GORUCK GR2 40 vs. Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR2 40 | Feature | Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel | 7.9-oz 210-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a TPU coating |
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×31×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR2 40 and Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
- Compression straps: No on the GORUCK GR2 40; 4 on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L.
- Passport pocket: Front on the GORUCK GR2 40; Top on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L.
- Hip belt: No on the GORUCK GR2 40; Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L.
- Laptop sleeve: 17in on the GORUCK GR2 40; No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L.
Both have: 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. 50 accept both. 38 accept only the GORUCK GR2 40, and 0 accept only the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L.
Only the GORUCK GR2 40 fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
GORUCK GR2 40 vs. Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR2 40 carries 2L more than the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L (40L vs. 38L), while the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR2 40 fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR2 40; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L is the better call.