Osprey Skarab 30 vs. KS Ultralight Tao
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Skarab 30 | Feature | KS Ultralight Tao |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100Dx210D high-tenacity nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS | X-pac VX 07YKK "waterproof zip" |
KS Ultralight Tao
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 71×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Osprey Skarab 30 and KS Ultralight Tao
- Compression straps: 4 on the Osprey Skarab 30; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Skarab 30; Removable on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Osprey Skarab 30; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 72 accept only the Osprey Skarab 30, and 0 accept only the KS Ultralight Tao.
Only the Osprey Skarab 30 fits
Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Astana, Air Caraibes, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Koryo, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Nostrum, Air Tahiti Nui, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Atlas Global, Azul Linhas, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, EL AL, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Air, LATAM , Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sky Airlines, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Thai Airways, Travel Service Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, WOW Airlines.
Osprey Skarab 30 vs. KS Ultralight Tao: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight Tao carries 5L more than the Osprey Skarab 30 (30L vs. 35L), while the KS Ultralight Tao is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Skarab 30 fits 39% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight Tao; if you want to travel lighter, the KS Ultralight Tao is the better call.