Exped Metro 20 vs. DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Exped Metro 20 | Feature | DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 600 D ripstop polyester, PU coated, 1'200 mm water column | 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating |
DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Exped Metro 20 and DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
- Opening: Clamshell on the Exped Metro 20; Top zip on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Exped Metro 20; Yes on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 169 accept both. 5 accept only the Exped Metro 20, and 0 accept only the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
Only the Exped Metro 20 fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Qatar Airways.
Exped Metro 20 vs. DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack: which should you pack?
The DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack carries 5L more than the Exped Metro 20 (20L vs. 25L), while the Exped Metro 20 is the lighter pack at 0.72kg (vs. 1.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Metro 20 fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Metro 20 is the better call.