Alpaka Metro Backpack (12L) vs Alpaka Essential Backpack (16L)
Alpaka Metro Backpack (12L) ($99) vs Alpaka Essential Backpack (16L) ($159) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right backpack.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Alpaka Metro Backpack (12L) | Alpaka Essential Backpack (16L) |
| Price | $99 | $159 |
| Weight | 800g | 600g |
| Capacity | 12L | 16L |
| Fits | a 14" MacBook & essentials | — |
| Material | Axoflux 400D Ripstop | X-Pac VX21 |
| Carry | Backpack | — |
| Weight | 800g | 600g |
| Also in | — | Axoflux 210D |
| Colors | — | Black, Green |
| Released | — | First listed 2026-08-25 |
Pros & Cons
Alpaka Metro Backpack (12L)
- Slim 12L city profile
- Fits a 14" MacBook
- Lightweight daypack
- 12L fills quickly
- 14" laptop limit
Alpaka Essential Backpack (16L)
- 600 g as published on ALPAKA's page
- X-Pac VX21
- Covered by ALPAKA's warranty
- Sold direct from ALPAKA, so no easy price comparison
Alpaka Metro Backpack (12L) is the better value at $99. If weight matters most, Alpaka Essential Backpack (16L) carries lighter at 600g. Both are part of our curated backpack index — tap through to check current pricing.