Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack vs. 5.11 Rush 12 2.0
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $255 |
Feature by feature
| Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack | Feature | 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front, side |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Available in: X-Pac X42, 500D, 630D HD | 1050D nylon (MultiCam® 1000D nylon) |
Key differences between the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack and 5.11 Rush 12 2.0
- Passport pocket: Front on the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack; Front, side on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack; No on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack; 15in on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack; 6 on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack; No on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 175 accept both. 0 accept only the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack, and 4 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska.
Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack vs. 5.11 Rush 12 2.0: which should you pack?
The 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 carries 3L more than the Alpha One-Niner SERT, PENUMBRA 2.0 Backpack (21L vs. 24L), while the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 is the better call.