Aer Travel Pack 2 vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer Travel Pack 2 | Feature | Tom Bihn Brain Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Grey: 900D eco-dyed polyester Black / Blue: 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior | 525 Ballistic Nylon |
Tom Bihn Brain Bag
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Aer Travel Pack 2 and Tom Bihn Brain Bag
- Opening: Clamshell on the Aer Travel Pack 2; Top zip on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Aer Travel Pack 2; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Hip belt: Optional on the Aer Travel Pack 2; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Aer Travel Pack 2; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Aer Travel Pack 2; 6 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, 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. 117 accept both. 13 accept only the Aer Travel Pack 2, and 8 accept only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Only the Aer Travel Pack 2 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Pakistan International, Sky Airlines.
Only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag fits
Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Aer Travel Pack 2 vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag: which should you pack?
The Tom Bihn Brain Bag carries 3L more than the Aer Travel Pack 2 (33L vs. 36L), while the Tom Bihn Brain Bag is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.7kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Travel Pack 2 fits 69% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tom Bihn Brain Bag; if you want to travel lighter, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag is the better call.