ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) vs Quechua NH500 Escape 16L
The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) is 16L and 0.7kg1.5lb; the Quechua NH500 Escape 16L is 16L and 0.7kg1.5lb. They weigh the same. The Quechua NH500 Escape 16L costs $79 less. The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Quechua NH500 Escape 16L fits 36; under the seat, 7 and 13 of 26.
| Spec | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Quechua NH500 Escape 16L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109 | $30Best |
| Volume | 16L | 16L |
| Weight | 0.7kg1.5lb | 0.7kg1.5lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 27% | 50%Best |
| Dimensions | 44×29×15cm17.5×11.5×6in | 40×28×20cm15.5×11×8in |
| Laptop | 16"Best | 13" |
| Compartments | n/a | 2 |
| Bottle pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Opening | wide-opening zip main compartment | n/a |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Organizer | Yes | Yes |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | No |
| Sternum strap | No | Yes |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | Axoflux 210D ripstop nylon exterior; Axoflux X-Grid 150D ripstop polyester interior; YKK zippers | Polyester, water-repellent |
| Last checked | 2026-09 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Quechua NH500 Escape 16L |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| JetBlue Airways | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Ryanair | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Vueling | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Wizz Air | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
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Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.