Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack vs. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.906 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×29×28 cm |
| Airline fit | 14% |
| Price | $120 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack | Feature | Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 3% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack and Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
- Compression straps: Yes on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Opening: Top zip on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; Top flap on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, built-in organizer, rain cover, 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. 5 accept both. 22 accept only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack fits
Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, Sun Country, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack vs. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack carries 4L more than the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack (28L vs. 32L), while the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the lighter pack at 0.906kg (vs. 1.04kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack fits 14% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the better call.