Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
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 | Fjallraven Vardag 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable, optional | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | 100% polyester 600D (recycled) |
Fjallraven Vardag 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×29×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $100 |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and Fjallraven Vardag 28
- Compression straps: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 2 on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Top zip on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 15in on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
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. 173 accept both. 6 accept only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra, and 0 accept only the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Vardag 28 carries 3L more than the Zpacks Bagger Ultra (25L vs. 28L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.8kg). 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 Fjallraven Vardag 28; if you want to travel lighter, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the better call.