5.11 Rush 12 vs. Airback Original
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Rush 12 | Feature | Airback Original |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Water-resistant 1050D nylon | 100% Recycled Nylon 900D Face wax coating & Back PU coating, GRS certified, PFC free |
Airback Original
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the 5.11 Rush 12 and Airback Original
- Compression straps: 2 on the 5.11 Rush 12; 4 on the Airback Original.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 17in on the Airback Original.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the 5.11 Rush 12; 1, side on the Airback Original.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 172 accept both. 7 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12, and 0 accept only the Airback Original.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
5.11 Rush 12 vs. Airback Original: which should you pack?
The 5.11 Rush 12 carries 2L more than the Airback Original (24L vs. 22L), while the 5.11 Rush 12 is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.7kg). 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 5.11 Rush 12; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Rush 12 is the better call.