Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag
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 | Ortlieb Messenger Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| removable | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| 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 | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 59% |
| Price | $140 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L and Ortlieb Messenger Bag
- Compression straps: Removable on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Opening: Other on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Hip belt: Yes on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L; Removable on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
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. 25 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L, and 86 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air Malta, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, EL AL, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Icelandair, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, Juneyao Airlines, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, Uzbekistan Air, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag: which should you pack?
The Ortlieb Messenger Bag carries 4L more than the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L (35L vs. 39L), while the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L is the lighter pack at 0.89kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits 59% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Ortlieb Messenger Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L is the better call.