Greenroom136 Rainmaker vs. Aer Flight Pack 2

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Greenroom136 Rainmaker

Front facing view of the Greenroom136 Rainmaker
Capacity22 L
Weight1.7 kg
Dimensions40×28×21 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$120

Feature by feature

Greenroom136 RainmakerFeatureAer Flight Pack 2
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
side Passport top
N Passthrough Y
Carry
S Backpack H
N Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
15 Laptop 16
3 Main Compartments 4
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1000D Cordura1680D Cordura ballistic nylon

Aer Flight Pack 2

by Aer
Front facing view of the Aer Flight Pack 2
Capacity21 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions46×31×13 cm
Airline fit98%
Price$160

Behold two of the best carry-ons: the Greenroom136 Rainmaker and the Aer Flight Pack 2. The Rainmaker’s stature of 40 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 21 inches deep is slightly eclipsed by the Flight Pack 2’s dimensions of 46 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 13 inches deep. For the weight-conscious traveler, the Rainmaker tips the scales at about 1.7 pounds, while the Flight Pack 2 comes in slightly lighter at 1.3 pounds. Yet when it comes to the load they accommodate, their capacities are nearly identical, the Rainmaker offering 22 liters and the Flight Pack 2 packing in 21 liters.

Delving deeper into their design, the Rainmaker boasts an ability to comply with 100% of airlines, while the Flight Pack 2 flexes a 98% compatibility. You’d be hard-pressed to worry about durability with either choice. The Rainmaker features resilient 1000D Cordura while the Flight Pack 2 wields formidable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. If you carry tech, note that the Rainmaker comfortably fits a 15-inch laptop, and its competitor, the Flight Pack 2, slightly outdoes it with a fitting for a 16-inch laptop.

In the end, the final choice is subjective. The Rainmaker was reviewed as “a solid pack that values function above all else” and "one of the best value bags on the market”. In contrast, the Flight Pack 2 is described as a "durable, functional pack with lots of organization that's great for short trips and urban adventures." The Rainmaker shines with versatile customizability, a sturdy water-resistant exterior, and ample organization. Drifting towards the Flight Pack 2 guarantees a sleek-looking and durable bag with three carry modes and a slew of organization options, especially in the front pocket.