Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop 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 | Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | 1050 Denier black Ballistic nylon/ Full-grain leather accents |
Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
| Capacity | 25.5 L |
| Weight | 1.41 kg |
| Dimensions | 41.91×34.29×17.78 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $350 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 and Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
- Main compartments: 1 on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; 2 on the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20; Yes on the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
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. 171 accept both. 5 accept only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20, and 5 accept only the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
Only the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 fits
Air Niugini, Cayman Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 vs. Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack: which should you pack?
The Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack carries 5.5L more than the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 (20L vs. 25.5L), while the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the lighter pack at 0.42kg (vs. 1.41kg). 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 Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Solus Pack 20 is the better call.