Thule Aion 28L vs. Thule Aion 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Thule Aion 28L | Feature | Thule Aion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Y |
| 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 | |
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 132 accept both. 7 accept only the Thule Aion 28L, and 0 accept only the Thule Aion 40L.
Only the Thule Aion 28L fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Thule Aion 28L vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 40L carries 12L more than the Thule Aion 28L (28L vs. 40L), while the Thule Aion 28L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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 Thule Aion 40L; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule Aion 28L is the better call.