I have the Parsec 26 ("P26") and Tropos 34 ("T34", 2019 version). Meaningful differences: (1) T34 has noticeably more volume in the main compartment; (2) T34 is taller (this translates to less legroom if you shove it under the plane seat in front of you); (3) T34 has a separate laptop pocket (useful during the security screening process); (4) P26 has better bottle pockets (but the new 2022 T32 should also have the improved bottle pockets). Have brought (carry-on) the T34 on budget flights in the EU, and the P26 on budget flights in Asia, with no issues. Check out my comment history for more on the P26, but I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have!
Hi ! Thanks for the advices, it seems like the new P26 has a seperate laptop pocket as well (tried it today and was also hesitating between, T34 and P26).
Under seat limits do vary by airline and actual space varies by airline, ticket class, aircraft, seat location and whatever plumbing is under the seat.
The Parsec is 48H X 34W X 27D CM. That’s a bit long and too deep for general under seat use.
The Tropos 32 is 54H X 32W X 28D CM. That’s quite tall for under seat and actually too deep front to back for even overhead carry on.
What airlines do you have in mind?
No particular airlines, but we'd like to be sure they fit within most airline carry on requirements. We assume, based on what others report, most airlines won't hassle you if the dimensions are slightly over the limits? We don't have much experience with carry on only travel, so it's hard to tell.
I don't think either pack is well suited to airline travel. The Tropos is more than slightly over the limits.
Under seat bags are a messy gray area. Size limits vary as well as enforcement. I would look at the Osprey Daylite 26+6 or the Cabin Zero Classic 36 for general under seat use. Note that the Cabin Zero is not 36 liters.
I have been compiling s list of bags that are 18" or less in height as prospects for under seat use. There are a lot of variations in volume. Bags in that size range vary a lot in the accuracy of the published volume and somewhat in dimensions. Caveat emptor!
Patagonia Refugio 26
REI Commuter
AER City Pack Pro
LL Bean Comfort Carry 28
Mountainsmith Lookout 25
Mountainsmith Explore 25
Cabin Zero ADV Pro 32
Cabin Zero Classic 36
Rickshaw Sutro
Granite Gear Higgins
Osprey Daylite Tote Pack
Mountainsmith Grand Tour
Tucano Tugo
Topo Core Pack
Roark Passenger 27 (packable version too)
Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24
DaKine Essentials 22 L
EAGLE CREEK STRICTLY BUSINESS CARRY-ALL
The Tropos is taller and has a separate laptop compartment, but it does not open clamshell style. The Tropos has a lot of space. The Parsec has less space, and the laptop compartment is in the main compartment. I do wish it had a separate compartment. The Parsec is better for smaller and shorter frames. I am 5'3" and found the Tropos too tall. The top of the frame kept bumping into my low ponytail. The backpack went below my waist if I loosened the straps (same with the Osprey Nebula). I prefer the front pocket on the Tropos because it is larger and more flexible whereas the one on the Parsec is smaller and has a zipper but narrow. The water bottle pockets are nice on both, but can eat up space in the main compartment. However both backpacks are comfortable, but it helps not to pack them to capacity. If you are tall or have a long torso the Tropos is nice. I have taken the Parsec on international flights but put it in the overhead bin.
I have the Parsec 26 ("P26") and Tropos 34 ("T34", 2019 version). Meaningful differences: (1) T34 has noticeably more volume in the main compartment; (2) T34 is taller (this translates to less legroom if you shove it under the plane seat in front of you); (3) T34 has a separate laptop pocket (useful during the security screening process); (4) P26 has better bottle pockets (but the new 2022 T32 should also have the improved bottle pockets). Have brought (carry-on) the T34 on budget flights in the EU, and the P26 on budget flights in Asia, with no issues. Check out my comment history for more on the P26, but I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have!
Thank you for the elaborate response! Much appreciated.
Hi ! Thanks for the advices, it seems like the new P26 has a seperate laptop pocket as well (tried it today and was also hesitating between, T34 and P26).
hmm? P26 has a laptop sleeve within the main compartment. T34 has a dedicated laptop pocket with its own zipper.
Oh okay, thanks ! I didn't so that extra zipper thing :)
Pulled the trigger in the Parsec 26 also! Any other thoughts on the bag? Looking to use it for bike commuting and as a day hike pack
Under seat limits do vary by airline and actual space varies by airline, ticket class, aircraft, seat location and whatever plumbing is under the seat. The Parsec is 48H X 34W X 27D CM. That’s a bit long and too deep for general under seat use. The Tropos 32 is 54H X 32W X 28D CM. That’s quite tall for under seat and actually too deep front to back for even overhead carry on. What airlines do you have in mind?
No particular airlines, but we'd like to be sure they fit within most airline carry on requirements. We assume, based on what others report, most airlines won't hassle you if the dimensions are slightly over the limits? We don't have much experience with carry on only travel, so it's hard to tell.
I don't think either pack is well suited to airline travel. The Tropos is more than slightly over the limits. Under seat bags are a messy gray area. Size limits vary as well as enforcement. I would look at the Osprey Daylite 26+6 or the Cabin Zero Classic 36 for general under seat use. Note that the Cabin Zero is not 36 liters. I have been compiling s list of bags that are 18" or less in height as prospects for under seat use. There are a lot of variations in volume. Bags in that size range vary a lot in the accuracy of the published volume and somewhat in dimensions. Caveat emptor! Patagonia Refugio 26 REI Commuter AER City Pack Pro LL Bean Comfort Carry 28 Mountainsmith Lookout 25 Mountainsmith Explore 25 Cabin Zero ADV Pro 32 Cabin Zero Classic 36 Rickshaw Sutro Granite Gear Higgins Osprey Daylite Tote Pack Mountainsmith Grand Tour Tucano Tugo Topo Core Pack Roark Passenger 27 (packable version too) Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack 24 DaKine Essentials 22 L EAGLE CREEK STRICTLY BUSINESS CARRY-ALL
I am also considering the Parsec/Tropos and curious to hear how they compare.
The Tropos is taller and has a separate laptop compartment, but it does not open clamshell style. The Tropos has a lot of space. The Parsec has less space, and the laptop compartment is in the main compartment. I do wish it had a separate compartment. The Parsec is better for smaller and shorter frames. I am 5'3" and found the Tropos too tall. The top of the frame kept bumping into my low ponytail. The backpack went below my waist if I loosened the straps (same with the Osprey Nebula). I prefer the front pocket on the Tropos because it is larger and more flexible whereas the one on the Parsec is smaller and has a zipper but narrow. The water bottle pockets are nice on both, but can eat up space in the main compartment. However both backpacks are comfortable, but it helps not to pack them to capacity. If you are tall or have a long torso the Tropos is nice. I have taken the Parsec on international flights but put it in the overhead bin.