Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard vs. Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×28×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 75% |
| Price | $110 |
Feature by feature
| Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard | Feature | Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 27L |
| 0 | Opening | 2 |
| side | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% polyester with TPU matte coating | 100% Polyester |
Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 75% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard and Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard; Rolltop on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard; Front on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard; 1 on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 141 accept both. 1 accept only the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard, and 0 accept only the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
Only the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard fits
Gulf Air.
Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard vs. Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack: which should you pack?
The Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack carries 2L more than the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard (21L vs. 23L), while the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard fits 75% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack is the better call.