Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Tatonka Flightcase 27
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Scheme | Feature | Tatonka Flightcase 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| T-Travel Tex Melange Eco | |
Tatonka Flightcase 27
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Scheme and Tatonka Flightcase 27
- Passport pocket: Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Front on the Tatonka Flightcase 27.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Yes on the Tatonka Flightcase 27.
- Main compartments: 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme; 4 on the Tatonka Flightcase 27.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Timbuk2 Scheme; No on the Tatonka Flightcase 27.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 167 accept both. 13 accept only the Timbuk2 Scheme, and 1 accept only the Tatonka Flightcase 27.
Only the Timbuk2 Scheme fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Only the Tatonka Flightcase 27 fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Tatonka Flightcase 27: which should you pack?
The Tatonka Flightcase 27 carries 6L more than the Timbuk2 Scheme (21L vs. 27L), while the Tatonka Flightcase 27 is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Scheme fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tatonka Flightcase 27; if you want to travel lighter, the Tatonka Flightcase 27 is the better call.