Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
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 | Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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) | 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish |
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $109 |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro and Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
- Compression straps: No on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; 2 on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; No on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; 15in on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 4 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro carries the same capacity as the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L (26L vs. 26L), while the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits 94% 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 Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the better call.