Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $210 |
Feature by feature
| Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac | Feature | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top, side | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 5 | 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 | |
| VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura) | Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon |
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Opening: Other on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac; Clamshell on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top, side on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac; Top on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac; Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 0 accept only the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac, and 9 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 9L more than the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac (21L vs. 30L), while the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac is the better call.