Thule Aion 28L vs. Aer Travel Pack 2
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule Aion 28L | Feature | Aer Travel Pack 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| 32L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| 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 | Grey: 900D eco-dyed polyester Black / Blue: 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior |
Key differences between the Thule Aion 28L and Aer Travel Pack 2
- Compression straps: No on the Thule Aion 28L; 4 on the Aer Travel Pack 2.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Thule Aion 28L; Removable on the Aer Travel Pack 2.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Aion 28L; 5 on the Aer Travel Pack 2.
Both have: passport pocket, 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 2.
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 2 fits
Pakistan International.
Thule Aion 28L vs. Aer Travel Pack 2: which should you pack?
The Aer Travel Pack 2 carries 5L more than the Thule Aion 28L (28L vs. 33L), while the Thule Aion 28L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.7kg). 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 2; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule Aion 28L is the better call.