Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Exped Metro 30
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 | Exped Metro 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | hideable |
| 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 | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop | 600 D ripstop polyester, PU coated, 1'200 mm water column |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Exped Metro 30
- Compression straps: Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the Exped Metro 30.
- Opening: Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Rolltop on the Exped Metro 30.
- Hip belt: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Hideable on the Exped Metro 30.
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. 88 accept both. 50 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 0 accept only the Exped Metro 30.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Exped Metro 30: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L carries the same capacity as the Exped Metro 30 (28L vs. 28L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 0.8kg). 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 Refugio Backpack 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.