You know us: we can't leave good enough alone. Our Aeronaut 45 maximum carry-on travel bag has been updated with a couple of new features and a few materials updates.

All Aeronaut 45s available for order have these new features.

#10 YKK Aquaguard Coil Zippers with Lockable Sliders

We've changed the #10 zipper sliders on the main compartment and both end compartments of the Aeronauts to be the same #10 YKK Aquaguard Coil Zippers with lockable sliders found on the Hero's Journey -- you can now easily add a luggage lock to any or all of these compartments. You might want to do this to add some security when your Aeronaut is unattended or out of sight. For example: leaving it with a concierge, walking with it on your back in crowds, or checking it with the airline. We recommend any of the commonly available TSA certified luggage locks. Don't ever lock your bag? Es bueno -- simply don't use this feature.

#8 YKK Aquaguard Coil Zippers

The diagonal end pocket zippers now feature #8 zippers, which are a bit easier to open and close than the #10 zippers. Nice when you're trying to access those pockets when your Aeronaut is wedged into an overhead bin or under a seat. They're still water repellant AquaGuard zippers, so we've got you covered.

Interior Grab Handles

We added two simple webbing loop handles that are accessible only when the main hatch is unzipped. Tom noticed he wanted grab handles when he needed to move his Aeronaut in the middle of packing/unpacking it, like from the bed to the bureau. They drop to the inside and are only there when you need them.

3/8" / 10mm Thick Removable Back Panel Foam Padding

The back panel foam padding is now 3/8" / 10mm thick (it was originally 1/4" / 6mm): this will provide you a bit more comfort if you've any pokey items in your Aeronaut. The additional thickness also translates into a tad more vertical stability/rigidity -- it's not an internal frame, but will provide a more comfortable carry when carried as a backpack. The foam wraps around the bottom a bit more as well, which yet again adds a bit more comfort when it's on your back. It also is removable/swappable (thanks to a zipper hidden inside the lining) so you can replace it if it ever gets creased or crushed (unlikely, but foam can age over time with lots of heavy use), and/or remove it entirely if you don't find you need it and want to save the weight/bulk.

#5 YKK Vislon® Molded Tooth Zippers

Finally, the short zippers that create and define the interior compartments are now molded tooth Vislon rather than coil. You'll find they are a bit easier to zip and unzip, in case you do that sort of thing much.

The new Aeronaut 45 is also the first bag to mark the return of our Portable Culture logo label; more on that here.