Timbuk2 Uptown vs. Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Uptown | Feature | Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000 weight urethane coated, Dupont certified CORDURA® Brand Nylon | |
Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $400 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Uptown and Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack
- Passport pocket: Top on the Timbuk2 Uptown; Side on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Timbuk2 Uptown; Hideable on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Uptown; Yes on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Timbuk2 Uptown; No on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
Both have: 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. 134 accept both. 39 accept only the Timbuk2 Uptown, and 0 accept only the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
Only the Timbuk2 Uptown fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, 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.
Timbuk2 Uptown vs. Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack: which should you pack?
The Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack carries 8L more than the Timbuk2 Uptown (30L vs. 38L), while the Timbuk2 Uptown is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Uptown fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Uptown is the better call.