Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. 5.11 Rush 12
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 | 5.11 Rush 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| 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 | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 3.3oz/sqyd Ultra 100X, not coated with DWR or other chemicals and is PFAS free | Water-resistant 1050D nylon |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and 5.11 Rush 12
- Compression straps: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 2 on the 5.11 Rush 12.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Removable on the 5.11 Rush 12.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 4 on the 5.11 Rush 12.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; No on the 5.11 Rush 12.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 179 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. 5.11 Rush 12: which should you pack?
The Zpacks Bagger Ultra carries 1L more than the 5.11 Rush 12 (25L vs. 24L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.2kg). 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 Zpacks Bagger Ultra; if you want to travel lighter, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the better call.