STM Saga vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| STM Saga | Feature | Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% polyester | 100% repurposed 600D polyester |
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the STM Saga and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
- Opening: Top flap on the STM Saga; Top zip on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Sternum strap: No on the STM Saga; Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the STM Saga; 15in on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, built-in organizer, 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. 132 accept both. 48 accept only the STM Saga, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Only the STM Saga fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Gulf Air, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
STM Saga vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L carries 6L more than the STM Saga (20L vs. 26L), while the STM Saga is the lighter pack at 0.51kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the STM Saga fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the STM Saga is the better call.