Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L vs. Nordace Urban Max
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×31×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $129 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L | Feature | Nordace Urban Max |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester | Polyester |
Nordace Urban Max
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.05 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $135 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L and Nordace Urban Max
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; Yes on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; Yes on the Nordace Urban Max.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; No on the Nordace Urban Max.
Both have: luggage passthrough, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L, and 6 accept only the Nordace Urban Max.
Only the Nordace Urban Max fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L vs. Nordace Urban Max: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L carries 5L more than the Nordace Urban Max (25L vs. 20L), while the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.05kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Nordace Urban Max fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L is the better call.