Bellroy Transit Backpack vs. Thule Aion 40L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Transit Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×36×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 81% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Transit Backpack | Feature | Thule Aion 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Baida Nylon | |
Key differences between the Bellroy Transit Backpack and Thule Aion 40L
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack; Yes on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Hip belt: No on the Bellroy Transit Backpack; Optional on the Thule Aion 40L.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Bellroy Transit Backpack; 1, side on the Thule Aion 40L.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 120 accept both. 33 accept only the Bellroy Transit Backpack, and 12 accept only the Thule Aion 40L.
Only the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Icelandair, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
Only the Thule Aion 40L fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Sky Airlines.
Bellroy Transit Backpack vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 40L carries 12L more than the Bellroy Transit Backpack (28L vs. 40L), while the Bellroy Transit Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Bellroy Transit Backpack fits 81% 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 Bellroy Transit Backpack is the better call.