YNOT Magnetica vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| YNOT Magnetica | Feature | Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| YKK AquaGuard zippers | Available in:X-Pac X42, 500D, 1050D Ballistic Nylon |
Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the YNOT Magnetica and Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
- Opening: Top flap on the YNOT Magnetica; Clamshell on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Hip belt: Optional on the YNOT Magnetica; No on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the YNOT Magnetica; 16in on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the YNOT Magnetica; Yes on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 174 accept both. 5 accept only the YNOT Magnetica, and 2 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
Only the YNOT Magnetica fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
YNOT Magnetica vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack: which should you pack?
The YNOT Magnetica carries the same capacity as the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack (20L vs. 20L), while the YNOT Magnetica is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the YNOT Magnetica fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the YNOT Magnetica; if you want to travel lighter, the YNOT Magnetica is the better call.