


























































































01.
TLDR
Meet the Aeronaut 45. Our legendary maximum size carry-on travel bag.
- 3 carry methods: duffel, backpack, or shoulder bag
- Five total exterior pockets: two slash pockets, two end pockets, and a generously-sized main compartment
- Stowable backpack straps in our always-comfortable edgeless design
- Zippered partitions allowing you to push into the side pockets' space and expand the main pocket as needed or keep the pockets neatly divided
- Comfortable grab handle on the long side of the bag for comfortable side-carry
- Attachment points for an optional shoulder strap such as our Absolute Strap
- Maximum carry-on size for most US domestic airlines
02.
Full Description
Travel with the Aeronaut isn't like travel with wheeled luggage: you won't ever hesitate to make your way through the crowd, down a cobblestone alley, across the grass, or up the trail. With the load on your back, you can navigate through not just airports, train stations, and bus depots, but through airplanes, trains, and buses. Hard to categorize, the Aeronaut is at once soft luggage, a duffel bag, and a backpack. It takes the best of all those bags and combines them into what many people have found to be their most versatile travel bag yet.
Looking for its younger and smaller sibling, check out the Aeronaut 30.
Three Carry Methods
The Aeronaut can be carried on the back via its Edgeless backpack straps (which can tuck away when not in use), on the shoulder or cross-body with the optional Absolute Shoulder Strap, or by hand duffel-style with the padded handle handle.
U-Shaped Main Compartment
The main compartment of the Aeronaut 45 is accessed through a curved zipper opening and swallows a substantial stack of folded shirts/blouses/trousers/dresses; as you pack the Aeronaut 45, the end pockets act like bookends, keeping everything in the center compartment relatively flat and folded. The inside of the opening "hatch" features a convenient zippered mesh pocket for small items.
Don't need one end compartment or the other, or need to fit something bigger than expected in the main compartment? The panels dividing the end compartments from the main compartment of the bag unzip — another versatile feature allowing you to customize the Aeronaut 45 to your needs.
Zip-Away Edgeless Shoulder Straps
The Aeronaut 45 converts easily to and carries comfortably as a backpack, now with our updated Edgeless Shoulder Straps, featuring EV50 foam. The back panel is padded with 3/8" / 10mm thick closed-cell foam as well. Thanks to a zipper hidden inside the lining of the bag, the back panel foam is removable (or swappable) if you don't find you need it and want to save the weight/bulk.
Two End Pockets
These end pockets can easily accommodate size 12 (USA) running shoes (now maybe you can finally take all the shoes you need with you). The end pockets also are great for segregating the clean from the unclean, or perhaps socks and underwear, from everything else.
Don’t need two end compartments? Unzip one of the zippered dividers, transforming the Aeronaut into a two compartment bag. Or, unzip both zippered dividers, and the Aeronaut becomes a large one main compartment bag.
Quick-Access Pockets
Both exterior ends of the Aeronaut 45 have exterior zippered pockets; both are large enough for the Guide Michelin and a boarding pass. They're a nice place to keep your earbuds or other small items you might need during the flight, as one end or the other is often easily accessible in the overhead bin.
Mirrored Exterior Grab Handles
The grab handles at either end of the Aeronaut 45 were designed to be in the right place at the right time. Specifically, they provide an inviting and obvious place to grab the Aeronaut and give it a yank to extract it from an overhead compartment of a plane or other tight spot. They’re reinforced, so if you need to pull hard, go ahead, and because they’re padded, the whole process will be as comfortable for your hands as possible.
What's Included
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
One pair of Tie-Down Straps
Our included tie-down straps are an alternative to packing cubes: use them to compress and secure clothing in place to help keep it wrinkle-free. They're removable so if you don't want or need to use them, you can leave them behind.
What's Optional
If you plan to carry the Aeronaut as a shoulder bag, this is the shoulder strap for you. Hands down, it's the most comfortable strap we've ever used.
Gatekeeper Waist Strap or 1" Padded Hip Belt
The Gatekeeper Waist Strap is a light waist strap that helps stabilize your bag during frantic sprints from one end of the airport to the other. The 1" Padded Hip Belt allows you to carry some of the weight of a loaded pack on your hips rather than just your shoulders.
Packing Cubes & Other Organization
You can view all of our packing cubes, pouches, toiletries bags and other organizational options at the link above. The Aeronaut/Techonaut 45 Packing Cubes were made to fit the Aeronaut 45, and the Aeronaut 45 Travel Laundry Stuff Sack is the perfect size for the end pockets.
Need a little bit of a stiffer back, or want to use the padded hip belt to take some of the weight of all those bricks you're carrying off your shoulders? The Aeronaut 45 Frame Sheet is here for you in your time of need.
The Aeronaut can be carried on the back via its Edgeless backpack straps (which can tuck away when not in use), on the shoulder or cross-body with the optional Absolute Shoulder Strap, or by hand duffel-style with the padded handle handle.
The main compartment of the Aeronaut 45 is accessed through a curved zipper opening and swallows a substantial stack of folded shirts/blouses/trousers/dresses; as you pack the Aeronaut 45, the end pockets act like bookends, keeping everything in the center compartment relatively flat and folded. The inside of the opening "hatch" features a convenient zippered mesh pocket for small items.
Don't need one end compartment or the other, or need to fit something bigger than expected in the main compartment? The panels dividing the end compartments from the main compartment of the bag unzip — another versatile feature allowing you to customize the Aeronaut 45 to your needs.
The Aeronaut 45 converts easily to and carries comfortably as a backpack, now with our updated Edgeless Shoulder Straps, featuring EV50 foam. The back panel is padded with 3/8" / 10mm thick closed-cell foam as well. Thanks to a zipper hidden inside the lining of the bag, the back panel foam is removable (or swappable) if you don't find you need it and want to save the weight/bulk.
These end pockets can easily accommodate size 12 (USA) running shoes (now maybe you can finally take all the shoes you need with you). The end pockets also are great for segregating the clean from the unclean, or perhaps socks and underwear, from everything else.
Don’t need two end compartments? Unzip one of the zippered dividers, transforming the Aeronaut into a two compartment bag. Or, unzip both zippered dividers, and the Aeronaut becomes a large one main compartment bag.
Both exterior ends of the Aeronaut 45 have exterior zippered pockets; both are large enough for the Guide Michelin and a boarding pass. They're a nice place to keep your earbuds or other small items you might need during the flight, as one end or the other is often easily accessible in the overhead bin.
The grab handles at either end of the Aeronaut 45 were designed to be in the right place at the right time. Specifically, they provide an inviting and obvious place to grab the Aeronaut and give it a yank to extract it from an overhead compartment of a plane or other tight spot. They’re reinforced, so if you need to pull hard, go ahead, and because they’re padded, the whole process will be as comfortable for your hands as possible.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
One pair of Tie-Down Straps
Our included tie-down straps are an alternative to packing cubes: use them to compress and secure clothing in place to help keep it wrinkle-free. They're removable so if you don't want or need to use them, you can leave them behind.
If you plan to carry the Aeronaut as a shoulder bag, this is the shoulder strap for you. Hands down, it's the most comfortable strap we've ever used.
Gatekeeper Waist Strap or 1" Padded Hip Belt
The Gatekeeper Waist Strap is a light waist strap that helps stabilize your bag during frantic sprints from one end of the airport to the other. The 1" Padded Hip Belt allows you to carry some of the weight of a loaded pack on your hips rather than just your shoulders.
Packing Cubes & Other Organization
You can view all of our packing cubes, pouches, toiletries bags and other organizational options at the link above. The Aeronaut/Techonaut 45 Packing Cubes were made to fit the Aeronaut 45, and the Aeronaut 45 Travel Laundry Stuff Sack is the perfect size for the end pockets.
Need a little bit of a stiffer back, or want to use the padded hip belt to take some of the weight of all those bricks you're carrying off your shoulders? The Aeronaut 45 Frame Sheet is here for you in your time of need.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Call 1-800-729-9607
- Ask in our Forums
Exterior
U.S. high tenacity 1050 denier ballistic nylon
— or —
bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 630 denier Ballistic nylon
Fabric Lining
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop
— or —
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon
Zippers
Main & Side Pockets: #10 YKK Racquet Coil Water-Repellent Zippers with lockable sliders
Diagonal Edge Pockets and Interior Pocket: #8 YKK Racquet Coil Water-Repellant Zippers
Interior Divider Zippers: #5 YKK Vislon Molded Tooth Zippers
Back Panel
3/8" / 10mm thick back foam panel
Shoulder Straps
Bound-edge EV50 .375" / 10mm shoulder straps (EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam)
04.
Specs
Dimensions
21.9" (w) x 14" (h) x 9.1" (d) / 555 (w) x 355 (h) x 230 (d) mm
Weight
1050d high tenacity ballistic nylon: 3 lb 1 oz / 1395 grams
630d high tenacity ballistic nylon: 2 lb 15 oz / 1340 grams
420d Spectron: 2lb 10 oz / 1190 grams
Volume
45 liters / 2700 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)
Total O-Rings
11
(2 in the main compartment,
1 in the inside mesh pocket,
1 in each of the curved pockets,
3 in the side pockets)
05.
Choosing an Exterior Fabric
You like choices and we like to give you choices! That's why the Aeronaut 45 is typically available* in two different exterior fabrics. Our Materials Glossary explains each fabric in great detail, but here are some quick facts that may help you decide which to choose. And we're always here if you have questions: emailus@tombihn.com
1050d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon
- Weave:
- 2x2 “ballistic” weave
- Fibers:
- 1050 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon
- Coating:
- medium urethane
- Made in:
- U.S.A.
Choose this fabric if
- You want a super-tough fabric – originally designed for use in bullet-proof vests.
- The weight of your bag isn’t a huge concern (though it’s worth noting that 1050d Ballistic is still lighter than cotton canvas or leather).
- You want a smooth surface that won’t collect pet hair or sweater fuzz, slides easily into and out of the overhead bin, and fits in whether you're traveling for work or leisure.
High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon
- Weave
- 2x2 “ballistic” weave
- Fibers
- 630 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon, twisted
- Coating
- heavy urethane
- Made in
- South Korea with Canadian Yarn
Choose this fabric if
- You want your bag to be soft and supple yet tough as nails.
- You want a fabric that's stately enough to be at home at work, the mountains, or a nice hotel.
- You don't want your bag to collect pet hair or abrade your clothing.
- HaleyBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, Great Gift, Comfortable15 hours agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, Great Gift, ComfortableRated 5 out of 5 starsThe absolute best travel bag
My husband and I have had these bags for almost 10 years. We’ve taken them to 15+ countries as our only luggage, including backpacking through Europe and Asia. They have held up tremendously. They such high quality and durable- after all that travel they seriously still look brand new and still work effortlessly. You can fit SO much in here, and we have even taken them as personal items on airplanes since you can wear it as a backpack and if you squish it will fit under the seat in front of you. It is THE perfect travel bag. I couldn’t recommend it enough!!
Was this helpful? - Beth C.Verified BuyerBought For GiftProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, Easily Adjustable1 week agoBought For GiftProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, Easily AdjustableRated 5 out of 5 starsGood Carry-on
I have had an aeronaut 30 for years. My husband finally decided to get a bag that can also be a back pack.
The coyote color is really fun and from years of experience I know he will enjoy all the pockets and organization in this.
Was this helpful? - Rod N.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile1 week agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, VersatileRated 5 out of 5 starsVersatile
So far so good with this new bag. I stuffed it full for a recent weeklong trip and carried it onboard the plane where it fit easily into overhead storage. The bag may be heavy when full so I recommend getting a shoulder strap so you have a third way to carry it.
Was this helpful? - Bernard G.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Sewn in USA, Easily Adjustable, Versatile, Comfortable1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Sewn in USA, Easily Adjustable, Versatile, ComfortableRated 5 out of 5 starsResponding as requested
I’m learning how to travel via. Carry on
Was this helpful? - Jennifer S.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Versatile1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, VersatileRated 5 out of 5 starsObsessed
This is the travel bag I never knew I needed. Such beautiful quality. More specious than it looks. Fits everything and fits everywhere. Obsessed with it.
Was this helpful?
Recommended Accessories

06.
Sewn in Seattle
Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?
Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.
07.
THE BIHN Guarantee
Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.
If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.