadour Ridge Backpack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; 7 on the Troubadour Ridge Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 0 accept only the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro, and 1 accept only the Troubadour Ridge Backpack.
Only the Troubadour Ridge Backpack fits
Air Niugini.
Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Troubadour Ridge Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro carries 1L more than the Troubadour Ridge Backpack (26L vs. 25L), while the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Troubadour Ridge Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; if you want to travel lighter, the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro is the better call.