Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Exped Metro 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $110 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L | Feature | Exped Metro 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% repurposed 600D polyester | 600 D ripstop polyester, PU coated, 1'200 mm water column |
Key differences between the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L and Exped Metro 30
- Opening: Top zip on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Rolltop on the Exped Metro 30.
- Hip belt: No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Hideable on the Exped Metro 30.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; No on the Exped Metro 30.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 88 accept both. 44 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L, and 0 accept only the Exped Metro 30.
Only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Indigo, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Sky Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Tiger Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet.
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Exped Metro 30: which should you pack?
The Exped Metro 30 carries 2L more than the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L (26L vs. 28L), while the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L fits 70% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Exped Metro 30; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.