Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking vs. Osprey Aether 55

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking

Front facing view of the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking
Capacity60 L
Weight1.7 kg
Dimensions65×35×35 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$170

Feature by feature

Simond MT500 Air 50+10L BackpackingFeatureOsprey Aether 55
Storage
>5 Compression >5
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
top Passport top
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
Y Hip Belt Y
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
4 Main Compartments 4
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly Y
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
210D Rip stop nylonbluesign® APPROVED 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Osprey Aether 55

Capacity55 L
Weight2.2 kg
Dimensions83×38×25 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$325

Key differences between the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking and Osprey Aether 55

Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 1 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.

Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking vs. Osprey Aether 55: which should you pack?

The Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking carries 5L more than the Osprey Aether 55 (60L vs. 55L), while the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking is the lighter pack at 1.7kg (vs. 2.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking fits 1% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking; if you want to travel lighter, the Simond MT500 Air 50+10L Backpacking is the better call.