Osprey Quasar 26 vs. Osprey Archeon 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Quasar 26 | Feature | Osprey Archeon 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| hideable | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 450D recycled polyester TPU coated | bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 420D robic nylon w/ ripstop, with bluesign® APPROVED NanoTough, DWR treatment made without PFAS |
Osprey Archeon 30
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×33×29 cm |
| Airline fit | 13% |
| Price | $265 |
Key differences between the Osprey Quasar 26 and Osprey Archeon 30
- Compression straps: No on the Osprey Quasar 26; 2 on the Osprey Archeon 30.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Quasar 26; No on the Osprey Archeon 30.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Quasar 26; 5 on the Osprey Archeon 30.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Quasar 26; 2, side on the Osprey Archeon 30.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 24 accept both. 3 accept only the Osprey Quasar 26, and 0 accept only the Osprey Archeon 30.
Only the Osprey Quasar 26 fits
Croatia Air, Island Air, Sun Country.
Osprey Quasar 26 vs. Osprey Archeon 30: which should you pack?
The Osprey Quasar 26 carries 6L more than the Osprey Archeon 30 (36L vs. 30L), while the Osprey Quasar 26 is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Quasar 26 fits 14% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Quasar 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Quasar 26 is the better call.