The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 90% |
| Price | $149 |
Feature by feature
| The Moderne Explorer Backpack | Feature | Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop |
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.666 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×31×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 73% |
| Price | $89 |
Key differences between the The Moderne Explorer Backpack and Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
- Compression straps: No on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Opening: Clamshell on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 137 accept both. 34 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack, and 1 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
Only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Cayman Airways.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L: which should you pack?
The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries 7L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (35L vs. 28L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.