Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L vs. KS Ultralight Tao
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.89 kg |
| Dimensions | 65×31×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 13% |
| Price | $179 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L | Feature | KS Ultralight Tao |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| removable | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 420-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop, 70-denier 100% nylon ripstop | 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 Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L and KS Ultralight Tao
- Compression straps: Removable on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; Top on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Hip belt: Yes on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; Removable on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; 2 on the KS Ultralight Tao.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 2 accept both. 23 accept only the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L, and 0 accept only the KS Ultralight Tao.
Only the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L vs. KS Ultralight Tao: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L carries the same capacity as the KS Ultralight Tao (35L vs. 35L), while the KS Ultralight Tao is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.89kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; if you want to travel lighter, the KS Ultralight Tao is the better call.