Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack vs. BURN 38L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 3% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack | Feature | BURN 38L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | DX 210d Ripstop Fabric |
BURN 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 0.45 kg |
| Dimensions | 70×25×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 13% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack and BURN 38L
- Opening: Top flap on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; Rolltop on the BURN 38L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; No on the BURN 38L.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; No on the BURN 38L.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack; Yes on the BURN 38L.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 4 accept both. 1 accept only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack, and 21 accept only the BURN 38L.
Only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack fits
Island Air.
Only the BURN 38L fits
Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack vs. BURN 38L: which should you pack?
The BURN 38L carries 6L more than the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack (32L vs. 38L), while the BURN 38L is the lighter pack at 0.45kg (vs. 1.04kg). For carry-on flexibility, the BURN 38L fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the BURN 38L; if you want to travel lighter, the BURN 38L is the better call.