Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack
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 | Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| 28L | Expanded Capacity | 11L |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | back |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | optional |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| RE/COR RN66 100% recycled nylon | |
Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×27×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 41% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack and Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 4 on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
- Expansion: 28L when expanded on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 11L when expanded on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
- Passport pocket: Front on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Back on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Optional on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; No on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 6 on the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
Both have: 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. 75 accept both. 100 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, and 3 accept only the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack.
Only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits
Aer Lingus, Air Asia, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kulula, Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Only the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack carries 2L more than the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack (25L vs. 23L), while the Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits 93% 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 Code of Bell X-PAK EVO - Sling Pack is the better call.