Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Ortlieb Vario
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 | Ortlieb Vario |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | removable |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% repurposed 600D polyester | PS33 |
Key differences between the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L and Ortlieb Vario
- Opening: Top zip on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Removable on the Ortlieb Vario.
- Hip belt: No on the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; Removable on the Ortlieb Vario.
Both have: sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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. 132 accept both. 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L, and 42 accept only the Ortlieb Vario.
Only the Ortlieb Vario fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L vs. Ortlieb Vario: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L carries 3L more than the Ortlieb Vario (26L vs. 23L), while the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Ortlieb Vario fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Cusco Backpack 26L is the better call.