The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
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 | Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish |
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $109 |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
- Passport pocket: Front on the The North Face Surge; Top on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the The North Face Surge; No on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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 9 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 5L more than the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L (31L vs. 26L), while the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits 94% 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 Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the better call.