ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $350 |
Feature by feature
| ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada | Feature | SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side, internal | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| ULTRA 400TX | |
SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $70 |
Key differences between the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada and SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; 2 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Hip belt: Optional on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side, internal on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; 1, side on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 179 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack: which should you pack?
The SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack carries 4L more than the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada (22L vs. 26L), while the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada is the better call.