The North Face Surge vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
The North Face Surge
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $140 |
Feature by feature
| The North Face Surge | Feature | Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 28L |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | |
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $210 |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
- Hip belt: Removable on the The North Face Surge; No on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the The North Face Surge; Removable on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the The North Face Surge; 1, side on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the The North Face Surge, and 6 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
Only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The North Face Surge vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 6L more than the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack (31L vs. 25L), while the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The North Face Surge; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack is the better call.