GORUCK GR2 40 vs. LL Bean Continental
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR2 40 | Feature | LL Bean Continental |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel | 1000-denier Kodra |
LL Bean Continental
| Capacity | 41 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×34×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $170 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR2 40 and LL Bean Continental
- Opening: Clamshell on the GORUCK GR2 40; Other on the LL Bean Continental.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the GORUCK GR2 40; Hideable on the LL Bean Continental.
- Laptop sleeve: 17in on the GORUCK GR2 40; No on the LL Bean Continental.
- Built-in organizer: No on the GORUCK GR2 40; Yes on the LL Bean Continental.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 88 accept both. 0 accept only the GORUCK GR2 40, and 49 accept only the LL Bean Continental.
Only the LL Bean Continental fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet.
GORUCK GR2 40 vs. LL Bean Continental: which should you pack?
The LL Bean Continental carries 1L more than the GORUCK GR2 40 (40L vs. 41L), while the LL Bean Continental is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the LL Bean Continental fits 72% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the LL Bean Continental; if you want to travel lighter, the LL Bean Continental is the better call.