GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC vs. Aer Go Pack 2

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

GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC

Front facing view of the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC
Capacity21 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions46×29×14 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$335

Feature by feature

GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PACFeatureAer Go Pack 2
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport top
N Passthrough Y
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
N Sternum Strap N
Inside
15in Laptop 16in
3 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
XPAC VX21210D Cordura® crinkle nylon exterior

Aer Go Pack 2

by Aer
Front facing view of the Aer Go Pack 2
Capacity20 L
Weight0.6 kg
Dimensions43×28×14 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$99

Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC and Aer Go Pack 2

Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 178 accept both. 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC, and 3 accept only the Aer Go Pack 2.

Only the Aer Go Pack 2 fits

Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air.

GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC vs. Aer Go Pack 2: which should you pack?

The GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC carries 1L more than the Aer Go Pack 2 (21L vs. 20L), while the Aer Go Pack 2 is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Go Pack 2 fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR1 USA - X-PAC; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Go Pack 2 is the better call.