Aer Flight Pack 2 vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer Flight Pack 2 | Feature | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon | Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon |
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Aer Flight Pack 2 and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Aer Flight Pack 2; Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Aer Flight Pack 2; Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Aer Flight Pack 2; 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, laptop sleeve, 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. 174 accept both. 3 accept only the Aer Flight Pack 2, and 2 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Aer Flight Pack 2 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Aer Flight Pack 2 vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 9L more than the Aer Flight Pack 2 (21L vs. 30L), while the Aer Flight Pack 2 is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Flight Pack 2 fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Flight Pack 2 is the better call.