Timbuk2 Blink vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Blink | Feature | Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | 2, side | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Black + 210D Ripstop Nylon, Gray | |
Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $175 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Blink and Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
- Compression straps: Yes on the Timbuk2 Blink; 2 on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
- Opening: Other on the Timbuk2 Blink; Clamshell on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
- Sternum strap: No on the Timbuk2 Blink; Removable on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 166 accept both. 1 accept only the Timbuk2 Blink, and 11 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) fits
American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Timbuk2 Blink vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite): which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Blink carries 3L more than the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) (24L vs. 21L), while the Timbuk2 Blink is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Blink; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.