Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac | Feature | Tortuga Expandable Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y, hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | Y, removable |
| Y | 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 nylo) | 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 Tech Pack 3 X-Pac and Tortuga Expandable Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Clamshell on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Hip belt: No on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Both have: compression straps, luggage passthrough, sternum strap, 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. 172 accept both. 5 accept only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac, and 0 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack.
Only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Tortuga Expandable Backpack: which should you pack?
The Tortuga Expandable Backpack carries 11L more than the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac (16L vs. 27L), while the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac is the better call.