---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/2cgfvx2mu6/the-north-face-surge/aiuhvv19pe/topo-designs-mountain-pack/"
title: "The North Face Surge vs Topo Designs Mountain Pack"
description: "The North Face Surge vs Topo Designs Mountain Pack: 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/aiuhvv19pe/topo-designs-mountain-pack/"
---
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2.  [Carry-On Travel Backpacks](https://onebag.travel/carryons/)
3.  The North Face Surge vs. Topo Designs Mountain Pack

# The North Face Surge vs. Topo Designs Mountain Pack

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 | Topo Designs Mountain Pack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage |
| 2 | Compression | \>5 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry |
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside |
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside |
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, 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>1000D exterior, 210D coated pack cloth liner</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Topo Designs Mountain Pack](https://onebag.travel/carryon/aiuhvv19pe/topo-designs-mountain-pack/)

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

![Front facing view of the Topo Designs Mountain Pack](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601601607/carryons/topodesigns_wwcrzi.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>30 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>48×29×18 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>93%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$180</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Topo Designs Mountain Pack

-   **Compression straps:** 2 on the The North Face Surge; >5 on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
-   **Opening:** Other on the The North Face Surge; Rolltop on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
-   **Passport pocket:** Front on the The North Face Surge; Top on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.
-   **Built-in organizer:** Yes on the The North Face Surge; No on the Topo Designs Mountain Pack.

Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, 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 Topo Designs Mountain Pack.

### Only the Topo Designs Mountain Pack fits

Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.

## The North Face Surge vs. Topo Designs Mountain Pack: which should you pack?

The **The North Face Surge** carries 1L more than the **Topo Designs Mountain Pack** (31L vs. 30L), while the **Topo Designs Mountain Pack** is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the **Topo Designs Mountain Pack** 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 Topo Designs Mountain Pack is the better call.