Aer City Pack vs. Able Carry Max EDC
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Aer City Pack | Feature | Able Carry Max EDC |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | optional |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | Ripstop - 1.47kg / 3.2lbs X-Pac - 1.55kg / 3.4lbs |
Able Carry Max EDC
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Aer City Pack and Able Carry Max EDC
- Hip belt: No on the Aer City Pack; Optional on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Aer City Pack; 17in on the Able Carry Max EDC.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Aer City Pack; 6 on the Able Carry Max EDC.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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. 173 accept both. 5 accept only the Aer City Pack, and 0 accept only the Able Carry Max EDC.
Only the Aer City Pack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Aer City Pack vs. Able Carry Max EDC: which should you pack?
The Able Carry Max EDC carries 12L more than the Aer City Pack (14L vs. 26L), while the Aer City Pack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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 Able Carry Max EDC; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer City Pack is the better call.