Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. KS Ultralight KS27
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Zpacks Bagger Ultra | Feature | KS Ultralight KS27 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable, optional | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 3.3oz/sqyd Ultra 100X, not coated with DWR or other chemicals and is PFAS free | X-pac VX 07 YKK "waterproof zip" |
KS Ultralight KS27
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 87% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and KS Ultralight KS27
- Compression straps: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 2 on the KS Ultralight KS27.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Other on the KS Ultralight KS27.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Removable on the KS Ultralight KS27.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 2 on the KS Ultralight KS27.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, 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. 164 accept both. 15 accept only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra, and 0 accept only the KS Ultralight KS27.
Only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. KS Ultralight KS27: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight KS27 carries 2L more than the Zpacks Bagger Ultra (25L vs. 27L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight KS27; if you want to travel lighter, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the better call.