STM Prime vs. Topo Designs Trip
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 | Topo Designs Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 11in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | |
Topo Designs Trip
| Capacity | 8.4 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×21×11 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $170 |
Key differences between the STM Prime and Topo Designs Trip
- Passport pocket: Top on the STM Prime; Front on the Topo Designs Trip.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the STM Prime; No on the Topo Designs Trip.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the STM Prime; 11in on the Topo Designs Trip.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the STM Prime; No on the Topo Designs Trip.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 181 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
STM Prime vs. Topo Designs Trip: which should you pack?
The STM Prime carries 6.6L more than the Topo Designs Trip (15L vs. 8.4L), while the Topo Designs Trip is the lighter pack at 0.5kg (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 STM Prime; if you want to travel lighter, the Topo Designs Trip is the better call.