Greenroom136 Rainmaker vs. Exped Cascade 20
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Greenroom136 Rainmaker
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $150 |
Feature by feature
| Greenroom136 Rainmaker | Feature | Exped Cascade 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| side | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 13in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura | 420 D Oxford nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column |
Key differences between the Greenroom136 Rainmaker and Exped Cascade 20
- Compression straps: 4 on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; Top zip on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Hip belt: No on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; Removable on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; 13in on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; 1 on the Exped Cascade 20.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Cascade 20.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 176 accept both. 11 accept only the Greenroom136 Rainmaker, and 0 accept only the Exped Cascade 20.
Only the Greenroom136 Rainmaker fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
When the fact-finding journey of discovering a new backpack begins, two brands standout: Greenroom136 and Exped, specifically, their Rainmaker and Cascade 20 models respectively. These bags may share a category, but they bring diverse features to the traveler’s table.
The suitability of the Greenroom136 Rainmaker as a carry-on is not disputable. Compatible with 100% of airlines, it stands tall at 40 inches, significantly taller than the Exped Cascade 20, which is only 16 inches tall. While Cascade 20 is wider, at 27 inches compared to Rainmaker's 28 inches, Rainmaker takes the cake in depth, standing at 21 inches deep, in contrast to the Cascade's 47 inches. Weighing in at 1.7 pounds it's twice as heavy as the Exped Cascade 20, which weighs a mere 0.84 pounds. Nevertheless, Rainmaker proposes more capacity, providing 22 liters of carry space against Cascade's 20 liters.
- Greenroom136 Rainmaker is taller, yet less wide and deep.
- The Rainmaker is heavier, but provides more capacity.
- Rainmaker is constructed of 1000D Cordura, making it sturdy and resistant to water.
- Cascade 20 constructed from 420D Oxford nylon is significantly less dense but highly water resistant.
- Rainmaker boasts 100% compatibility with airlines, compared to Cascade's 82% compatibility.
- Rainmaker fits a 15-inch laptop, while the Cascade can only accommodate a 13-inch one.
When it comes to the overall build, Rainmaker’s 1000D Cordura body takes the trophy for resilience and durability over Cascade's 420D Oxford nylon and TPU film laminate, even though the latter performs exceptionally under the 10’000 mm water column test. Its laptop deception only elevates Rainmaker’s stature, comfortably sheltering 15-inch laptops, whereas the Cascade can only secure a 13-inch one.
Lastly, let's compare what reviewers and users reckon about the two backpacks. Greenroom136 Rainmaker seems to be championed for its functionality and customizability. It's admirable how it can cater to diverse carrying needs while boasting a weather-resistant fortress. The Exped Cascade 20, on the other hand, delights with its organizational prospects and a lightweight, weatherproof build. It further impresses with its superior suspension system, generating commendations associated with use comfort. The bottom line being, both backpacks have a lot to offer, and it all boils down to user-specific preferences and requirements. Choose wisely.