5.11 Rush 12 vs. Kifaru Antero
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Rush 12 | Feature | Kifaru Antero |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Water-resistant 1050D nylon | 500 Denier Cordura Lined with 400 D packcloth |
Key differences between the 5.11 Rush 12 and Kifaru Antero
- Sternum strap: Removable on the 5.11 Rush 12; Yes on the Kifaru Antero.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 15in on the Kifaru Antero.
- Main compartments: 4 on the 5.11 Rush 12; 3 on the Kifaru Antero.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 2, side on the Kifaru Antero.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 176 accept both. 3 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12, and 0 accept only the Kifaru Antero.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
5.11 Rush 12 vs. Kifaru Antero: which should you pack?
The Kifaru Antero carries 1L more than the 5.11 Rush 12 (24L vs. 25L), while the 5.11 Rush 12 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Rush 12 fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kifaru Antero; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Rush 12 is the better call.