Gossamer Gear Mariposa vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $315 |
Feature by feature
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa | Feature | Ortlieb Messenger Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100D & 210D Recycled Robic Nylon | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 59% |
| Price | $140 |
Key differences between the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and Ortlieb Messenger Bag
- Compression straps: 2 on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Opening: Other on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 48 accept both. 41 accept only the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, and 63 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Only the Gossamer Gear Mariposa fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Great Lakes Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Icelandair, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Peach, Porter Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Messenger Bag carries 3L more than the Gossamer Gear Mariposa (36L vs. 39L), while the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits 59% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa is the better call.