Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
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 | Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior | 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate |
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) and Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); 2 on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 93 accept only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L.
Only the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, All Nipon Airways, American Eagle, ANA, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Czech Airlines, easyJet, 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, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L: which should you pack?
The Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) carries 18L more than the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L (40L vs. 22L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L fits 94% 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 Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is the better call.