Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. CabinZero Classic 36L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.42 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $60 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 | Feature | CabinZero Classic 36L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | lining: polyesterouter: waterproof polyester |
CabinZero Classic 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 76% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 and CabinZero Classic 36L
- Compression straps: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
- Opening: Top zip on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Other on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; 2 on the CabinZero Classic 36L.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 140 accept both. 36 accept only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20, and 3 accept only the CabinZero Classic 36L.
Only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 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, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the CabinZero Classic 36L fits
American Eagle, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. CabinZero Classic 36L: which should you pack?
The CabinZero Classic 36L carries 16L more than the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 (20L vs. 36L), while the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the lighter pack at 0.42kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the CabinZero Classic 36L; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the better call.