Thule Aion 28L vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule Aion 28L | Feature | Bellroy Transit Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 32L | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Waxed P600 polyester canvas | Baida Nylon |
Bellroy Transit Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×36×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Thule Aion 28L and Bellroy Transit Backpack
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Thule Aion 28L; No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Thule Aion 28L; No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Thule Aion 28L; 2, side on the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 120 accept both. 19 accept only the Thule Aion 28L, and 33 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack.
Only the Thule Aion 28L fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Sky Airlines, Virgin Australia.
Only the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Icelandair, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Thule Aion 28L vs. Bellroy Transit Backpack: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 28L carries the same capacity as the Bellroy Transit Backpack (28L vs. 28L), while the Bellroy Transit Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits 81% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Thule Aion 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Bellroy Transit Backpack is the better call.