Osprey Aether 55 vs. Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Osprey Aether 55

Capacity55 L
Weight2.2 kg
Dimensions83×38×25 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$325

Feature by feature

Osprey Aether 55FeatureNemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L
Storage
>5 Compression 5
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
top Passport top
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
Y Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
4 Main Compartments 8
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
Y Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
bluesign® APPROVED 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR300D/900D ripstop weave

Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L

Front facing view of the Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.6 kg
Dimensions64×34×33 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$260

Key differences between the Osprey Aether 55 and Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L

Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 1 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.

Osprey Aether 55 vs. Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L: which should you pack?

The Osprey Aether 55 carries 10L more than the Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L (55L vs. 45L), while the Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L is the lighter pack at 1.6kg (vs. 2.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Aether 55 fits 1% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Aether 55; if you want to travel lighter, the Nemo Equipment Persist Womens 45L is the better call.