Aer Day Pack 3 vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack

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

Aer Day Pack 3

by Aer
Front facing view of the Aer Day Pack 3
Capacity14 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions44×30×14 cm
Airline fit95%
Price$160

Feature by feature

Aer Day Pack 3FeatureAlpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport top
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
16in Laptop 16in
3 Main Compartments 5
N 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 (bluesign® approved)Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon

Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack

Front facing view of the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
Capacity30 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions47×28×18 cm
Airline fit93%
Price$200

Key differences between the Aer Day Pack 3 and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack

Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 175 accept both. 5 accept only the Aer Day Pack 3, and 1 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.

Only the Aer Day Pack 3 fits

Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.

Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits

Great Lakes Airlines.

Aer Day Pack 3 vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?

The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 16L more than the Aer Day Pack 3 (14L vs. 30L), while the Aer Day Pack 3 is the lighter pack at 1.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Day Pack 3 fits 95% 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 Day Pack 3 is the better call.