Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer City Pack X-Pac
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 | Aer City Pack X-Pac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled polyester | VX-42 X-Pac |
Key differences between the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack and Aer City Pack X-Pac
- Opening: Other on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; Clamshell on the Aer City Pack X-Pac.
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; Top on the Aer City Pack X-Pac.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; 4 on the Aer City Pack X-Pac.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 173 accept both. 0 accept only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, and 5 accept only the Aer City Pack X-Pac.
Only the Aer City Pack X-Pac fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer City Pack X-Pac: which should you pack?
The Troubadour Pioneer Backpack carries 10L more than the Aer City Pack X-Pac (24L vs. 14L), while the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer City Pack X-Pac fits 94% 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 Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the better call.