Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Thule EnRoute
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
| Capacity | 24 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $275 |
Feature by feature
| Troubadour Pioneer Backpack | Feature | Thule EnRoute |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top, front | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| 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 | N |
| Material | |
| Recycled polyester | |
Key differences between the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack and Thule EnRoute
- Compression straps: No on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; 2 on the Thule EnRoute.
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; Top on the Thule EnRoute.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; Yes on the Thule EnRoute.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; No on the Thule EnRoute.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 137 accept both. 36 accept only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, and 2 accept only the Thule EnRoute.
Only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the Thule EnRoute fits
Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Thule EnRoute: which should you pack?
The Troubadour Pioneer Backpack carries 1L more than the Thule EnRoute (24L vs. 23L), while the Thule EnRoute is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule EnRoute is the better call.