Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack
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 | Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable, optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| 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 | 500D 100% Nylon |
Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $230 |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Yes on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; No on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 15in on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 4 on the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack.
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. 133 accept both. 46 accept only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra, and 0 accept only the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack.
Only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack: which should you pack?
The Zpacks Bagger Ultra carries 3L more than the Vertx Gamut 22L Backpack (25L vs. 22L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.3kg). 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 Zpacks Bagger Ultra; if you want to travel lighter, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the better call.