Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Thule Aion 40L
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 | Thule Aion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| 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) | |
Key differences between the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac and Thule Aion 40L
- Compression straps: 4 on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Opening: Other on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Clamshell on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Hip belt: No on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; Optional on the Thule Aion 40L.
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. 132 accept both. 45 accept only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac, and 0 accept only the Thule Aion 40L.
Only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 40L carries 24L more than the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac (16L vs. 40L), 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 Thule Aion 40L; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac is the better call.