Pakt One vs. Pakt Cero Backpack Comparison
One of the few detailed comparisons of the packs out there.
Pakt One vs. Pakt Cero Introduction
PAKT - part 2 of 3 in my 2026 Pakt series. Today, it’s a comparison, not a review. It seemed to me like this wasn’t that common of an article out there. So we’re taking it upon ourselves to compare the Pakt One travel backpack (their flagship) and its sibling, the lightweight focused Cero backpack. Both have a lot to offer and Pakt has a respected history in the space. Let’s see how they shape up against each other and who they each might be for.
To me, both of these are great bags but they are probably for two different people. And that’s actually the best part of having options from a brand.
Also, I’ll note that both of these bags are 35L but the Pakt One does in fact come in a bigger 45L size, which is a big factor for why someone might choose that one. The One also has another trick up its sleeve that we will cover later.
Do note that this is a comparison and overview of the bags, not a review article.
For full transparency, I really wanted to write individual reviews for these bags and I did reach out to Pakt to see if they’d provide me review units. They were nice enough to do so, but this is not a paid article and I received no money to write it. They do not see the content before it’s live. I do use affiliate links to help me run the site but you’re under no obligation to use those if you don’t want to. Most importantly - this review is 100% human written as are ALL of my reviews.
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Overview Of The Pakt One and Pakt Cero
Front view of both.
Much of this article is feature based - so we’ll try to be brief here. But both models are designed for the “onebag” traveler at heart, though depending on how you pack you could of course use these as part of a bigger set up. That said, this is Always Wander and we’re here to promote onebag/carry on travel - so let’s go with onebag set up. Let’s focus on what’s the same.
Both bags are clamshell style, horizontal openings. So think of that like a suitcase opening. Both have stowable backpack straps. Both include the awesome, hidden compression straps that attach to the sides. Both have multiple ways to access the bag in each compartment (Pakt does this very well in general). Both have the same internal/middle laptop sleeve that’s been much talked about (I’m on team “I like it”). Both have durable outer materials with durable water repellant coating. Both have grab handles in the right places. Both have duel front pockets. Both have a removable and adjustable sternum strap. Both have a luggage pass through (horizontal orientation). Both have similar setups in the admin pocket with good use of magnets and a keyleash (both have an RFID blocking pocket on the inside of the main compartment). Both have an external water bottle pocket. Both have an internal zippered separator. Both sets of zippers are incredibly smooth and YKK made.
I’ll cover off on the big, global difference here - the material. The Pakt One is made from a 420D recycled, ballistic nylon yarn. The Cero on the other hand is using a custom developed fabric closely related to sailcloth (X-Pac as the branded version is known). Pakt-Branded as “Aeroweave” it’s made from laminating 750D polyester, 210D nylon ripstop, and 65D polyester taffeta for the backing. It’s a fabric sandwich that is developed for abrasion resistance and being lightweight with great water repellent qualities. There is no internal lining, so know that going in - it won’t look like you’re used to but that’s not affecting packign ability or performance.
They both retail for $299 USD and come in three color choices: black, olive green, and coyote. Our Olive is the One and our Coyote is the Cero. I think these are great prices in the space for two high quality options. I like that they don’t separate the pricing or upcharge based on material.
The Pakt One Difference
The AW fabric macro.
Let’s detail some of the specifics that differ on the Pakt One. I’ll be reviewing this bag in full on an international trip in September and will update here with a link once live.
We’ll start on the back. Since this is a full-weight pack, you’re not going to see the same material choices being made. The straps, while maintaining a similar stiffness, are slightly thicker. The back padding is also slightly thicker. Additionally, the Pakt One has ADJUSTABLE torso heights on the straps, AND has loadlifters. Loadlifters are very welcome for many people. The straps have strap keepers on them to keep things more tidy. Lastly, this bag has a real, stowable/removable hip belt vs. the stabilizer belt on the Cero. Most of these differences are to shave off weight on the Cero.
A quick item to point out is that this bag does not have any aquaguard style zippers but does fully use aluminum strap hardware which is nice quality.
While it may be obvious, another big differentiator is that this bag comes in a 45L, not just a 35L. A lot of folks that either can’t get their packing quite down to 35L or have to take some specialized gear - need 45L. So it’s got the optionality here.
Lastly, and the other major differentiator here, is that the Pakt One, in both versions, offers an additional expansion capability. So the 35L unzips to expand into a 40L for when you jusssst can’t fit that last cube or you went to Japan and bought everything in the Lawson’s snack section. I like that this is here, and I think they did it in a solid implementation. The other thing to note here is that Pakt also designed this area to fit either their kind of “business tote” or their daypack. So you can use this expansion to bring those with you if you’d rather do it that way. Options are always a good thing. Though to note, I did not have these bags to test. Frankly you can put any packable bag here - do you.
Here are the weight and size metrics from the website:
Size:
35L+ (35L, expands to 40L): 19.5" x 12.5" x 9" (50cm x 32cm x 23cm)
45L+ (45L, expands to 50L): 20.5" x 13.5" x 9" (52cm x 34cm x 23cm)
Weight:
35L+: 3.6lbs (3.9lbs with hipbelt & sternum strap)
45L+: 3.7lbs (4lbs with hipbelt & sternum strap)
The Pakt Cero Difference
This is another 35L bag meant for onebag/carry on travel and its focus is on a single thing (other than functionality) - cutting weight. Cutting weight and still being a great travel bag. It’s meant to not be making any (or few) compromises. For a full in depth dive into this bag, check out my Pakt Cero review.
On the individual features set there are a few differences from the bigger sibling. The material as we noted above is much different. And, there is no lining to speak of on this bag (Again, this cuts weight and is functionally not needed). There are some slight design differences (shape, pocket flaps, colored zipper pulls, etc.). There is no real, load bearing hipbelt on the Pakt Cero - just a stabilizer. A few aluminum bits on the straps but mostly using plastic to save weight.
The grab handles on this bag and shoulder straps are definitely thinner for the same reason.
One big thing to note (for some) is that on this bag the zipper to the main compartment is an aquaguard zipper from YKK, which is not being used on the Pakt One.
And really, that’s all that you're going to find in the difference besides the details in the previous section. You’re getting less small features and extras, but you’re also getting less extra WEIGHT. In my testing, I loved using this bag. And holding side by side, the weight in hand is VERY noticeable. But so is the feel of the bag. Here are the vital stats from the website:
50 x 30 x 24cm; 20 x 12 x 10 in
2.3lbs; 1.04kg
35L capacity
Final Thoughts On My Pakt One vs. Pakt Cero Comparison
Grilling in North East China (Had the Cero on this Trip)
There we go. From what I can tell, this was one of the few major written articles highlighting the direct differences of these Pakt bags. Hopefully, this helped you make a decision in case you were trying to decide between the two.
Who are these bags for?
The Pakt One is for the person that wants a more traditional travel bag, and maybe loves the idea of a little extra room to expand in case they get a little overzealous with their packing, gear, or souvenirs. The straps are a little beefier, all the aluminum might be more durable (If you really rough bags up), and the removable hip belt is a real, load bearing belt for those that have either back issues or just swear by shifting the weight to your hips for longer walks. And, weight isn’t your top concern (To be clear, this is NOT considered a heavy bag vs. the field; it’s about avg).
The Pakt Cero is for those interested in cutting weight, don’t need the expansion or load bearing bits, and frankly might be a bit more of a bag/fabric nerd at heart. The fabric is definitely more techy, and due to the crinklyness of this kind of sailcloth stuff it’s not for everyone. And that’s OK. I frankly love it, but it takes some getting used to due to the sound, stiffness, and handfeel if you’re not well versed in it. I have tons of X-Pac stuff so I knew what I was getting into.
If you want to pick one up, buy direct from Pakt for best customer service and warranties. Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by!
Wander more, and wander smarter everyone.
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Head on over to our Travel Bag reviews page for more like this as well as the Osprey Daylite Carry On 35L review , the full Pakt Cero review, or the Evergoods CTB20 review.
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