KS Ultralight KS27 vs. 5.11 Rush 12
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
KS Ultralight KS27
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 87% |
| Price | $130 |
Feature by feature
| KS Ultralight KS27 | Feature | 5.11 Rush 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| X-pac VX 07 YKK "waterproof zip" | Water-resistant 1050D nylon |
Key differences between the KS Ultralight KS27 and 5.11 Rush 12
- Opening: Other on the KS Ultralight KS27; Clamshell on the 5.11 Rush 12.
- Main compartments: 2 on the KS Ultralight KS27; 4 on the 5.11 Rush 12.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the KS Ultralight KS27; No on the 5.11 Rush 12.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 164 accept both. 0 accept only the KS Ultralight KS27, and 15 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
KS Ultralight KS27 vs. 5.11 Rush 12: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight KS27 carries 3L more than the 5.11 Rush 12 (27L vs. 24L), while the KS Ultralight KS27 is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Rush 12 fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight KS27; if you want to travel lighter, the KS Ultralight KS27 is the better call.