Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L
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 | Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| 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 | 3 |
| 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 | 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester |
Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $119 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L
- Main compartments: 1 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; 3 on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Yes on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L.
Both have: compression straps, 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. 134 accept both. 4 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 0 accept only the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L carries 4L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (28L vs. 32L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits 73% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.