Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M
| Capacity | 33 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×36×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $230 |
Feature by feature
| Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M | Feature | Tortuga Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y, hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | Y, removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recyclex™ textiles with a water-repellent coating | 630D CORDURA |
Tortuga Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M and Tortuga Expandable Backpack
- Passport pocket: Top on the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; Yes on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Hip belt: No on the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 17in on the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; 16in on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 158 accept both. 4 accept only the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M, and 14 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Only the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, flybe, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Sky Airlines.
Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M carries 6L more than the Tortuga Expandable Backpack (33L vs. 27L), while the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits 91% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M; if you want to travel lighter, the Samsonite EcoDiver Travel Backpack M is the better call.