Greenroom136 Rainmaker vs. Exped Core 35
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 Core 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| side | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 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 | 1680 D Ballistic nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the Greenroom136 Rainmaker and Exped Core 35
- Compression straps: 4 on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Core 35.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; Top flap on the Exped Core 35.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Core 35.
- Hip belt: No on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; Removable on the Exped Core 35.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Core 35.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; 1 on the Exped Core 35.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Greenroom136 Rainmaker; No on the Exped Core 35.
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. 24 accept both. 163 accept only the Greenroom136 Rainmaker, and 0 accept only the Exped Core 35.
Only the Greenroom136 Rainmaker fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Macau, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Nostrum, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Belavia, Biman Bangladesh, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, easyJet, EL AL, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, flybe, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LATAM , LC Perú, Liat Airlines, Lion Air Group, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Onur Air, Pakistan International, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Republic Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Spring Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Volotea, WestJet, Wizz Air, WOW Airlines, Xiamen.
Right off the bat, it's easy to see that the Greenroom136 Rainmaker and the Exped Core 35, while both being esteemed carry-on backpacks, serve different clientele with contrasting needs. Beginning with the Rainmaker, it proves to be a well-rounded backpack that puts function above all else. Measuring a proportionate 40 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 21 inches deep, the Rainmaker offers a decent 22 liters of capacity. With its 1000D Cordura make, sturdy and water-resistant, it can withstand the heavy pouring rain and serious abuse. Further adding to its charm is the laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15-inch gadget, making it suitable for digital nomads, commuters, or even students.
As for the Exped Core 35, it targets more of the outdoor crowd with its backpacking-oriented design. Sporting a deeper 62-inch dimension, the Core 35 stands shorter at 23 inches and broader at 30 inches. Nonetheless, it trumps the Rainmaker in terms of load capacity at 35 liters. Lightweight at just 0.1 pounds, this bag won't drag you down on a long hike. A noteworthy feature of this bag is its 1680 D Ballistic nylon construction, which ensures serious weatherproofing. However, unlike the Rainmaker, it doesn't offer a dedicated laptop compartment.
To summarize, here are the key differences:
- The Rainmaker offers a laptop compartment, unlike the Core 35.
- Dimension-wise, the Rainmaker is taller and narrower, while the Core 35 is shorter and broader.
- In terms of weight, the Core 35 is significantly lighter than the Rainmaker.
- The Rainmaker caters to everyday needs, while the Core 35 is more outdoor-focused.
- As for the build, the Rainmaker is made of 1000D Cordura, while the Core 35 is made of 1680 D Ballistic nylon.
Both backpacks have their individual merits and could well be the best in their class depending on one's preference and use-case. Generally, people quote Rainmaker as “one of the best value bags on the market,” praising it for its versatility and excellent organization. On the other hand, reviewers applaud the Core 35 for being "a lightweight technical mountain pack that does the job in an unfussy, no frills sort of way." The appreciation for its multiple attachment loops and weatherproof build solidifies the Core 35 as a trustworthy pack for those inclined to outdoor activities.