Nike Utility Elite vs. Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Nike Utility Elite | Feature | Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 8 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% polyester | 630D Cordura re/cor RN6 nylon |
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Nike Utility Elite and Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Nike Utility Elite; Hideable on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L.
- Hip belt: No on the Nike Utility Elite; Removable on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L.
- Main compartments: 8 on the Nike Utility Elite; 4 on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L.
- Water resistant: No on the Nike Utility Elite; Yes on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L.
Both have: passport pocket, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 162 accept both. 12 accept only the Nike Utility Elite, and 0 accept only the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L.
Only the Nike Utility Elite fits
Belavia, Cayman Airways, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Nike Utility Elite vs. Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L carries 3L more than the Nike Utility Elite (37L vs. 40L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Nike Utility Elite fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; if you want to travel lighter, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L is the better call.