STM Kings vs. Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| STM Kings | Feature | Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 100% polyester | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.82 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the STM Kings and Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
- Sternum strap: No on the STM Kings; Yes on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the STM Kings; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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. 175 accept both. 0 accept only the STM Kings, and 4 accept only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Ravn Alaska.
STM Kings vs. Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack carries 4L more than the STM Kings (22L vs. 26L), while the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is the lighter pack at 0.82kg (vs. 0.95kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is the better call.