Aer Go Pack 2 vs. GORUCK GR1 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer Go Pack 2 | Feature | GORUCK GR1 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D Cordura® crinkle nylon exterior | 1000D Cordura |
Key differences between the Aer Go Pack 2 and GORUCK GR1 26
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Aer Go Pack 2; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Aer Go Pack 2; 17in on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Aer Go Pack 2; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 12 accept only the Aer Go Pack 2, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 26.
Only the Aer Go Pack 2 fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Aer Go Pack 2 vs. GORUCK GR1 26: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 26 carries 6L more than the Aer Go Pack 2 (20L vs. 26L), while the Aer Go Pack 2 is the lighter pack at 0.6kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Go Pack 2 fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR1 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Go Pack 2 is the better call.