Waterfield Air Porter vs. Timbuk2 Scheme
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Waterfield Air Porter
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $420 |
Feature by feature
| Waterfield Air Porter | Feature | Timbuk2 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 | |
Key differences between the Waterfield Air Porter and Timbuk2 Scheme
- Opening: Other on the Waterfield Air Porter; Clamshell on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Waterfield Air Porter; Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Main compartments: 7 on the Waterfield Air Porter; 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Waterfield Air Porter; No on the 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.