BURN 38L vs. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
BURN 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 0.45 kg |
| Dimensions | 70×25×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 13% |
| Price | $220 |
Feature by feature
| BURN 38L | Feature | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 5 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| DX 210d Ripstop Fabric | Dyneema® 200-denier |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 70×28×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 12% |
| Price | $380 |
Key differences between the BURN 38L and Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
- Compression straps: No on the BURN 38L; 5 on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the BURN 38L; Removable on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the BURN 38L; 2, side on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 23 accept both. 2 accept only the BURN 38L, and 0 accept only the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest.
Only the BURN 38L fits
Caribbean Airlines, Croatia Air.
BURN 38L vs. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest: which should you pack?
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest carries 2L more than the BURN 38L (38L vs. 40L), while the BURN 38L is the lighter pack at 0.45kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the BURN 38L fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest; if you want to travel lighter, the BURN 38L is the better call.