Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Arc'teryx Blade 28
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Scheme | Feature | Arc'teryx Blade 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| N210p-HT nylon 6,6 N630p-HT nylon 6,6 | |
Arc'teryx Blade 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×31×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Scheme and Arc'teryx Blade 28
- Passport pocket: Side on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Back on the Arc'teryx Blade 28.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Scheme; No on the Arc'teryx Blade 28.
- Main compartments: 6 on the Timbuk2 Scheme; 4 on the Arc'teryx Blade 28.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Timbuk2 Scheme; Yes on the Arc'teryx Blade 28.
Both have: luggage passthrough, 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. 166 accept both. 14 accept only the Timbuk2 Scheme, and 0 accept only the Arc'teryx Blade 28.
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, WestJet.
Timbuk2 Scheme vs. Arc'teryx Blade 28: which should you pack?
The Arc'teryx Blade 28 carries 7L more than the Timbuk2 Scheme (21L vs. 28L), while the Timbuk2 Scheme is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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 Arc'teryx Blade 28; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Scheme is the better call.