ILE Default Mini vs. Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| ILE Default Mini | Feature | Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 36L |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| Passport | top | |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura or xpac 1.45kg x-pac; 1.65kg cordura | Challenge Outdoor EPX600 |
Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×29×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $400 |
Key differences between the ILE Default Mini and Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack
- Sternum strap: Removable on the ILE Default Mini; Yes on the Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the ILE Default Mini; 16in on the Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack.
- Main compartments: 2 on the ILE Default Mini; 6 on the Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack.
Both have: compression straps, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 166 accept both. 3 accept only the ILE Default Mini, and 0 accept only the Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack.
Only the ILE Default Mini fits
Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, WestJet.
ILE Default Mini vs. Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack: which should you pack?
The Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack carries 6L more than the ILE Default Mini (25L vs. 31L), while the ILE Default Mini is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the ILE Default Mini fits 89% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Remote Equipment Alpha 31 Pack; if you want to travel lighter, the ILE Default Mini is the better call.