Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
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 | Cabin Zero Varsity 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | 600D Polyester |
Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.44 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 98% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 and Cabin Zero Varsity 26L
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.
Both have: backpack straps.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 175 accept both. 1 accept only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20, and 11 accept only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L.
Only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Cabin Zero Varsity 26L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Varsity 26L carries 6L more than the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 (20L vs. 26L), while the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the lighter pack at 0.42kg (vs. 0.44kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L fits 98% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Varsity 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the better call.