Aer City Pack vs. Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer City Pack | Feature | Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top, side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 exterior | VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura) |
Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $210 |
Key differences between the Aer City Pack and Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
- Opening: Clamshell on the Aer City Pack; Other on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Aer City Pack; Top, side on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Aer City Pack; 5 on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Both have: 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. 167 accept both. 11 accept only the Aer City Pack, and 0 accept only the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac.
Only the Aer City Pack fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Aer City Pack vs. Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac: which should you pack?
The Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac carries 7L more than the Aer City Pack (14L vs. 21L), while the Aer City Pack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer City Pack fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer City Pack is the better call.