Nordace Urban Max vs. Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Nordace Urban Max
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.05 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $135 |
Feature by feature
| Nordace Urban Max | Feature | Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | Nylon and Microfiber leather |
Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $119 |
Key differences between the Nordace Urban Max and Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack
- Main compartments: 1 on the Nordace Urban Max; 2 on the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Nordace Urban Max; 1 on the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, 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. 180 accept both. 0 accept only the Nordace Urban Max, and 1 accept only the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack.
Only the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Nordace Urban Max vs. Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack: which should you pack?
The Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack carries 3L more than the Nordace Urban Max (20L vs. 23L), while the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.05kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Nordace Laval -- Smart Backpack is the better call.