Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact vs WaterField Designs Compact Executive Backpack
The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact is 13.5L and 0.91kg2lb; the WaterField Designs Compact Executive Backpack is 13.5L and 1kg2.2lb. The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact is 0.09kg0.2lb lighter. The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact costs $225 less. The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the WaterField Designs Compact Executive Backpack fits 36; under the seat, 14 and 20 of 26.
| Spec | Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact | WaterField Designs Compact Executive Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $104Best | $329 |
| Volume | 13.5L | 13.5L |
| Weight | 0.91kg2lbBest | 1kg2.2lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 54% | 77%Best |
| Dimensions | 35.6×24.8×18.4cm14×10×7in | 38.1×27.9×12.7cm15×11×5in |
| Laptop | 14" | 16"Best |
| Bottle pockets | 2 | 1 |
| Opening | Pop-Top wireframe top opening, hidden security pocket | main compartment zip, upper Ultrasuede lined front pocket, pleated lower front pocket, two side pockets |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime |
| Organizer | Yes | Yes |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | No |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | No |
| Sternum strap | Yes | No |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Bike-ready | No | No |
| Material | 100% polyester with TPU matte coating | 1050D black ballistic nylon or brown waxed canvas, full-grain leather accents, YKK waterproof zippers |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-10 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Compact | WaterField Designs Compact Executive Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Air France | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| KLM | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Lufthansa | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| SAS | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| Turkish Airlines | Personal item | Too big | Fits |
| United Airlines | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| 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.