Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Osprey Sportlite 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Skarab 30 | Feature | Osprey Sportlite 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 3 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100Dx210D high-tenacity nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS | bluesign®100D recycled high tenacity bird eye nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR |
Osprey Sportlite 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 41% |
| Price | $125 |
Key differences between the Osprey Skarab 30 and Osprey Sportlite 25
- Compression straps: 4 on the Osprey Skarab 30; 3 on the Osprey Sportlite 25.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Osprey Skarab 30; Yes on the Osprey Sportlite 25.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Osprey Skarab 30; 3 on the Osprey Sportlite 25.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 73 accept both. 1 accept only the Osprey Skarab 30, and 4 accept only the Osprey Sportlite 25.
Only the Osprey Skarab 30 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Osprey Sportlite 25 fits
Aer Lingus, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways.
Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Osprey Sportlite 25: which should you pack?
The Osprey Skarab 30 carries 5L more than the Osprey Sportlite 25 (30L vs. 25L), while the Osprey Sportlite 25 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Sportlite 25 fits 41% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Skarab 30; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Sportlite 25 is the better call.