Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
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 | Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630-denier 100% nylon, 450-denier 100% polyester | 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish |
Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $129 |
Key differences between the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L and Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L
- Compression straps: Yes on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; 2 on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Passport pocket: No on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; Top on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L; 2, side on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 0 accept only the Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L, and 41 accept only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L.
Only the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L 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, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L vs. Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L carries 2L more than the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L (32L vs. 30L), while the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L fits 93% 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 Patagonia SnowDrifter Pack 30L is the better call.