Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $210 |
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack | Feature | SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| 28L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $70 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack and SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Clamshell on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Front on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Top on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Yes on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 4 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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. 175 accept both. 0 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, and 4 accept only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack: which should you pack?
The SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack carries 1L more than the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack (25L vs. 26L), while the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack is the better call.