Troubadour Aero Backpack vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
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 | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top, front | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled polyester | Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon |
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Troubadour Aero Backpack and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; Clamshell on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; Top on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Troubadour Aero Backpack; 16in on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the Troubadour Aero Backpack, and 7 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Troubadour Aero Backpack vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Troubadour Aero Backpack carries 4L more than the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack (34L vs. 30L), while the Troubadour Aero Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits 93% 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 Troubadour Aero Backpack is the better call.