Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
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 | Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| 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 | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester (56% recycled) ripstop | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.82 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
- Compression straps: Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; 2 on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets.
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 41 accept only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, 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. Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L carries 2L more than the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack (28L vs. 26L), while the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the lighter pack at 0.666kg (vs. 0.82kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack fits 95% 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.