Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Able Carry Max Backpack
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 | Able Carry Max 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 | hideable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 5 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| 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 | X-Pac Fabric and Cordura 1000D Nylon Weight: 1.7kg xpac; 1.6 cordura ripstop |
Able Carry Max Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×32×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $278 |
Key differences between the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack and Able Carry Max Backpack
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; Hideable on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; 17in on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
- Main compartments: 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack; 6 on the Able Carry Max Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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. 9 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack, and 0 accept only the Able Carry Max 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.
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack vs. Able Carry Max Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack carries the same capacity as the Able Carry Max Backpack (30L vs. 30L), while the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.7kg). 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 Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the better call.