Osprey Kestrel 48 vs. Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Kestrel 48 | Feature | Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 6 | Compression | 6 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| ecycled 420D nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS | Vinylon F: 100% vinylal 100% polyamide 500D (recycled) |
Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 60×34×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 16% |
| Price | $275 |
Key differences between the Osprey Kestrel 48 and Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35
- Opening: Other on the Osprey Kestrel 48; Clamshell on the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Kestrel 48; 3 on the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, rain cover, 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. 1 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Kestrel 48, and 29 accept only the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35.
Only the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Conviasa, Cubana de Aviacion, Frontier Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Island Air, Korean Air, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Sun Country, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines, Virgin America.
Osprey Kestrel 48 vs. Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35: which should you pack?
The Osprey Kestrel 48 carries 13L more than the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 (48L vs. 35L), while the Osprey Kestrel 48 is the lighter pack at 2kg (vs. 2.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 fits 16% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Kestrel 48; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Kestrel 48 is the better call.