Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Kifaru Antero
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 | Kifaru Antero |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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 | 500 Denier Cordura Lined with 400 D packcloth |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and Kifaru Antero
- Compression straps: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 2 on the Kifaru Antero.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Removable on the Kifaru Antero.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Yes on the Kifaru Antero.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 15in on the Kifaru Antero.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, 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. 176 accept both. 3 accept only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra, and 0 accept only the Kifaru Antero.
Only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Kifaru Antero: which should you pack?
The Zpacks Bagger Ultra carries the same capacity as the Kifaru Antero (25L vs. 25L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.4kg). 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.