Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack vs. Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.82 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Feature by feature
| Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack | Feature | Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% Polyester | Eco AzTec® 8 Canvas — 80% Polyester, 20% Cotton |
Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 10×10×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack and Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22
- Hip belt: No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack; Yes on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack; No on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
- Water resistant: No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack; Yes on the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
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. 179 accept both. 0 accept only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack, and 10 accept only the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22.
Only the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 fits
Air Tahiti, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Linea Aerea Amaszonas, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, Tianjin Airlines (E145), VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack vs. Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22: which should you pack?
The Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack carries 4L more than the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 (26L vs. 22L), while the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.82kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 fits 100% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the Macpac Kahu AzTec® 22 is the better call.