KS Ultralight Tao vs. Exped Core 35
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 | Exped Core 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 3 |
| top | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| 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" | 1680 D Ballistic nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the KS Ultralight Tao and Exped Core 35
- Opening: Other on the KS Ultralight Tao; Top flap on the Exped Core 35.
- Passport pocket: Top on the KS Ultralight Tao; No on the Exped Core 35.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the KS Ultralight Tao; Yes on the Exped Core 35.
- Main compartments: 2 on the KS Ultralight Tao; 1 on the Exped Core 35.
Both have: 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. 2 accept both. 0 accept only the KS Ultralight Tao, and 22 accept only the Exped Core 35.
Only the Exped Core 35 fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, China Southern, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Island Air, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
KS Ultralight Tao vs. Exped Core 35: which should you pack?
The KS Ultralight Tao carries the same capacity as the Exped Core 35 (35L vs. 35L), while the Exped Core 35 is the lighter pack at 0.1kg (vs. 0.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Core 35 fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the KS Ultralight Tao; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Core 35 is the better call.