---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/2cgfvx2mu6/the-north-face-surge/7mq3qj7u7f/timbuk2-never-check-expandable-backpack/"
title: "The North Face Surge vs Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack"
description: "The North Face Surge vs Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/2cgfvx2mu6/the-north-face-surge/7mq3qj7u7f/timbuk2-never-check-expandable-backpack/"
---
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2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  The North Face Surge vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

# The North Face Surge vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [The North Face Surge](https://onebag.travel/carryon/2cgfvx2mu6/the-north-face-surge/)

by [North Face](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=North Face)

![Front facing view of the The North Face Surge](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1634186335/carryons/The_Northface_Surge_corxll.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>31 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.3 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>51×31×18 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>89%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$140</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack](https://onebag.travel/carryon/7mq3qj7u7f/timbuk2-never-check-expandable-backpack/)

by [Timbuk2](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Timbuk2)

![Front facing view of the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990446/carryons/timbuk2-never-check-expandable-backpack-7mq3qj7u7f.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>25 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>48×29×15 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>93%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$210</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.