Exped Lightning 50 vs Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack
The Exped Lightning 50 is 50L and 1.18kg2.6lb; the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack is 50L and 0.91kg2lb. The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack is 0.27kg0.6lb lighter. The Exped Lightning 50 costs $5.050000000000011 less. The Exped Lightning 50 fits the carry-on limit of 0 of 36 major airlines and the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack fits 3; under the seat, 0 and 0 of 26.
| Spec | Exped Lightning 50 | Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95Best | $275 |
| Volume | 50L | 50L |
| Weight | 1.18kg2.6lb | 0.91kg2lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 0% | 8%Best |
| Personal-item compliance | 0% | 0% |
| Dimensions | 70.1×35.1×24.9cm27.5×14×10in | 61×28×12cm24×11×4.5in |
| Laptop | no laptop sleeve | no laptop sleeve |
| Compartments | n/a | 1 |
| Bottle pockets | 2 | n/a |
| Opening | Roll-top, roll-top with top zip | Quick-access fold-over lid |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
| Torso length | 43.2 to 55.9cm (17 to 22in) | 40.6 to 55.9cm (16 to 22in) |
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL | Small, Medium, Large |
| Organizer | No | No |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Frame sheet | Yes | Removable |
| Water-resistant | No | No |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | Yes | Removable |
| Sternum strap | No | Yes |
| Load lifters | Yes | Yes |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | No | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | 210D HMPE ripstop nylon (1,000 mm water column) and recycled 600D polyester (1,500 mm), PU coated, bluesign approved; 6061-T6 aluminum stay | 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon, PFAS free |
| Last checked | 2026-09 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Exped Lightning 50 | Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| Singapore Airlines | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
| Southwest Airlines | Carry-on | Too big | Fits |
Add more bags to this comparison
Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.