Thule EnRoute vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule EnRoute | Feature | Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish | |
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $109 |
Key differences between the Thule EnRoute and Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Thule EnRoute; No on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Thule EnRoute; 15in on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
- Water resistant: No on the Thule EnRoute; Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 139 accept both. 0 accept only the Thule EnRoute, and 39 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Thule EnRoute vs. Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L carries 3L more than the Thule EnRoute (23L vs. 26L), while the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is the better call.