Fjallraven Ulvö 23 vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Fjallraven Ulvö 23
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×28×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $125 |
Feature by feature
| Fjallraven Ulvö 23 | Feature | Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 28L |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Bergshell®: 400D 100% polyamide | |
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $210 |
Key differences between the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 and Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
- Opening: Top zip on the Fjallraven Ulvö 23; Other on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Fjallraven Ulvö 23; 3 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Fjallraven Ulvö 23; Yes on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Fjallraven Ulvö 23; 1, side on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
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. 6 accept only the Fjallraven Ulvö 23, and 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack.
Only the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Fjallraven Ulvö 23 vs. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack carries 2L more than the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 (23L vs. 25L), while the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Ulvö 23 is the better call.