Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $119 |
Feature by feature
| Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L | Feature | Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester | 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 Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L and Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
- Compression straps: Yes on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; 1 on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 132 accept both. 2 accept only the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L.
Only the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L fits
Oman Air, Royal Jordanian.
Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L vs. Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L carries 6L more than the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L (32L vs. 26L), while the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L fits 71% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.