Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
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 | Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 13in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 70D ripstop nylon | 7.3-oz 400-denier recycled Polyester with DWR Finish |
Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Tortuga Packable Backpack and Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
- Passport pocket: Top on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Front on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; 13in on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Yes on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
- Water resistant: No on the Tortuga Packable Backpack; Yes on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
Both have: 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. 178 accept both. 1 accept only the Tortuga Packable Backpack, and 2 accept only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L.
Only the Tortuga Packable Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
Tortuga Packable Backpack vs. Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L carries 1L more than the Tortuga Packable Backpack (19L vs. 20L), while the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.6kg). 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 Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Tortuga Packable Backpack is the better call.