Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. The Moderne Explorer Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L)
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 55.9×35.6×22.9 cm |
| Airline fit | 45% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) | Feature | The Moderne Explorer Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior | Polyester |
The Moderne Explorer Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 90% |
| Price | $149 |
Key differences between the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) and The Moderne Explorer Backpack
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); Yes on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); Yes on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); 2 on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 85 accept both. 0 accept only the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L), and 86 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack.
Only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Caribbean Airlines, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, flybe, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Meridiana Fly, Mesa Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, SAS Scandinavian, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. The Moderne Explorer Backpack: which should you pack?
The Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) carries 5L more than the The Moderne Explorer Backpack (40L vs. 35L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) is the better call.