KS Ultralight Tao vs. Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
KS Ultralight Tao
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 71×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $150 |
Feature by feature
| KS Ultralight Tao | Feature | Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | removable |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| X-pac VX 07YKK "waterproof zip" | 420-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop, 0-denier 100% nylon ripstop |
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L
| Capacity | 55 L |
| Weight | 1.28 kg |
| Dimensions | 67×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $219 |
Key differences between the KS Ultralight Tao and Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L
- Compression straps: No on the KS Ultralight Tao; Removable on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the KS Ultralight Tao; No on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the KS Ultralight Tao; 1 on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 2 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
KS Ultralight Tao vs. Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L carries 20L more than the KS Ultralight Tao (35L vs. 55L), while the KS Ultralight Tao is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.28kg). For carry-on flexibility, the KS Ultralight Tao fits 1% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L; if you want to travel lighter, the KS Ultralight Tao is the better call.