Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer City Pack Pro 2

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

Troubadour Pioneer Backpack

Front facing view of the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
Capacity24 L
Weight1.1 kg
Dimensions49×30×16 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$275

Feature by feature

Troubadour Pioneer BackpackFeatureAer City Pack Pro 2
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 1
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 4
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Recycled polyester1680D CORDURA® ballistic nylon

Aer City Pack Pro 2

by Aer
Front facing view of the Aer City Pack Pro 2
Capacity24 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions46×32×18 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$210

Key differences between the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack and Aer City Pack Pro 2

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. 172 accept both. 1 accept only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, and 5 accept only the Aer City Pack Pro 2.

Only the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack fits

Air Niugini.

Only the Aer City Pack Pro 2 fits

American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.

Troubadour Pioneer Backpack vs. Aer City Pack Pro 2: which should you pack?

The Troubadour Pioneer Backpack carries the same capacity as the Aer City Pack Pro 2 (24L vs. 24L), while the Troubadour Pioneer Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer City Pack Pro 2 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.