Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. ILE Flaptop
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 | ILE Flaptop |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 | 1000D Cordura |
ILE Flaptop
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×20.3 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L and ILE Flaptop
- Opening: Top zip on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Top flap on the ILE Flaptop.
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Yes on the ILE Flaptop.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L; Removable on the ILE Flaptop.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, 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. 136 accept both. 2 accept only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, and 0 accept only the ILE Flaptop.
Only the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L vs. ILE Flaptop: which should you pack?
The ILE Flaptop carries 4L more than the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L (28L vs. 32L), 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 ILE Flaptop; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the better call.