Exped Summit Lite 25 vs. Exped Impulse 20
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Exped Summit Lite 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.33 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $62 |
Feature by feature
| Exped Summit Lite 25 | Feature | Exped Impulse 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100 D Triple ripstop nylon, PU coated, 2'000 mm water column | Body: 210 D Robic HD ripstop nylon Carbonate PU, 2500 mm water column, Oeko-Tex 100 certified, PFC-free |
Key differences between the Exped Summit Lite 25 and Exped Impulse 20
- Opening: Top zip on the Exped Summit Lite 25; Top flap on the Exped Impulse 20.
- Passport pocket: No on the Exped Summit Lite 25; Yes on the Exped Impulse 20.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 168 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Exped Summit Lite 25 vs. Exped Impulse 20: which should you pack?
The Exped Summit Lite 25 carries 5L more than the Exped Impulse 20 (25L vs. 20L), while the Exped Summit Lite 25 is the lighter pack at 0.33kg (vs. 0.88kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Summit Lite 25 fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Exped Summit Lite 25; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Summit Lite 25 is the better call.