Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse 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 | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | 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 | |
| VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura ballistic nylo) | 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 Tech Pack 3 X-Pac and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Compression straps: 4 on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Opening: Other on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Clamshell on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 Tech Pack 3 X-Pac, and 2 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 14L more than the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac (16L vs. 30L), while the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac is the lighter pack at 1.4kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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 Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac is the better call.