Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. KS Ultralight KS27
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tortuga Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 19 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×26×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Tortuga Packable Backpack | Feature | KS Ultralight KS27 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | 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 | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 70D ripstop nylon | X-pac VX 07 YKK "waterproof zip" |
KS Ultralight KS27
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 87% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Tortuga Packable Backpack and KS Ultralight KS27
- Compression straps: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; 2 on the KS Ultralight KS27.
- Hip belt: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Removable on the KS Ultralight KS27.
- Water resistant: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Yes on the KS Ultralight KS27.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 164 accept both. 15 accept only the Tortuga Packable Backpack, and 0 accept only the KS Ultralight KS27.
Only the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. KS Ultralight KS27: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight KS27 carries 8L more than the Tortuga Packable Backpack (19L vs. 27L), while the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight KS27; if you want to travel lighter, the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the better call.