Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×30×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $90 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L | Feature | Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 13in | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 7.3-oz 400-denier recycled Polyester with DWR Finish | Available in:X-Pac X42, 500D, 1050D Ballistic Nylon |
Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L and Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; Clamshell on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 13in on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; 16in on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; 3 on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, 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. 175 accept both. 5 accept only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L, and 1 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
Only the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L carries the same capacity as the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack (20L vs. 20L), while the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L is the better call.