Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Thule EnRoute
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kifaru Checkpoint
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $350 |
Feature by feature
| Kifaru Checkpoint | Feature | Thule EnRoute |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | |
Key differences between the Kifaru Checkpoint and Thule EnRoute
- Compression straps: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 2 on the Thule EnRoute.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Other on the Thule EnRoute.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Yes on the Thule EnRoute.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 134 accept both. 1 accept only the Kifaru Checkpoint, and 5 accept only the Thule EnRoute.
Only the Kifaru Checkpoint fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Thule EnRoute fits
Etihad Airways, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Thule EnRoute: which should you pack?
The Kifaru Checkpoint carries 5L more than the Thule EnRoute (28L vs. 23L), while the Thule EnRoute is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Thule EnRoute fits 74% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kifaru Checkpoint; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule EnRoute is the better call.