The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. ILE Flaptop
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 Flaptop |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 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 | 1000D Cordura |
ILE Flaptop
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×20.3 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the The Moderne Explorer Backpack and ILE Flaptop
- Compression straps: No on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Yes on the ILE Flaptop.
- Opening: Clamshell on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Top flap on the ILE Flaptop.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the The Moderne Explorer Backpack; Removable on the ILE Flaptop.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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. 135 accept both. 36 accept only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack, and 1 accept only the ILE Flaptop.
Only the The Moderne Explorer Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Qatar Airways, 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.
Only the ILE Flaptop fits
Cayman Airways.
The Moderne Explorer Backpack vs. ILE Flaptop: which should you pack?
The The Moderne Explorer Backpack carries 3L more than the ILE Flaptop (35L vs. 32L), 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.