Thule Aion 28L vs. Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule Aion 28L | Feature | Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| 32L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Waxed P600 polyester canvas | VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon) |
Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 69% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Thule Aion 28L and Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac
- Compression straps: No on the Thule Aion 28L; 4 on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Thule Aion 28L; Top, side on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Thule Aion 28L; Removable on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 129 accept both. 10 accept only the Thule Aion 28L, and 1 accept only the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Only the Thule Aion 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Only the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac fits
Pakistan International.
Thule Aion 28L vs. Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac: which should you pack?
The Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac carries 7L more than the Thule Aion 28L (28L vs. 35L), while the Thule Aion 28L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Thule Aion 28L fits 74% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule Aion 28L is the better call.