Greenroom136 Rainmaker vs. The North Face Surge
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Greenroom136 Rainmaker
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×28×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $120 |
Feature by feature
| Greenroom136 Rainmaker | Feature | The North Face Surge |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| side | Passport | |
| N | Passthrough | |
| Carry | ||
| S | Backpack | |
| N | Hip Belt | |
| S | Sternum Strap | |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura | |
The North Face Surge
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×17.8 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
The Greenroom136 Rainmaker is no ordinary carry on backpack. It's a robust 40-inch tall beast, crafted out of 1000D Cordura. This pack values function above all else and it shows in its design. The Rainmaker’s dimensions of 40 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 21 inches deep, are notably compact, yet efficiently spacious. This sturdy, water-resistant bag weighs in at 1.7 pounds, offering a carrying capacity of 22 liters. The high point in the bag’s functionality is its laptop compartment adept at carrying up to a 15-inch laptop.
On the flip side, we have the The North Face Surge. This tall drink of a backpack rests at 50.8 inches tall, with the breadth of a comfortable 17.8 inches, and 30.5 inches deep. Favored due to its lightweight design, the Surge weighs in at about 1.26 pounds and proffers a whopping 31 liters of storage capacity. Noteworthy to mention, this particular model doesn't feature a laptop compartment. However, compromise on that aspect rewards you with the compatibility of the Surge with 80% of airlines.
- Size: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (40" x 28" x 21"), The North Face Surge (50.8" x 17.8" x 30.5")
- Weight: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (1.7 lbs), The North Face Surge (1.26 lbs)
- Capacity: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (22 liters), The North Face Surge (31 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (100%), The North Face Surge (80%)
- Material: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (1000D Cordura), The North Face Surge (Unknown)
- Laptop Compartment: Greenroom136 Rainmaker (Yes), The North Face Surge (No)
The reviews for both bags stand testament to their value for money and quality. The Rainmaker is particularly appreciated for its customizability options and reliable sturdiness. One user-lovingly described it stating that, "this is one of the best value bags on the market, hands down – and this opinion comes from testing a wide range of bags and traveling/living out of backpacks for months at a time over years." The Surge, while lacking comments about its utility, is cherished for being light, stylish, and capacious, making it a go-to choice for many users.
At the end of the day, if you’re after versatility and a place for your laptop, the Greenroom136 Rainmaker is your guy. It’s well-built, providing an array of customizability options and organization that keeps your things in place. However, if weight and capacity take precedence, The North Face Surge emerges as a solid contender. Make your choice according to what you value in a carry-on and either one would serve you well. Happy travels!