ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada vs. Able Carry Max EDC
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 | Able Carry Max EDC |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | Ripstop - 1.47kg / 3.2lbs X-Pac - 1.55kg / 3.4lbs |
Able Carry Max EDC
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada and Able Carry Max EDC
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; 17in on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Main compartments: 4 on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; 6 on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side, internal on the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada; 1, side on the Able Carry Max EDC.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 173 accept both. 6 accept only the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada, and 0 accept only the Able Carry Max EDC.
Only the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada vs. Able Carry Max EDC: which should you pack?
The Able Carry Max EDC 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. 1.5kg). 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 Able Carry Max EDC; if you want to travel lighter, the ULA Equipment Ultra Cicada is the better call.