Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact vs Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack
The Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact is 13L and 0.74kg1.6lb; the Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack is 14L and 0.7kg1.5lb. The Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack is 0.04kg0.1lb lighter. The Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact costs $5 less. The Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack fits 36; under the seat, 20 and 10 of 26.
| Spec | Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact | Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $104Best | $109 |
| Volume | 13L | 14L |
| Weight | 0.74kg1.6lb | 0.7kg1.5lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 77%Best | 38% |
| Dimensions | 26.7×34.3×14cm10.5×13.5×5.5in | 38.5×31×9.5cm15×12×3.5in |
| Laptop | 14"Best | 13" |
| Bottle pockets | 2 | 2 |
| Opening | wireframe top opening, quick-stash pocket with key leash | n/a |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime |
| Organizer | Yes | 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 | Removable | No |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | 100% polyester with TPU matte coating | Eco fabric, recycled materials |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Portland Gear Cascade Tote Compact | Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| KLM | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Lufthansa | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Ryanair | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| SAS | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Turkish Airlines | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Vueling | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
| Wizz Air | 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.