The North Face Surge vs. Graphene-x LIMITLESS 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 | Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 9 |
| 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 | 100% Graphene integrated 900D polyester matrix |
Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×33×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $300 |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack
- Opening: Other on the The North Face Surge; Clamshell on the Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the The North Face Surge; Yes on the Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the The North Face Surge; 16in on the Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the The North Face Surge; 9 on the Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
The North Face Surge vs. Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 6L more than the Graphene-x LIMITLESS Backpack (31L vs. 25L), while the The North Face Surge is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the The North Face Surge fits 89% 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.