STM Trilogy vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

STM Trilogy

by Stm
Front facing view of the STM Trilogy
Capacity24 L
Weight0.64 kg
Dimensions46×30×16 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$80

Feature by feature

STM TrilogyFeatureCotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
N Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
1 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
100% polyester100% repurposed 600D polyester

Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L

Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Capacity26 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions53×33×23 cm
Airline fit70%
Price$110

Key differences between the STM Trilogy and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L

Both have: backpack straps, 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. 132 accept both. 46 accept only the STM Trilogy, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.

Only the STM Trilogy fits

Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.

STM Trilogy vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L: which should you pack?

The Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L carries 2L more than the STM Trilogy (24L vs. 26L), while the STM Trilogy is the lighter pack at 0.64kg (vs. 0.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the STM Trilogy fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the STM Trilogy is the better call.