STM Dux Backpack vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
STM Dux Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.78 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×33×24.1 cm |
| Airline fit | 39% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| STM Dux Backpack | Feature | Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| Passthrough | N | |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D x 750D Polyester | 100% repurposed 600D polyester |
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the STM Dux Backpack and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
- Passport pocket: Yes on the STM Dux Backpack; No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the STM Dux Backpack; Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 73 accept both. 0 accept only the STM Dux Backpack, and 59 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L fits
Aer Lingus, Air Asia, Air Canada, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Trans States, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet.
STM Dux Backpack vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L: which should you pack?
The STM Dux Backpack carries 4L more than the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L (30L vs. 26L), while the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.78kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L fits 70% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the STM Dux Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.