The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. ILE Race Day Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×35×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 90% |
| Price | $149 |
Feature by feature
| The Moderne Explorer Backpack | Feature | ILE Race Day Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Polyester | XPAC sailcloth |
ILE Race Day Bag
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×27.9×15.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 90% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the The Moderne Explorer Backpack and ILE Race Day Bag
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; No on the ILE Race Day Bag.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 168 accept both. 3 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack, and 2 accept only the ILE Race Day Bag.
Only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits
Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Only the ILE Race Day Bag fits
Cayman Airways, Great Lakes Airlines.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. ILE Race Day Bag: which should you pack?
The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries 14L more than the ILE Race Day Bag (35L vs. 21L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits 90% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the The Moderne Explorer Backpack is the better call.