Timbuk2 Blink vs. GORUCK GR2 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Blink | Feature | GORUCK GR2 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| Water Bottle Holder | N | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel | |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Blink and GORUCK GR2 26
- Compression straps: Yes on the Timbuk2 Blink; No on the GORUCK GR2 26.
- Opening: Other on the Timbuk2 Blink; Clamshell on the GORUCK GR2 26.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Timbuk2 Blink; 17in on the GORUCK GR2 26.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, 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 GORUCK GR2 26.
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the GORUCK GR2 26 fits
American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Timbuk2 Blink vs. GORUCK GR2 26: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR2 26 carries 2L more than the Timbuk2 Blink (24L vs. 26L), while the Timbuk2 Blink is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR2 26 fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR2 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.