The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
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 SnowDrifter Pack 30L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| 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 SnowDrifter Pack 30L
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $129 |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
- Opening: Other on the The North Face Surge; Top zip on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Passport pocket: Front on the The North Face Surge; Top on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the The North Face Surge; No on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
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 6 accept only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
Only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 1L more than the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L (31L vs. 30L), while the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L 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 Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the better call.