Tortuga Expandable Backpack vs. Thule Aion 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tortuga Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 27 L |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×32×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 91% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Tortuga Expandable Backpack | Feature | Thule Aion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top, front | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y, hideable | Backpack | Y |
| Y, removable | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 630D CORDURA | |
Key differences between the Tortuga Expandable Backpack and Thule Aion 40L
- Compression straps: 4 on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; No on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Passport pocket: Top, front on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; Top on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Backpack straps: Y, hideable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; Yes on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Hip belt: Y, removable on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; Optional on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Tortuga Expandable Backpack; Yes on the Thule Aion 40L.
Both have: luggage passthrough, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, 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. 40 accept only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack, and 0 accept only the Thule Aion 40L.
Only the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, 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), Volotea, Xiamen.
Tortuga Expandable Backpack vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 40L carries 13L more than the Tortuga Expandable Backpack (27L vs. 40L), while the Thule Aion 40L is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.6kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Tortuga Expandable Backpack fits 91% 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 Thule Aion 40L is the better call.