Travel Pack 3 vs. Thule Aion 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Travel Pack 3 | Feature | Thule Aion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| Y | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top, side | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| optional | Hip Belt | optional |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 5 | 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 | |
| 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon | |
Key differences between the Travel Pack 3 and Thule Aion 40L
- Compression straps: Yes on the Travel Pack 3; No on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Passport pocket: Top, side on the Travel Pack 3; Top on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Travel Pack 3; Yes on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Travel Pack 3; 4 on the Thule Aion 40L.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 129 accept both. 0 accept only the Travel Pack 3, and 3 accept only the Thule Aion 40L.
Only the Thule Aion 40L fits
Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
Travel Pack 3 vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 40L carries 5L more than the Travel Pack 3 (35L vs. 40L), while the Thule Aion 40L is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Thule Aion 40L fits 70% 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.