Waterfield Air Porter vs. Timbuk2 Scheme

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Waterfield Air Porter

Capacity22 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions42×30×18 cm
Airline fit95%
Price$420

Feature by feature

Waterfield Air PorterFeatureTimbuk2 Scheme
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
top Passport side
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack hideable
N Hip Belt N
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
7 Main Compartments 6
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680 Denier black Ballistic nylon

Timbuk2 Scheme

Front facing view of the Timbuk2 Scheme
Capacity21 L
Weight1.2 kg
Dimensions43×30×14 cm
Airline fit95%
Price$180

Key differences between the Waterfield Air Porter and Timbuk2 Scheme

Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 180 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.

Waterfield Air Porter vs. Timbuk2 Scheme: which should you pack?

The Waterfield Air Porter carries 1L more than the Timbuk2 Scheme (22L vs. 21L), while the Timbuk2 Scheme is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waterfield Air Porter fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Waterfield Air Porter; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Scheme is the better call.