STM Prime vs. Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
STM Prime
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×26×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| STM Prime | Feature | Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | 210D Robic nylon |
Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×27×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $125 |
Key differences between the STM Prime and Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet
- Compression straps: No on the STM Prime; 2 on the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
- Passport pocket: Top on the STM Prime; Front on the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the STM Prime; 16in on the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
Both have: 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. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the STM Prime, and 0 accept only the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet.
Only the STM Prime fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air.
STM Prime vs. Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet: which should you pack?
The Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet carries 8L more than the STM Prime (15L vs. 23L), while the STM Prime is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the STM Prime fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet; if you want to travel lighter, the STM Prime is the better call.