Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L | Feature | Tortuga Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y, hideable |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y, removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630D Cordura re/cor RN6 nylon | 630D CORDURA |
Tortuga Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L and Tortuga Expandable Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; 4 on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; Yes on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L; Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Both have: sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 162 accept both. 0 accept only the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L, and 10 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits
Belavia, Cayman Airways, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L carries 13L more than the Tortuga Expandable Backpack (40L vs. 27L), while the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L is the lighter pack at 1.6kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits 91% 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.