Timbuk2 Uptown vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Uptown | Feature | Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | back |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Solid Color 500D Nylonor Camouflage 500D Nylon Corduraor 420D Diamond Ripstop Nylon | |
Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Uptown and Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5
- Compression straps: No on the Timbuk2 Uptown; Yes on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Timbuk2 Uptown; Back on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Timbuk2 Uptown; 17in on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Timbuk2 Uptown; 5 on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5.
Both have: 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. 172 accept both. 1 accept only the Timbuk2 Uptown, and 2 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5.
Only the Timbuk2 Uptown fits
Air Niugini.
Only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Timbuk2 Uptown vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Uptown carries 3L more than the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (30L vs. 27L), while the Timbuk2 Uptown is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.6kg). 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 Timbuk2 Uptown; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Uptown is the better call.