Greenroom136 Rainmaker vs. Exped Serac 25

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Greenroom136 Rainmaker

Front facing view of the Greenroom136 Rainmaker
Capacity22 L
Weight1.7 kg
Dimensions40×28×21 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$120

Feature by feature

Greenroom136 RainmakerFeatureExped Serac 25
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 3
side Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
N Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1000D Cordura420 D ripstop nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column

Exped Serac 25

Front facing view of the Exped Serac 25
Capacity25 L
Weight0.765 kg
Dimensions55×25×21 cm
Airline fit63%
Price$200

There's a somewhat deceptive simplicity to both the Greenroom136 Rainmaker and the Exped Serac 25 that reminds me of why we love backpacks in the first place: a good one keeps our stuff secure, is comfortable to carry, and can take us from the city to the backcountry with ease. The Rainmaker, standing at 40 inches tall, is notably larger than the 21-inch-tall Serac 25, providing more storage space for longer trips, while the latter's compact size lends itself well to everyday urban adventures. Both, however, are lightweight with the Rainmaker weighing slightly heavier at 1.7 pounds compared to the Serac 25's feathery 0.765 pounds.

In terms of materials, the Rainmaker's 1000D Cordura exterior gives it a rugged, military-esque aesthetic that laughs in the face of bad weather, while the Serac 25's 420D ripstop nylon construction exhibits a more modern, understated look that's impressively resilient. Reviewers are all praises for both backpacks, admiring the Rainmaker's customizability and value for money, and appreciating the Serac 25's alpine-ready features, fantastic overall design, and waterproof qualities.

The Greenroom136 Rainmaker is admirable because it's versatile and sturdy with excellent water resistance. Its comprehensive organization system is a bonus to keep your belongings easily accessible. On the other hand, the Exped Serac 25 impresses with its easy side zippered access, multiple attachment points for outdoor gear, and a tough yet lightweight build that's made to last while being waterproof. Natural selection in the world of backpacks will lead you either to the multi-functional urbanites' pick, the Greenroom136 Rainmaker, or the adventure seekers' companion, the Exped Serac 25. It's all about choosing the one that best fits your lifestyle.