Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Aer Flight Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack | Feature | Aer Flight Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| 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 | |
| Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon | 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack and Aer Flight Pack
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; Hideable on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; No on the Aer Flight Pack.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; 4 on the Aer Flight Pack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, 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. 175 accept both. 1 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack, and 3 accept only the Aer Flight Pack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Aer Flight Pack fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Aer Flight Pack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries 10L more than the Aer Flight Pack (30L vs. 20L), while the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Flight Pack fits 94% 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 Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the better call.