Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
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 | Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| 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 | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop | 420D Nylon full dull high density oxford (main material) 200D Polyester (lining) |
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.73 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×35×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 68% |
| Price | $199 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
- Opening: Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Other on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45.
- Hip belt: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Hideable on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; 2 on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; 1 on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45.
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. 129 accept both. 9 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 0 accept only the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Cayman Airways, Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45: which should you pack?
The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 carries 17L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (28L vs. 45L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 1.73kg). 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 Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.