---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/2cgfvx2mu6/the-north-face-surge/xhpl1ts3fx/patagonia-snowdrifter-pack-30l/"
title: "The North Face Surge vs Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L"
description: "The North Face Surge vs Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L: 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/xhpl1ts3fx/patagonia-snowdrifter-pack-30l/"
---
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3.  The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L

# The North Face Surge vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L

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 | 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 |

<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>7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish</td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L](https://onebag.travel/carryon/xhpl1ts3fx/patagonia-snowdrifter-pack-30l/)

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

![Front facing view of the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1633434165/carryons/Patagonia_SnowDrifter_Pack_30L_qb6wqh.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>0.8 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>48×30×17 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>93%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$129</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 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.