Gregory Nano 28L vs. North Face Recon
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Gregory Nano 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×31×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 69% |
| Price | $101 |
Feature by feature
| Gregory Nano 28L | Feature | North Face Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 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 | |
| 210D High Density 40% Recycled Nylon / 450D 100% recycled Polyester with C0 DWR | 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish |
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Gregory Nano 28L and North Face Recon
- Compression straps: 2 on the Gregory Nano 28L; 4 on the North Face Recon.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Gregory Nano 28L; 15in on the North Face Recon.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Gregory Nano 28L; Yes on the North Face Recon.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 131 accept both. 0 accept only the Gregory Nano 28L, and 42 accept only the North Face Recon.
Only the North Face Recon fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Gregory Nano 28L vs. North Face Recon: which should you pack?
The North Face Recon carries 2L more than the Gregory Nano 28L (28L vs. 30L), while the Gregory Nano 28L is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the North Face Recon fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the North Face Recon; if you want to travel lighter, the Gregory Nano 28L is the better call.