Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L vs. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 57×33×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 15% |
| Price | $300 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L | Feature | Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | removable |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 100% RENU recycled polyester. | 100% Nylon & 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L
| Capacity | 48 L |
| Weight | 1.65 kg |
| Dimensions | 66×34×29 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $330 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L and Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L
- Compression straps: 4 on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; Removable on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; No on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; No on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Hip belt: No on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; Hideable on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; 1 on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Rain cover: No on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; Optional on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L; 1 on the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 27 accept only the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.
Only the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, China Southern, Conviasa, Cubana de Aviacion, Frontier Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Island Air, Korean Air, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Sun Country, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L vs. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L carries 10L more than the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L (38L vs. 48L), while the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.65kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L fits 15% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L is the better call.