Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.666 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×31×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 73% |
| Price | $89 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L | Feature | DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | 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 | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop | 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating |
DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
- Compression straps: Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Yes on the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
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. 136 accept both. 2 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 33 accept only the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Only the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, 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.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L carries 3L more than the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack (28L vs. 25L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 1.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack fits 89% 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.