Exped Impulse 20 vs. Macpac Rapaki 22
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Exped Impulse 20 | Feature | Macpac Rapaki 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Body: 210 D Robic HD ripstop nylon Carbonate PU, 2500 mm water column, Oeko-Tex 100 certified, PFC-free | 200D Polyester, 420D Oxford Nylon |
Macpac Rapaki 22
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 10×10×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $118 |
Key differences between the Exped Impulse 20 and Macpac Rapaki 22
- Opening: Top flap on the Exped Impulse 20; Top zip on the Macpac Rapaki 22.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Exped Impulse 20; No on the Macpac Rapaki 22.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 168 accept both. 0 accept only the Exped Impulse 20, and 21 accept only the Macpac Rapaki 22.
Only the Macpac Rapaki 22 fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Linea Aerea Amaszonas, Lion Air Group, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Spring Airlines, Tianjin Airlines (E145), Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Exped Impulse 20 vs. Macpac Rapaki 22: which should you pack?
The Macpac Rapaki 22 carries 2L more than the Exped Impulse 20 (20L vs. 22L), while the Macpac Rapaki 22 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.88kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Macpac Rapaki 22 fits 100% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Macpac Rapaki 22; if you want to travel lighter, the Macpac Rapaki 22 is the better call.