Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 69% |
| Price | $280 |
Feature by feature
| Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac | Feature | Tortuga Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top, side | Passport | top, front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y, hideable |
| optional | Hip Belt | Y, removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon) | 630D CORDURA |
Tortuga Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac and Tortuga Expandable Backpack
- Passport pocket: Top, side on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; Yes on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, luggage passthrough, 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. 130 accept both. 0 accept only the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac, and 42 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Only the Tortuga Expandable 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, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac carries 8L more than the Tortuga Expandable Backpack (35L vs. 27L), while the Tortuga Expandable Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.6kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits 91% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac; if you want to travel lighter, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack is the better call.