STM Kings vs. Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| STM Kings | Feature | Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| 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 | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% polyester | Eco AzTec® 8 Canvas — 80% Polyester, 20% Cotton |
Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 10×10×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the STM Kings and Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
- Hip belt: No on the STM Kings; Yes on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
- Sternum strap: No on the STM Kings; Yes on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the STM Kings; No on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
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 14 accept only the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
Only the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Linea Aerea Amaszonas, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, Tianjin Airlines (E145), VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
STM Kings vs. Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22: which should you pack?
The STM Kings carries the same capacity as the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 (22L vs. 22L), while the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.95kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 fits 100% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the STM Kings; if you want to travel lighter, the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 is the better call.