Troubadour Aero Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Uptown
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Troubadour Aero Backpack
| Capacity | 34 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×34×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $295 |
Feature by feature
| Troubadour Aero Backpack | Feature | Timbuk2 Uptown |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top, front | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled polyester | |
Key differences between the Troubadour Aero Backpack and Timbuk2 Uptown
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; Top on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; No on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; 4 on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; 2 on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the Troubadour Aero Backpack, and 4 accept only the Timbuk2 Uptown.
Only the Timbuk2 Uptown fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Troubadour Aero Backpack vs. Timbuk2 Uptown: which should you pack?
The Troubadour Aero Backpack carries 4L more than the Timbuk2 Uptown (34L vs. 30L), while the Timbuk2 Uptown is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Uptown fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Troubadour Aero Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Uptown is the better call.