Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Outlander Packable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Parkside | Feature | Outlander Packable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
Outlander Packable Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×27×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $20 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Parkside and Outlander Packable Backpack
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Parkside; No on the Outlander Packable Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Timbuk2 Parkside; No on the Outlander Packable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 3 on the Outlander Packable Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Timbuk2 Parkside; No on the Outlander Packable Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 2, side on the Outlander Packable Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 178 accept both. 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Parkside, and 3 accept only the Outlander Packable Backpack.
Only the Outlander Packable Backpack fits
Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.
Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Outlander Packable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Parkside carries 5L more than the Outlander Packable Backpack (25L vs. 20L), while the Outlander Packable Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.5kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Outlander Packable Backpack fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Parkside; if you want to travel lighter, the Outlander Packable Backpack is the better call.