Nordace Urban Max vs. STM Grace
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 | STM Grace |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | 100% polyester |
Key differences between the Nordace Urban Max and STM Grace
- Opening: Clamshell on the Nordace Urban Max; Top zip on the STM Grace.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Nordace Urban Max; No on the STM Grace.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Nordace Urban Max; No on the STM Grace.
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. 180 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Nordace Urban Max vs. STM Grace: which should you pack?
The Nordace Urban Max carries the same capacity as the STM Grace (20L vs. 20L), while the STM Grace is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1.05kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Nordace Urban Max fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Nordace Urban Max; if you want to travel lighter, the STM Grace is the better call.