Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 vs. North Face Recon
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Pacsafe Venturesafe X30
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×27×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $230 |
Feature by feature
| Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 | Feature | North Face Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| back | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D Nylon Double Ripstop, PU1000mm Lining: 200D Polyester Oxford, PU1000mm | 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish |
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 and North Face Recon
- Opening: Top zip on the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; Other on the North Face Recon.
- Passport pocket: Back on the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; Front on the North Face Recon.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; Removable on the North Face Recon.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; 3 on the North Face Recon.
- Rain cover: Yes on the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; No on the North Face Recon.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 167 accept both. 1 accept only the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30, and 6 accept only the North Face Recon.
Only the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the North Face Recon fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.
Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 vs. North Face Recon: which should you pack?
The Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 carries the same capacity as the North Face Recon (30L vs. 30L), while the North Face Recon is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the North Face Recon fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30; if you want to travel lighter, the North Face Recon is the better call.