Tom Bihn Smart Alec vs. Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tom Bihn Smart Alec
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 74% |
| Price | $190 |
Feature by feature
| Tom Bihn Smart Alec | Feature | Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| Passport | front | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 17in |
| 0 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Shell fabric: Custom developed 840d ballistic nylon 6 balanced woven with durable water repellent finish Lining: 420d HT nylon with PU coating | |
Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $300 |
Key differences between the Tom Bihn Smart Alec and Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2
- Opening: Other on the Tom Bihn Smart Alec; Clamshell on the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Tom Bihn Smart Alec; No on the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 138 accept both. 2 accept only the Tom Bihn Smart Alec, and 34 accept only the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2.
Only the Tom Bihn Smart Alec fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2 fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Tom Bihn Smart Alec vs. Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2: which should you pack?
The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2 carries 2L more than the Tom Bihn Smart Alec (26L vs. 28L), while the Tom Bihn Smart Alec is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2 fits 91% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 28L V2; if you want to travel lighter, the Tom Bihn Smart Alec is the better call.