A Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic Aeronaut 45. A Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Northwest Sky (light-grey) Halcyon. Aeronaut 45 in Coyote 1050 Ballistic Aeronaut 45 in Coyote 1050 Ballistic with a Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior Aeronaut 45 in Coyote 1050 Ballistic with a Zest 200 Halcyon interior A Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with a colorful label. A Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with an Island (blue) Halcyon interior. A Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with a Wisteria (pale purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. A Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with a Moss 210 Cerylon interior. A Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with a Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior. A Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45. Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine Ballistic An Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine Ballistic with Wisteria 200 Halcyon interior. Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine Ballistic in Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine Ballistic in Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45. A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Acai (purple) Halcyon. A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Sakura (pale pink) Halcyon. A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Island (bright blue) Halcyon. A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45 A Black Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the End Pocket open showing the Northwest Sky (light-grey) Halcyon. A Ursa (greyish brown) Ballistic Aeronaut 45. Aeronaut 45 in Ursa Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior. Aeronaut 45 in Ursa Ballistic with Wisteria 200 Halcyon interior. A Constellation (light blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45. A Constellation (light blue) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Northwest Sky (light-grey) Halcyon. A Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Aeronaut 45. A Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Zest (orange) Halcyon. A Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Sakura (pale pink) Halcyon. A Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Island (blue) Halcyon. An Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine 1050 Ballistic. An Aeronaut 45 in Aubergine 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior. Aeronaut 45 in Verde (green) 1050 Ballistic. Aeronaut 45 in Verde (green) 1050 Ballistic with Acai (dark purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. Aeronaut 45 in Verde (green) 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. A Mars Red (brick red) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 A Mars Red (brick red) Ballistic Aeronaut 45 with the end pocket open showing the Zest (orange) Halcyon.
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$340.00


Color: Nebulous Grey Ballistic/Zest 200 Halcyon

In Stock

Available Color options

Our convertible (carry it three ways) maximum size carry-on travel bag.

45 Liters / 2700 cu. in.

Looking for the Aeronaut 30 or Techonaut 45?

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

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 airplanestrains, 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.

A photo of the Aeronaut's grab handle and shoulder strap attachment point.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut 30 with the main compartment open.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut's shoulder straps pulled out of their zippered compartment.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut with an open end pocket.

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.

A photo of an open quick-access pocket.

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.

Photo of one of the ends of the Aeronaut.

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.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

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

Absolute Shoulder Strap

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.

Aeronaut 45 Frame Sheet

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut's grab handle and shoulder strap attachment point.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut 30 with the main compartment open.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut's shoulder straps pulled out of their zippered compartment.

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.

A photo of the Aeronaut with an open end pocket.

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.

A photo of an open quick-access pocket.

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.

Photo of one of the ends of the Aeronaut.

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.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

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. 

Absolute Shoulder Strap

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.

Aeronaut 45 Frame Sheet

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.

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)

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

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)

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.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 124 reviews
98%would recommend this product
124 reviews
  • Jon
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    My Go-To Travel Bag

    I’ve had mine for several years now and it’s my go-to travel bag for everything from road trips to international travel. The quality is impeccable. Ruggedly built and holding up well to the rigors of travel. It holds exactly what I need and keeps me organized while I’m away. The carrying options are wonderful and I use the handle and backpack straps all the time. It’s seriously my one travel bag I could not do without, and if anything ever happened to this one (doubtful), I would buy another in a heartbeat. I highly recommend it.

  • Paige J.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love this bag!

    It’s well made - has a lot of great compartments , easy to pack and made in the USA!

  • Daniel W.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    1 month ago
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best carry-on

    I like my Aeronaut 45 so much, I bought another for my partner. It has complied with all airlines I have flown for size restrictions and no wheels to take up precious space. After many trips it still looks great.

  • Jane
    1 month ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 Stars

    Incredibly sturdy material & was able to easily stuff all my belongings for a 5 day trip. First time in yrs i haven’t checked a bag. Loved it.

  • Frederick G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Comfortable
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Comfortable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Debated its value, but it lived up to its reputation!

    I was concerned if the cost of the A45 was actually going to pay off. I just finished a 2-week trip to Scotland, and I'm now dedicated believer in the Tom Bihn system of travel. No agent of any airline gave me any hesitation using this bag as a carry-on, and moving through airports and cities was easy and comfortable. I'll never worry about one-bag travel again. You have another dedicated Tom Bihn disciple!

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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.

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.

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