Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Away Active Convertible 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×33×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $180 |
Feature by feature
| Away Active Convertible 25L | Feature | Tortuga Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| back | Passport | top, front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y, hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | Y, removable |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled polyester | 630D CORDURA |
Tortuga Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Away Active Convertible 25L and Tortuga Expandable Backpack
- Passport pocket: Back on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Hip belt: No on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Away Active Convertible 25L; Yes on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the Away Active Convertible 25L; 16in on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, luggage passthrough, 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. 172 accept both. 7 accept only the Away Active Convertible 25L, and 0 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Only the Away Active Convertible 25L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Away Active Convertible 25L vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Expandable Backpack carries 2L more than the Away Active Convertible 25L (25L vs. 27L), while the Away Active Convertible 25L is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Away Active Convertible 25L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Away Active Convertible 25L is the better call.