Ryu Flex Pack 20L vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Ryu Flex Pack 20L | Feature | Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% nylon with silicone coating and Polygiene® finish | 100% repurposed 600D polyester |
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Ryu Flex Pack 20L and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Ryu Flex Pack 20L; Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Ryu Flex Pack 20L; 2 on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, 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. 132 accept both. 45 accept only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Only the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Ryu Flex Pack 20L vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L carries 6L more than the Ryu Flex Pack 20L (20L vs. 26L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Ryu Flex Pack 20L fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.