Thule Aion 28L vs. Able Carry Max EDC
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule Aion 28L | Feature | Able Carry Max EDC |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 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 | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | Ripstop - 1.47kg / 3.2lbs X-Pac - 1.55kg / 3.4lbs |
Able Carry Max EDC
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Thule Aion 28L and Able Carry Max EDC
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Thule Aion 28L; Removable on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Thule Aion 28L; 17in on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Aion 28L; 6 on the Able Carry Max EDC.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 136 accept both. 3 accept only the Thule Aion 28L, and 37 accept only the Able Carry Max EDC.
Only the Thule Aion 28L fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Able Carry Max EDC fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, 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. Able Carry Max EDC: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 28L carries 2L more than the Able Carry Max EDC (28L vs. 26L), while the Thule Aion 28L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Able Carry Max EDC fits 92% 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 Thule Aion 28L is the better call.