Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×31×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L | Feature | 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 7.9-oz 210-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a TPU coating | 330D ripstop nylon |
5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×33×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L and 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack
- Hip belt: Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Removable on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 4 on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Rain cover: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; Yes on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; 2, side on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; No on the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 50 accept both. 0 accept only the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L, and 38 accept only the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack.
Only the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L vs. 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack: which should you pack?
The Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L carries 2L more than the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack (38L vs. 36L), while the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia PowSlayer Backpack 38L; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Skyweight 36L Pack is the better call.