The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium
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 | Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| 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 | G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton |
Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×28×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $180 |
Key differences between the The Moderne Explorer Backpack and Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium
- Opening: Clamshell on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Top flap on the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; No on the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium.
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. 171 accept both. 0 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack, and 10 accept only the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium.
Only the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Cayman Airways, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium: which should you pack?
The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries 15L more than the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (35L vs. 20L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium fits 96% 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 Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium is the better call.