5.11 Rush 12 2.0 vs. Able Carry Max EDC
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 | Feature | Able Carry Max EDC |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front, side | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1050D nylon (MultiCam® 1000D nylon) | Ripstop - 1.47kg / 3.2lbs X-Pac - 1.55kg / 3.4lbs |
Able Carry Max EDC
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 and Able Carry Max EDC
- Compression straps: 2 on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; No on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Passport pocket: Front, side on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; Top on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; Yes on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; 17in on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0; 1, side on the Able Carry Max EDC.
Both have: 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. 173 accept both. 6 accept only the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0, and 0 accept only the Able Carry Max EDC.
Only the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
5.11 Rush 12 2.0 vs. Able Carry Max EDC: which should you pack?
The Able Carry Max EDC carries 2L more than the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 (24L vs. 26L), 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 Able Carry Max EDC; if you want to travel lighter, the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 is the better call.