Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack
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 | Bellroy Classic Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 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 | 00% recycled polyester & nylon |
Bellroy Classic Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.75 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $139 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 and Bellroy Classic Backpack
- Passport pocket: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; 16in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
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. 174 accept both. 2 accept only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20, and 5 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack.
Only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Bellroy Classic Backpack: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 carries the same capacity as the Bellroy Classic Backpack (20L vs. 20L), while the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the lighter pack at 0.42kg (vs. 0.75kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Classic Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the better call.