The North Face Surge vs. Kifaru Antero
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 | Kifaru Antero |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| 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 |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 500 Denier Cordura Lined with 400 D packcloth |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Kifaru Antero
- Opening: Other on the The North Face Surge; Clamshell on the Kifaru Antero.
- Passport pocket: Front on the The North Face Surge; Top on the Kifaru Antero.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the The North Face Surge; No on the Kifaru Antero.
Both have: compression straps, 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 7 accept only the Kifaru Antero.
Only the Kifaru Antero fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The North Face Surge vs. Kifaru Antero: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 6L more than the Kifaru Antero (31L vs. 25L), while the The North Face Surge is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kifaru Antero 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 The North Face Surge is the better call.