North Face Recon vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Feature by feature
| North Face Recon | Feature | Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish |
Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $129 |
Key differences between the North Face Recon and Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
- Compression straps: 4 on the North Face Recon; 2 on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Opening: Other on the North Face Recon; Top zip on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Passport pocket: Front on the North Face Recon; Top on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Hip belt: Removable on the North Face Recon; No on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
Both have: 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. 173 accept both. 0 accept only the North Face Recon, and 2 accept only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
Only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
North Face Recon vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L: which should you pack?
The North Face Recon carries the same capacity as the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L (30L vs. 30L), while the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the North Face Recon; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the better call.