Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini vs Tom Bihn Paradigm
The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini is 8L and 0.55kg1.2lb; the Tom Bihn Paradigm is 9L and 0.51kg1.1lb. The Tom Bihn Paradigm is 0.04kg0.1lb lighter. The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini costs $51 less. The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Tom Bihn Paradigm fits 36; under the seat, 16 and 15 of 26.
| Spec | Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini | Tom Bihn Paradigm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119Best | $170 |
| Volume | 8L | 9L |
| Weight | 0.55kg1.2lb | 0.51kg1.1lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 62%Best | 58% |
| Dimensions | 26.7×18.5×16.5cm10.5×7.5×6.5in | 32.5×25×19.5cm13×10×7.5in |
| Laptop | no laptop sleeve | no laptop sleeve |
| Opening | wireframe top opening, front pocket with key leash | n/a |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime |
| Organizer | No | No |
| 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 | No | No |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | No | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | Leatherlite pebbled vegan leather | 420d UHMWPE/nylon Spectron ripstop exterior, bluesign certified 210d Cerylon ripstop interior, closed-cell foam back panel |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Mini | Tom Bihn Paradigm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu Pacific | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
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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.