Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack vs. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack
| Capacity | 11.5 L |
| Weight | 1.58 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×27.5×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack | Feature | Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| ✓ | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester & PVA Hardshell | 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 Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack and Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
- Opening: Other on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack; Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack; 1 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Hard shell: Yes on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack; No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack; 2 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 138 accept both. 38 accept only the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L.
Only the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack vs. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L carries 16.5L more than the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack (11.5L vs. 28L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 1.58kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tarion XH Hardshell Camera Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.