Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Day Owl Backpack Pro
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack | Feature | Day Owl Backpack Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, back |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon | waxed canvas |
Day Owl Backpack Pro
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×31×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $155 |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack and Day Owl Backpack Pro
- Passport pocket: Top on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; Top, back on the Day Owl Backpack Pro.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; No on the Day Owl Backpack Pro.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; 6 on the Day Owl Backpack Pro.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 174 accept both. 2 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack, and 5 accept only the Day Owl Backpack Pro.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Day Owl Backpack Pro fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Day Owl Backpack Pro: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 9L more than the Day Owl Backpack Pro (30L vs. 21L), while the Day Owl Backpack Pro is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Day Owl Backpack Pro fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Day Owl Backpack Pro is the better call.