Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L vs. Exped Serac 35
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L
| Capacity | 55 L |
| Weight | 1.28 kg |
| Dimensions | 67×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $219 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L | Feature | Exped Serac 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| removable | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 420-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop, 0-denier 100% nylon ripstop | 400 D HD ripstop nylon, TPU film laminated, 10'000 mm water column |
Key differences between the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L and Exped Serac 35
- Compression straps: Removable on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L; No on the Exped Serac 35.
- Opening: Other on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L; Rolltop on the Exped Serac 35.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L; Yes on the Exped Serac 35.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L, and 22 accept only the Exped Serac 35.
Only the Exped Serac 35 fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, China Southern, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Island Air, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L vs. Exped Serac 35: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L carries 20L more than the Exped Serac 35 (55L vs. 35L), while the Exped Serac 35 is the lighter pack at 0.82kg (vs. 1.28kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Serac 35 fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 55L; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Serac 35 is the better call.