Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Cabin Zero Military 36L
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 | Cabin Zero Military 36L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| 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 | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop | 1000 Denier nylon fabric |
Cabin Zero Military 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×33×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Cabin Zero Military 36L
- Hip belt: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Yes on the Cabin Zero Military 36L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the Cabin Zero Military 36L.
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. 0 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 39 accept only the Cabin Zero Military 36L.
Only the Cabin Zero Military 36L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Ravn Alaska, 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.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Cabin Zero Military 36L: which should you pack?
The Cabin Zero Military 36L carries 8L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (28L vs. 36L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 0.95kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cabin Zero Military 36L fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cabin Zero Military 36L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.