The Neptune Warrior

Osprey Scarab 30

Pros:

1. Larger Capacity (30L): Offers more room for packing, making it ideal for longer trips or when you need to carry more items.
2. Comfort: Known for its ergonomic design, the Scarab 30 has well-padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, making it comfortable for long periods of wear.
3. Hydration Compatibility: Includes a built-in hydration sleeve, which can be useful for day trips or outdoor excursions during your travels.
4. Organization: While not as diverse as the Rush 12, offers pockets and a compartment for easy organization of your gear, including side mesh pockets.
5. Lightweight: Despite its larger size, the bag remains relatively lightweight, helping you stay within airline carry-on weight restrictions.

Cons:

1. Durability : The Scarab might not fair well with the bumps and grinds of travel especially if it gets handled roughly
2. No Dedicated Laptop Compartment: While it has organizational features, it lacks a padded laptop compartment, which could be an issue if you need to carry electronics securely. In this case, I would swap out to an iPad if I really needed a workable solution, but thats $1200.

5.11 Rush 12

Pros:

1. Durability: Made from tough 1050D nylon, the Rush 12 is highly durable and built to withstand rugged travel conditions.
2. Compact (24L): Its smaller size ensures it easily fits within most airlines’ carry-on size limits, even when packed to the brim.
3. Well-Organized Compartments: Multiple pockets and dividers make it easy to organize smaller items like travel documents, electronics, and toiletries. A laptop in it with charging cords takes away packable space.
4. Low Profile: Its compact size makes it easy to stow under airplane seats or in overhead compartments without taking up much space.

Cons:

1. Smaller Capacity (24L): The 24L capacity means you may have to pack more efficiently or leave some items behind, especially for longer trips.
2. Less Comfortable for Extended Wear: The Rush 12’s shoulder straps and back padding may not offer the same level of comfort as the Osprey, particularly for long periods of wear.
3. Heavier: Due to its rugged construction, it may feel a bit heavier than other bags of a similar size, which could be a consideration with strict carry-on weight limits.

Summary:

Both bags can serve well for international travel, depending on your needs, with the Scarab 30 offering more space and comfort, and the Rush 12 being the more compact, durable choice.