Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Exped Impulse 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 Impulse 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 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 | 210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, 2'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Exped Impulse 30
- Hip belt: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Removable on the Exped Impulse 30.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the Exped Impulse 30.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 130 accept both. 8 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 0 accept only the Exped Impulse 30.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Liat Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Exped Impulse 30: which should you pack?
The Exped Impulse 30 carries 2L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (28L vs. 30L), and the two are closely matched on weight. 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 Exped Impulse 30; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.