Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer Duffel Pack 3 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 Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top, front | Passport | top, side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Recycled polyester | VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura) |
Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $210 |
Key differences between the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack and Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; Top, side on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; 5 on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack; 1, side on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 167 accept both. 6 accept only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, and 0 accept only the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac: which should you pack?
The Troubadour Pioneer Backpack carries 3L more than the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac (24L vs. 21L), while the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). 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 Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the better call.