Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack vs. Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35
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 | Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| 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 | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | G-1000® Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton 100% polyamide 500D |
Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.55 kg |
| Dimensions | 65×32×27 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $185 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack and Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; No on the Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack; Yes on the Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 2 accept both. 25 accept only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack, and 0 accept only the Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35.
Only the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Island Air, 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. Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35 carries 7L more than the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack (28L vs. 35L), while the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the lighter pack at 0.906kg (vs. 1.55kg). 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 Fjallraven Abisko Friluft 35; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Katabatic 28L Pack is the better call.