ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) vs Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L
The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) is 16L and 0.7kg1.5lb; the Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L is 16L and 0.68kg1.5lb. The Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L is 0.02kg0lb lighter. The Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L costs $73.3 less. The ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L fits 36; under the seat, 7 and 10 of 26.
| Spec | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109 | $35.7Best |
| Volume | 16L | 16L |
| Expands to | n/a | 21L |
| Weight | 0.7kg1.5lb | 0.68kg1.5lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 27% | 38%Best |
| Dimensions | 44×29×15cm17.5×11.5×6in | 41×29×14cm16×11.5×5.5in |
| Laptop | 16" | 16" |
| Bottle pockets | 1 | 2 |
| Opening | wide-opening zip main compartment | Roll-top, Roll-top main compartment with magnetic closures and a zipper |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Organizer | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| 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 | Water-repellent, tear-resistant polyester, polyester lining |
| Last checked | 2026-09 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | ALPAKA Essential Backpack (16L) | Waterfly Travel Elite Nomad Rolltop Backpack 16L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| JetBlue Airways | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| WestJet | 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.