Fjallraven Raven 20L vs. Waterfield Bolt
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Fjallraven Raven 20L
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $100 |
Feature by feature
| Fjallraven Raven 20L | Feature | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| G-1000 HeavyDuty | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the Fjallraven Raven 20L and Waterfield Bolt
- Passport pocket: Top on the Fjallraven Raven 20L; Front on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Fjallraven Raven 20L; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Fjallraven Raven 20L; 3 on the Waterfield Bolt.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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. 179 accept both. 2 accept only the Fjallraven Raven 20L, and 0 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Fjallraven Raven 20L fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Fjallraven Raven 20L vs. Waterfield Bolt: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Raven 20L carries 3L more than the Waterfield Bolt (20L vs. 17L), while the Fjallraven Raven 20L is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Raven 20L fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Fjallraven Raven 20L; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Raven 20L is the better call.