Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $190 |
Feature by feature
| Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro | Feature | Troubadour Pioneer Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top, front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| X-Pac VX42 Also: Axoflux Recycled Fabric (POLY 600D) | Recycled polyester |
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
| Capacity | 24 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $275 |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro and Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
- Passport pocket: Top on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; Top, front on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; Removable on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 172 accept both. 2 accept only the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro, and 1 accept only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack fits
Air Niugini.
Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro vs. Troubadour Pioneer Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro carries 2L more than the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack (26L vs. 24L), while the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Alpaka Gear Elements Backpack Pro; if you want to travel lighter, the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the better call.