Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
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 Tres MLC® 45L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| optional | Rain-fly | N |
| 1 | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior | 630-denier nylon, 200-denier 100% recycled polyeste |
Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×41×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $179 |
Key differences between the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) and Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); Yes on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); Yes on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
- Rain cover: Optional on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
- Water bottle pockets: 1 on the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L); No on the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 44 accept both. 41 accept only the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L), and 5 accept only the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L.
Only the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Only the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L fits
Air Caraibes, Caribbean Airlines, Czech Airlines, Iberia, Iran Air.
Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) vs. Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L: which should you pack?
The Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L carries 5L more than the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) (40L vs. 45L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Capsule Pack Max (40L) fits 45% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L; if you want to travel lighter, the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L is the better call.