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Aer Travel Pack 3 Review

As 2022 wound down, for many of us, opportunities to travel arose with much greater frequency than they had over the past couple of years. For a great many of us that meant we needed new travel bags to schlep our stuff in style as we resumed our domestic and international wanderlust. Looking for something new to try this past year, Aer had notified us about their upcoming updates to the Travel Collection and it was the perfect opportunity to both resume travel and try out a new bag. As a softgoods company, Aer takes an iterative approach to their designs. Rooted typically in real-world user feedback, they strive to refine their silhouettes with each generation, without throwing out what’s worked in the past. That’s an aspect of Aer that I have always appreciated because it means they listen to their customers and are always striving to evolve their products in collaboration with their users.

The  Aer Travel Pack 3  (TP3 from here on) is the latest revision in this line and has seen a number of updates over the previous generation which we will get into later in this review, but the gist of it comes down to a more adjustable harness, a more flexible main compartment and of course, magnets. I’ve had the opportunity now to travel multiple times in the past year (primarily in road trip format) and over the past several months I’ve been utilizing the TP3 as my clothing and tech carry on these trips. Professionally speaking, I’m a designer; personally speaking, I’m a new dad, so my experience with the TP3 is informed by these realities. So without further delay, let’s dig in and take a look at what it’s been like to live with.

Specifications

• Name: Travel Pack 3
• Format: Backpack
• Measurement: 21.5″H (54.5cm) x 13″W (33cm) x 9″D (21.5cm)
• Capacity: 35L (2135.83 cu. in.)
• Weight: 4 lbs (1.81 kg)
• Zippers: YKK
• Material: VX42 X-Pac, 1680D Ballistic Nylon or 700D Cordura
• Price US$249-275

BUY THIS ITEM

Who It Suits

Tech-focused travelers looking to live the one-bag life are going to be the primary audience. It would also suit anyone who needs sufficient space and organization for a lot of gear. Photographers would likely be able to configure this into a viable camera bag.

Who It Doesn’t  

Anyone bothered by lots of built-in organization will likely be frustrated by the layout. If you want colors other than dark neutrals you are out of luck, unfortunately. If “sleek” and “tech” are not aesthetic terms you are drawn to, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Aer’s design language is decidedly in the tech space, which is an aspect they’ve never really wavered from. Their typically clean lines and choice of materials lean heavily into that aesthetic, which is going to be a very personal decision as to whether or not that works for you and your tastes. For me, I tend to lean towards bags that follow more of a “heritage” look and feel so this isn’t my immediate cup of tea. Despite that, I can appreciate the look for what it is and I don’t find it garish or overly complicated. Exterior branding is fairly minimal which always gets bonus points in my book but gosh Aer bags just have an abundance of zippers and very jangly pulls on them, which I find to be a significantly distracting aspect. Fortunately, if it bothers you as it does me, this is super easy to remedy by either removing the tabs and pulls altogether and installing something custom or just making simpler paracord pulls in place of the Aer branded ones. 

The TP3 is positively loaded with pockets throughout every compartment, some of which are very discreet and almost hidden which affords you tons of opportunity to stash items throughout the entire bag. In fact, when I first received the bag I swear I found a new hidden pocket every time I opened it! Fortunately, though, this multitude of pockets doesn’t wind up looking like a jumbled, confusing mess as they’re all pretty cleverly layered throughout the interior.

Aesthetically you have three different material choices to work with. One is a robust  1680D Ballistic Nylon  available in three distinct-yet-neutral colors which feature a neutral grey interior, the second is a  700D Cordura  and the third is a much more tech-forward  VX42 X-Pac  which features a bright orange liner. Each look is distinct without changing the lines or design of the pack in any significant manner. 

Construction

Aer designs their bags from their studio in San Francisco but has them manufactured in China, and though people are quick to criticize products made outside of the United States, I’ve experienced several bags from Aer over the past few years and they’ve all been very well finished. The TP3 has not been an exception to the rule. As I mentioned I’ve been using this bag for several months now for travel applications, usually being tossed in and dragged out of the various compartments of my truck on road trips with no sign of real material degradation. The extent of “wear” that I’ve observed thus far has been in the manner of a loose thread here and there. 

This is a great opportunity to bring up the fact that Aer feels very confident in their products and offers you a lifetime warranty at no extra cost. If your bag were to develop a fault, simply reach out to them and they will repair or replace the bag. While I haven’t had to utilize their warranty service myself, I appreciate knowing that it’s available to me. 

Materials & Hardware

My sample is finished in black VX42 from Dimension Polyant with a vibrant orange ripstop nylon liner and YKK AquaGuard zippers throughout. The VX material saves a small amount of weight over the Ballistic Nylon variant at 3.9 lbs over 4.12 lbs and is only slightly heavier than the 700D Cordura option (3.89 lbs). All of the touchpoints feel like they’re of a high quality, for example, all plastic hardware is from Duraflex which is a reliable manufacturer that can be depended upon. I’m also particularly fond of the top and side handles which feel so plush and easy to grab onto (a must on a travel bag). 

If you choose the Ballistic Nylon or 700D Cordura version you’re still getting all the same hardware and quality, just with a different material finish. 

The first time you take the TP3 out of its packaging you’ll quickly come to realize that it is stacked with features for streamlined travel. For instance, I love that it lays flat and zips all the way open with its clamshell design to make packing the bag very comfortable and easy. The updated harness allows for better adjustability on a greater range of body types thanks to the reintroduction of the load lifters. I appreciate all of the options for carrying my essentials securely along with my clothing. The suspended laptop sleeve is very accessible and there’s still a lot of extra space for other items in that area of the bag should you need to carry a second laptop or other similarly sized items. 

The external compression straps have been reconfigured over the previous generation to now not inhibit access to the main compartment at all, and they’ve shifted to magnetic buckles for these straps. This was a huge quality-of-life update which I am certain was based on customer feedback. I love that there is a semi-secret space to stash a small sling or day bag in the main interior so you can lighten up once you get to your destination. I often would toss the Day Sling 3 into this space when packing and it was really handy to have available once arriving at my destination when I most certainly didn’t still need a 35L pack. Speaking of hidden spaces, you’ll also find buried within a stash spot for an Apple AirTag (or similar tracking device) which is a welcome addition for peace of mind when you’re away from your bag. 

Performance

Space & Access

The redesigned main compartment of the TP3 sees the removal of the previous shoe compartment of the last generation but this omission really optimizes carry capacity and access for packing. Now for context, I’m 6’2″ and broad-shouldered, so you can imagine my clothing is not at all small, yet despite this I was able to pack very comfortably into the space provided. Generally speaking, 35L packs can be a bit tight (for me) but my go-to Peak Design packing cubes fit easily in the main cavity while still leaving me full access to the rear laptop compartment and the front tech panel for things like my laptop, chargers, a plethora of cables and perhaps a book or two. 

I do have to comment on the zippers once again though as there is an issue related to access due to them. The front and main compartment zipper paths are very close together and since each one has dual zippers (YKK #10 on the main compartment and #8 on the front), if they happen to be zipped closed on the same side, it becomes a jumbled nest of zipper pulls and I found myself frequently opening the wrong compartment when I wasn’t looking closely. This can be mitigated by intentionally making sure you close each compartment on opposing sides, but I found this small bit of extra cognitive load to use a bag to be slightly frustrating.   

Anyone who knows me knows how relentlessly picky I am about bag fit and comfort, which stems from harnesses and back panels that often don’t work well for my tall and broad frame. I am completely pleased to report that the TP3 harness is perfectly comfortable even when fully loaded. The straps are wide enough and have sufficient padding to help distribute the load evenly on your shoulders. The inclusion of the load lifters also is a very welcome feature for me as it lets me dial in the fit of the bag exactly where I want it (I prefer the top of the pack to not pull away from my back). The back panel is comfortably padded, and though I don’t typically love mesh-style panels, this one is just fine. 

A small but welcome comfort feature I’d also like to mention is the top and side grab handles. I found them to be pleasantly padded and perfectly placed on either side so that when I swing the bag off my shoulder, the side handle is exactly where my hand naturally would be in that motion and removing the pack becomes a very smooth and seamless motion. Lastly, and while I don’t have it with my pack, Aer does offer an optional padded hip belt that will attach to the bag if you want some additional weight-bearing support.

Weatherability

Now considering I spend the majority of my time in the state of California, it’s a known fact that I am unlikely to experience weather any more adverse than oppressive sunshine or persistent wildfires, so I sadly did not have any rainy days during my months of testing. However, we can extrapolate what we know about these materials and paint a very realistic expectation of how this bag will behave in wet conditions. VX42 is a highly weather-resistant material and based on my experience with it in other packs it will hold up remarkably well in the rain. To top it off, we have some very stout YKK AquaGuard zippers to seal off any openings so I feel very confident in saying that your contents are going to be just fine within the TP3 in most environments. However, if you need a bit more, Aer does offer an optional rainfly which can be deployed to fully cover the pack from the elements. 

• • Lots of clever pockets and hidden features
• • Comfortable harness with load lifters for fine-tuning adjustments
• • Improved compression that no longer obstructs front compartment
• • Improved capacity in main compartment
• • Nice grab handles throughout the pack

Not So Good

• • Too bulky and complicated to be considered a daily carry 
• • Too many jangly zippers
• • Some pockets become difficult to access when the bag is full

Aer is a brand I associate with slick designs and killer value and the Travel Pack 3 does not deviate from this formula. It is heavily feature-laden yet still sleek in its exterior appearance, available in three distinct material choices, comfortable, spacious, with a lifetime warranty, and all for under $300. We are in an era of carry where bags frequently break past that $300 barrier (in some cases, well past) so I find it refreshing that Aer is able to provide so much functionality in their bags and yet keep them at attainable price points. I really enjoyed my time with the Aer Travel Pack 3 and found it to be a worthwhile companion on the road despite some small complaints (no bag is perfect, after all). I think if the aesthetic suits your tastes, this is a great option in the 30L+ travel bag space. 

The Breakdown

Geek (performance), space & access, organization, style (design), look & feel, build, materials & hardware, stoke (experience), warranty & support, brand experience, reader's review.

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AER Travel Pack 2 Review

by Kyle Scott | Nov 25, 2020 | Travel , Travel Backpacks

Table Of Contents

Laptop sleeve, comfort and harness system, security and material.

• The Bottom Line
• Organization 70% 70%
• Comfort 70% 70%
• Security 80% 80%
• Laptop Protection 80% 80%
• Weight 90% 90%

Price: $230

Weight: 3.7lbs (1.69kg)

Dimensions: 21.5×13.5×8.5”

Capacity: 33l

Laptop Size: 15”

What We Like: Shoe compartment, slim design. 

What We Don’t: Small size, hipbelt sold separately.

A great addition to the Travel Backpack market, the AER Travel Pack 2 is a highly functional, though slightly smaller, travel pack for modern nomads. The various storage compartments for electronics, shoes, and other accessories are all well plotted out in the pack, and nothing seems out of place. Again, it is slightly smaller than the other packs on the list at 33l, but if you are highly organized this shouldn’t be a problem.

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• Comfort 90% 90%
• Laptop Protection 90% 90%
• Weight 70% 70%

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Tortuga Setout

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• Comfort 80% 80%
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Can accommodate a 17” laptop., looks like a suitcase with backpack straps..

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AER is another example of crowdfunding generated projects that have grown into innovative young companies. Beginning in 2014 with a bag that combined a gym bag and an office bag, they have expanded their collection to include one bag travel packs. Aiming to create simple, durable, and utilitarian packs, they have since begun selling everything from slings to totes and briefcases. Their addition to the travel backpack market with the Travel Pack 2 is a well organized and very attractive pack. 

While the AER Travel Pack 2 only sits at a smaller 33l, it has some very great storage pockets that will keep you well organized as you fly through airports and trot the globe at unprecedented speeds. The main pocket opens flat to give great access to all of your cargo. Within this main compartment are two smaller zippered pockets for improved organization.

On the bottom of the pack is a shoe compartment that will fit up to a men’s size 13 shoe or your dirty laundry from a week of travels. Along the top of the pack is a quick access pocket for items such as your passport or wallet. On the front of the pack is a thin slash pocket for documents or books, and along the side is a water bottle pocket that won’t fit a Nalgene but also zips away when not in use. 

On the top of the pack there is a zipper that opens halfway down and allows for access to small valuables. There are organization pockets within this pocket for a camera, pens, magazines, headphones, you name it! The organizational opportunities of the travel packs are always something that surprise me because I like to have everything in “its spot,” and the Travel Pack 2 seems to have a place for everything.

On the back of the pack, there is a zippered pocket with room for a 15” laptop. The pocket has weather-resistant YKK zippers to help you feel a bit more comfortable putting your life’s work in your backpack, because who really understands the cloud?

The backpanel of the Travel Pack 2 has stretch mesh for a layer of comfort. It has a vertical vent system to help with airflow. The shoulder straps are fairly thin and remind me more of an old school bag than of something you would want to wear for a long day of exploring a new city.

There are some loops that will allow for a hipbelt to be attached, but the hipbelt itself is sold separately, which is a negative for me.

I would rather have the option of taking off the hipbelt to keep the pack looking more professional. As a friend once told me, “It’s better to look at it than to look for it.” There is a sternum strap on the shoulder straps, which helps to manage some of the load, but without the hipbelt, all of the weight will be on your shoulders and that can become tiring at the end of the day.

Along the valuables pocket and the main compartment are lockable YKK zippers. The laptop pocket does not have lockable pockets, but it does have toggles that could have a lock looped through them. It is not as secure as you would expect for a pocket that holds the most expensive item in the pack. The compression straps that run along the side of the pack when buckled cover the zippers, which, like in the Osprey Farpoint 40 , adds an additional level of security. These small features help with your sense of well being while traveling busy city streets.

The pack itself is made with a 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior, which is about as tough as it comes. The YKK zippers are burley, and they use Duraflex plastic hardware, which are also tough and reliable. The overall weight of the pack is a comfortable 3.7lbs, which is great for a small pack that is built like a tank.

The Bottom L ine

AER has developed a very modern and well-organized carry on travel bag. It is not as large as most packs and is missing an included hipbelt (though that can be purchased separately), but the organizational options are great and have room for expansion. With the size of the pack, you will never have to worry about not being able to use it as a carry on, which is always reassuring.

At a cost of $230, it is a bit more expensive than I would have liked for a pack of its size and functionality. The materials it uses are high quality, and the durability will likely be lifelong. A small investment in a great pack now is never a bad decision, especially if you are a digital nomad that has a home base but who travels on short and sweet business trips often. If that’s you, I think the AER Travel Pack 2 would be an excellent option for your lifestyle. 

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^ Back to Top ^

AER Travel Pack 2 features

• 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior
• YKK® zippers
• Duraflex® plastic hardware
• Quick-access, laptop pocket (fits up to 15.6″ laptop)
• Lay-flat main compartment for spacious storage and easy packing
• Separate shoe compartment (fits up to men’s size 13 shoes)
• Side compression straps for stability and security
• Quick-access top pocket for small valuables
• Multiple internal pockets for accessories
• Padded top and side handles for versatile carrying
• Expandable water bottle pocket
• Padded mesh back panel for enhanced comfort and breathability
• Internal framesheet provides structure and support
• Attachment points for a removable hip belt (sold separately)
• Back panel pass-through for luggage handles
• Lockable zippers for additional security (main and front compartments only)

That sounds all fancy, but does it live up to the hype? Definitely!

AER Travel Pack 2 review

As soon as you pick up the AER Travel Pack, it’s obvious that it’s made with quality. The frame, nylon exterior, straps, and padded mesh panel are all designed to be strong, comfortable, and light.

I simply love the new features of the AER Travel Pack 2 . The optional hip belt provides support if you’re used to carrying a heavy load. There’s also a luggage pass-through which is handy for people like me when I travel with my wife and more luggage. They’ve also changed the zippers so they’re lockable for extra security.

The main compartment opens like a clamshell so it’s easy to access all your stuff. I can comfortably fit a large packing cube with one week’s worth of clothing as well as a separate toiletry bag in it. If I wanted, I could probably fit another packing cube and other stuff, but I’ve never had to.

One thing to note is that even though the AER Travel pack has a separate compartment for shoes, it does take up a lot of room from your main compartment when using it. The shoe compartment is more of a separator with ventilation holes.

The AER Travel PACK 2 retains the quick-access, laptop pocket, but they removed the velcro strap that held the laptop in place. To be realistic, this isn’t a big deal since the laptop compartment itself holds your computer in place and you would unlikely put anything else in that pocket.

Speaking of pockets, the organization panel has been redesigned. There are more than 10 pockets of various sizes which will make organizing all of your stuff easy. There are zippered and elastic pockets too to help you secure your goods.

The quick access pocket is my favourite feature since I tend to keep my passport, pens, and boarding pass in there.

How practical is the AER Travel Pack 2?

I haven’t tested the AER Travel Pack 2 yet on a trip since I just got it last week, but I’ve taken my AER travel backpack to Portugal, Barcelona, Los Cabos, Ottawa, Victoria, Vancouver, and the Florida Keys.

In my opinion, the AER Travel Pack is one of the best carry on backpacks on the market. Once I have it packed, I just throw it on my back and start walking.

I keep my liquids in one of the easily accessible pockets so I can breeze through security at the airport. The expandable water bottle pocket has also handy since you can bring a larger empty bottle and then just fill it at a fountain.

Manoeuvring through the aisles of the airplane is easy since the bag is on my back and I’ve never had an issue fitting it in the overhead bins. If you organize your stuff properly, you can easily access anything you need while flying from the pockets without taking the bag down.

Since I’m obviously not checking a bag when I travel with my AER bag, I can just get off the airplane and continue to my next destination. This was especially important when my flight was late arriving in Montreal where I had a connecting flight to catch. Montreal requires you to pick up your bag and check back in on some connecting flights so being mobile is paramount.

If you get tired of it being on your back, the pack also has a side handle so you can carry it like a briefcase.

Remember, the AER Travel Pack 2 has an optional hip belt which will help give you more support for those who pack their bags heavy.

You could technically use this bag as a day bag if you emptied it out and used the compression straps, but it would be long, bulky and awkward. You’re better off bringing a small day bag with you.

Final thoughts

My AER Travel Pack 2 review is positive. Some people may find $230USD to be expensive, but for a durable and practical travel backpack, you’re getting some serious value. I honestly can’t imagine travelling with another bag and would recommend it to anyone.

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

How does it differ from the inCase EO Travel backpack?

I’ve not used the inCase EO Travel backpack so I can’t comment on the differences.

Would you use this as edc? For my edc I always have gym clothes and shoes with me. Given my need to always have the extra clothes and shoes do you think this pack is a reasonable size for edc?

I use this strictly as a travel bag and not for everyday use. AER does have a duffle pack which is meant more for daily use.

[…] been using the Aer Travel Pack for a few years now so when they reached out to see if I wanted to try their new Aer Go Pack, you […]

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Aer travel pack 3 review | my hands-on, travel-tested thoughts.

I test the new Aer Travel Pack 3 while on the road in Italy to see how it performs in the real world.

Product Reviews

If you follow The Savvy Backpacker, you know I’m a travel backpack dork so I was excited when Aer recently released the latest iteration of their popular AER Travel Pack. So how does the new Aer Travel Pack 3 compare to the older Aer Travel Packs I’ve reviewed in the past (read my Aer Travel Pack 2 Review and Aer Travel Pack Review ) and is the new Aer Travel Pack 3 still one of the best travel backpacks on the market? Let’s find out!

In this Aer Travel Pack 3 review, I’ll cover everything you need to know to help you decide if this is the right travel backpack for your trip.

How I Tested The Aer Travel Pack 3

I believe the best way to test a travel backpack is to actually use it while traveling since you can see how it performs in a real-world environment.

So to review the Aer Travel Pack 3 I hit the road for a two-week trip through Italy—mainly Rome and Naples where I took trains, used public transportation, and stayed in hotels and Airbnbs. For this trip, I also used my Aer backpack as my only piece of luggage so I have a good idea of how this backpack performs when fully packed out.

For reference, I’ve also continued using my Aer Travel Pack 3 on a few shorter domestic trips since this is such a versatile backpack.

Overview Of The Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer is well-known in the luggage community for making well-designed, high-quality backpacks that have a modern design aesthetic—in fact, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is sold at the NYC’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Design Store so it has some designer street cred.

The Aer Travel Pack caters to travelers who want a premium quality carry-on size backpack that is functional and has a sleek, urban vibe.

And the Aer Travel Pack 3 delivers. It’s comfortable, has a ton of smart organization, and the build quality is some of the best I’ve seen. In fact, Aer offers a lifetime warranty on their bags so they obviously believe in their products.

Aer Travel Pack 3 vs. Aer Travel Pack 2

On the surface, the Aer Travel Pack 3 and Travel Pack 2 look very similar but they’re quite different once you dive into the details.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 features multiple design and functionality improvements that make this bag much better than the older Aer Travel Pack 2 (which was already a well-regarded backpack). The most notable improvements are the updated harness system with load lifters (which was my main complaint on the v2), a slight overall size increase, and a few upgraded materials.

The TP3 ditches the old built-in shoe compartment (which I’m glad to see go), and it features new beefed-up hardware, added zipper pulls, a few pocket adjustments, and better cinch-down straps.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Specs

Here are the specs of the Travel Pack 3 ( via the Aer website )

Size and Weight

• Volume: 35 L
• Weight: 4.12 lbs
• Length: 21.5″ (54.5 cm)
• Width: 13″ (33 cm)
• Depth: 9″ (21.5 cm)
• $279 (X-Pac sailcloth exterior version)

Featured Specs

• 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior
• YKK® zippers
• Duraflex® plastic hardware
• Padded, suspended laptop pocket (up to 16″ laptop) 
• Lay-flat main compartment
• Compression straps with magnetic fasteners
• Quick-access top and side pockets
• Load lifters for support and comfort
• Handles on all sides for versatile carrying
• Expandable water bottle pocket
• Hidden smart tracker pocket
• Internal framesheet for structure & support
• Luggage handle pass-through
• Lockable zippers for additional security

My Hands-On Aer Travel Pack 3 Review

I’ve come to really appreciate the Aer Travel Pack 3 after putting it through its paces while traveling through Italy.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s certainly one of the best travel backpacks I’ve personally tried.

So let’s take an in-depth look into all the details and features of the Travel Pack 3 to see what makes this bag excellent and where it comes up short.

Looks and Aesthetics

The first thing you notice when looking at the Aer Travel Pack 3 is its minimalist, streamlined, and utilitarian aesthetics. It has a sleek, urban techy vibe. The fabric is heavy-duty and all the hardware feels sturdy.

I’m a fan of the look Aer Travel Pack 3 because it feels more refined and modern than other travel backpacks. The bag has a more elevated vibe so don’t feel like a typical twentysomething “backpacker” when I’m wearing it. I also appreciate the backpack’s subtle branding—there is a small “Aer” logo on the side of the bag and a tiny one on the shoulder strap.

I prefer the black color option but it also comes in Grey and Olive—personally, I’m not a fan of the gray color but the Olive is interesting. But, I’d always choose black.

The Aer Travel Pack also comes in a slightly more expensive black X-Pac sailcloth exterior that’s more water-resistant and lighter. The X-Pac sailcloth material has a bit of a sheen (I prefer the look of the regular version) but the extra water resistance of the X-Pac sailcloth is certainly nice.

Materials, Hardware, and Zippers

Like all Aer bags, the Travel Pack 3 is a premium product so the materials and finishings used to construct this backpack are high quality—this is also reflected in the $250 price tag. The backpack’s exterior is made from heavy-duty 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon, the zippers are all YKK®, and the buckles, fasteners, and other plastic pieces are made from durable Duraflex plastic. The padding on the shoulder straps and pull handles are thick for added comfort.

The entire bag weights in at 4.12 lbs so it’s not the lightest bag I’ve tested (for reference, the Travel Pack 3 is 35L and the 42L Cotopaxi Allpa weights roughly the same) but that’s one of the tradeoffs when using sturdy materials.

In short, you can tell they didn’t cheap out on the more minor details on the Travel Pack 3 so this is a sturdy backpack that will withstand plenty of abuse (and it’s all backed up with a lifetime warranty).

Harness System and Comfort

The harness system (i.e. shoulder straps) of the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a huge improvement from the previous generation Travel Pack 2—in fact, the old bag’s harness system was a big disappointment for such an otherwise well-designed and premium product.

Looking at the photos above, you’ll see how the Travel Pack 3 now uses a hiking-style harness that curves to fit your shoulders. This helps keep the weight of the backpack square against your back and up on your shoulders so the weight of the bag doesn’t pull away from your body (which causes added stress to your body. The Travel Pack 3 also has load lifter straps that help the steps confirm to your shoulders so it keeps the bag close to your back.

The shoulder straps are well-padded with about a quarter inch of high-density foam which helps disperse the weight of the load over your shoulders. There is also a good amount of mesh padding lining the back that adds more comfort while wearing.

The Travel Pack 3 also features an internal plastic framesheet that runs along the back of the bag for added structure & support.

NOTE: Aer sells a detachable hipbelt for $20 that can be added to the Travel Pack 3. I haven’t tried it but I assume it would make the bag even more comfortable—especially if using the bag for extended periods of time since a hipbelt distributes the bag’s weight from the shoulders to the hips.

Is The Aer Travel Pack 3 Comfortable?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a comfortable backpack but any bag will become less and less comfortable as you add weight—the Travel Pack 3 is no exception. That said, the bag’s hiking-style harness system makes it a great option for point-to-point city travel.

External Design Features

The Aer Travel Pack 3 features multiple smart design features that I truly appreciated after putting some miles on this bag.

The bag has three well-padded grab handles (top and both sides) which are great when you’re grabbing your bag from overhead bins, carrying your bag through train aisles, and other times when you need to carry the bag but you don’t want to throw it over your shoulder. The fact this bag has three grab handles is amazing since most bags only have one or two. The bag also has an unpadded strap on the bottom of the bag.

The bag has multiple types of zippers—all of which are high-quality YKK zippers.

The zipper on the laptop compartment has a weather-resistant coating so that will help keep your laptop safe if you get stuck in a rainstorm.

The other zippers on this bag aren’t weather-proofed but they’re still robust and the action on the zipping/unzipping is smooth.

The main zippers have lockable loops that can be secured with a small luggage lock. The zippers also have nice pulls to help make it easier to use the zippers. The previous version of the Travel Pack had zipper-pulls that made a lot of noise but this version has fixed that issue.

One tiny complaint is that the zippers of the main compartment and the front flap look so similar that it’s easy to confuse the two. I wish Aer put different colored zipper pulls to help quickly distinguish the two zippers.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has redesigned magnetic buckles on the bag’s four cinch straps. These magnetic buckles are pretty genius because you can buckle/unbuckle them instantly, but the magnets are strong enough to keep the straps securely closed.

The cinch straps have also been moved in this latest version so they don’t obstruct the zippers—unlike the previous version where you have to unbuckle the straps to unzip the bag (it was very annoying).

Internal Pockets and Organization

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is loaded with internal pockets and organizational compartments to help keep all your stuff secure and easily accessible. In fact, it might take you a minute to remember where you put your stuff since there are so many places to stash your gear.

Let’s start with the front panel pocket which is full of multiple compartments and dividers. There’s a deep pocket in the back for documents, a zippered pocket for smaller valuables like your passport, and multiple elastic compartments for electronics accessories, pens, and other small knickknacks.

There’s also a good amount of room in this front panel so there’s space for a light jacket, etc.

On the very front of the bag, there’s a small pocket that has a weather-resistant zipper. It’s not a very deep pocket so I use this mainly for thin objects like paper documents, backup phone cables, snacks, etc. This pocket does have an internal key clip so you won’t lose your keys.

There is a super handy quick-access pocket at the top of the bag that I ended up using all the time while traveling with this backpack. The pocket is also lined with a soft and fuzzy fabric so it won’t scratch up your phone or glasses.

The pocket is large enough to hold a wallet, sunglasses case, passport, and phone (or other small items you need to easily grab while on the go).

The laptop compartment, which is protected with a water-resistant zipper, is located on the back of the backpack and it is comprised of a few different pockets.

The padded laptop sleeve can easily hold my 16″ Macbook Pro and the sleeve has a false bottom so your laptop is protected from hitting the ground.

There’s another large sleeve that can hold flat items like papers/folders, etc.

The compartment also contains a small hidden zippered pocket that offers an extra layer of security for your valuables (passport, phone, wallet, etc.).

On one side of the bag, you’ll find a small zippered pocket that can hold something like a passport and the other side features an expandable water bottle pocket. I don’t typically carry a water bottle so I haven’t tested this pocket but it looks to hold a standard disposable water bottle (not sure it can hold a large Nalgene-style bottle). Alternatively, you could put a small travel umbrella into that water bottle pocket.

Main Compartment

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has a lay-flat, clamshell-style opening, and features a single large cavernous compartment that zips completely open—which makes packing quick and easy. As you can see, it’s super minimal so I highly recommend using packing cubes to keep all your stuff organized.

There’s a small zipper pocket in the sidewall of the main compartment and then another small mesh pocket on the flap—so most of the organization is found on the outer front flap that I covered earlier in this article.

Aer rates their Travel Pack 3 as a 35L backpack so this bag can fit a solid amount of stuff but you still need to be selective in how much you pack. In my opinion, this back is geared towards people who want to travel relatively light.

If you’re a heavy packer, I recommend a 40L+ backpack or you could pair the Travel Pack 3 with a smaller suitcase.

Final Thoughts On The Aer Travel Pack 3

So is the Aer Travel Pack 3 a good travel backpack?

Yes. I honestly like this backpack and I found that it suited my travel style very well. I wouldn’t call myself an ultralight traveler but I certainly travel lighter than most. Through smart packing, I was able to fit enough stuff in my bag for about 7 days (including an extra pair of sneakers that I probably didn’t need) so had to do a wash about halfway through my two-week trip.

However, if you can’t pack reasonably light then this Aer backpack probably isn’t right for you since its 35L size is a bit smaller than similar travel backpacks. Check out my guide to the Best Travel Backpacks for my other top picks.

I love the minimalist styling of the Aer Travel Pack 3 since so many other travel backpacks have a “hiking” style that I don’t love.

I found the back to be comfortable so I had no problems hauling it around for extended amounts of time. I also thought the bag’s organization was smartly designed so I was able to access whatever I needed without much hassle.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is also extremely durable and well-made so I have no doubt in its ability to withstand being thrown around.

But the quality of the Aer Travel Pack 3 comes at a price—it’s $249 for the standard version and $279 for the water-resistant X-Pac version.

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Home » Gear » AER Travel Pack 3 Review: Tried and Tested By Me (2024)

AER Travel Pack 3 Review: Tried and Tested By Me (2024)

I consider myself to be somewhat of a bag connoisseur. After 60+ countries and over half a decade of non-stop travel I’ve come to one sad realisation… there isn’t a ‘perfect’ bag, but there are some that come damn close!

Wanna know why the perfect bag doesn’t exist, well, we all have different needs and wants when it comes to organisation, storage solutions and ultimately style. It’s near on impossible to cover all bases for everyone but there are times when you come across such a well-designed piece of travel gear that you have to just take a pause and appreciate the thought that’s gone into it.

That’s where the AER Travel Pack 3 comes it. This bag might be aimed at the carry on crowd, but its versatility means its adaptable for all sorts of different needs. Its sleek and stylish design, cleaver organisation solutions combined with its tough exterior and secure pockets for valuables make it a super flexible option.

Whether you’re jetting off for a long weekend in Paris, needing a bag for the office that can carry your extracurricular gear or you’re just a super lightweight traveller looking for an epic organisation for your longer-term trip. This might just be the bag that meets all your needs and more.

The AER Travel Pack 3 skirts dangerously close to the holy grail of backpacking needs, it’s got heaps of storage, it’s incredibly organised and it’s not too bulky either.

Want to know more… of course you do! Well, let’s get this AER bag review going! 

Quick Answer: AER Travel Pack 3 Specs

• Price : $230.00
• Volume : 35 litres
• Weight :  3.7 lbs
• Material : 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon Exterior
• Laptop Compartment : Yes (Padded, Suspended, fits up to 16″ Laptop)
• Carry-On Compliant : Yes

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Aer Travel Pack 3 Review: Key Features and Performance Breakdown

What I love about this bag (apart from the organisation features that I’ll mention later) is just how versatile it is. The 35L storage covers so many different applications and that’s where this bag excels.

With its suitcase-style opening and storage for things like a laptop, its primary design is to be used as a carry on bag that can easily facilitate one bag travel. With its compact design that’s deceptively roomy and secure compartments, it can easily replace an unwieldy suitcase and backpack combination. It means you can move quickly through the airport and keep all your gear in one place.

Given its slightly high price tag, you’ll be please to know the uses for this bag don’t end there.

The lowkey sleek exterior means it fits whatever situation it finds itself in, all without making a fuss. Whether you’re hitting the office or trying to keep a low profile in a South American bus station, the tough but stylish exterior fits the bill.

The carry on use kinda cuts through the middle of the extremities that this bag can be used for.

On the one hand, if you’ve got a job where you need to carry around a lot of gear, think cameras, laptops, hard drives etc etc then you can fit a mini office in this thing without looking like a bag lady! If you’re planning on hitting the gym after the office then you can easily fit a change of clothes, trainers and other gear alongside your laptop and documents.

Digital nomads carrying a decent amount of work gear to and from all those Canggu cafes before the obligatory yoga session will find this bag particularly useful as an everyday carry backpack . Hell, you can even be one of those people who brings a printer to Starbucks with this thing!

Those looking to go super lightweight when it comes to backpacking might also be interested in this bag. If you get minimalist on your kit then there’s no reason you can replace your massive pack with this more compact number. Whether you combine it with a smaller day pack or travel purse, its space and organisation mean unless you need any specialist equipment, you could easily backpack around South East Asia with this thing!

The Interior

This bag is a lot like me! The simple, compact and unassuming exterior hides a myriad of complex features and stores a whole load more baggage than it would appear. But unlike me, this bag has got its shit together and is organised af!

The interior isn’t just one compartment, in fact, one of the features me and my OCD love about this bag are the different and divided sections, each of which has a particular use and features.

One of the major criticisms I’ve had of my other large packs before, including my Osprey Fairpoint that I’ve used for years, is that it’s pretty much just one massive area with very little in the way of internal organisation. Well, now my bag in shining armour has come along to settle my crazed OCD mind!

So, I’ve broken things down into sections to make it easier to explain!

Laptop Compartment

The first section comes right at the back with a water-resistant zippered laptop compartment. This area opens just at the top to make the compartment as secure and covert as possible.

It’s actually freaking massive, I’ve honestly never seen a laptop compartment as big as this one! In the past, I’ve travelled with a 15″ Macbook inside a Thule case and it’s been a tight squeeze in most bags. Here my new 14″ laptop in a slightly smaller case fit easily, like with so much room to spare! What I love is that my laptop isn’t right at the top of the compartment where it could still get banged or make it easier to grab.

The laptop section is also divided into two with the back section being padded and held up from the bottom of the bag. This means when you set the backpack down your laptop won’t hit the floor.

The division also means this space is super versatile too. You could easily fit in two laptops in here if you’re super fancy like that! If you’re travelling with a tablet or a designer on the road with a graphics tablet, you can fit those in here too! Otherwise, it’s an ideal spot for a magazine, documents or a full-sized notebook.

Another possible use for this massive space is things like hard drives and cables, it’s perfect for keeping all your tech in one place.

Safety is paramount here too. The zip is pretty heafy and is lockable too meaning you can throw the bag in the overhead compartment with no worries. Inside this section is a pretty covert zippered pocket that is the ideal place for your passport, wallet and keys too.

Laptop Compartment Score: 5/5 stars

The Main Compartment

The large main compartment keeps things pretty simple and easy to manipulate to your individual needs. This section is also lockable with some pretty beefy looking zips!

Opening like a suitcase in a clamshell fashion you can really make use of the massive space offered by this bag. Rather than a top-loader where you feel like you’re just shoving your gear in, here you can really organise your stuff and have much easier access when you get to your destination too. With the strategic use of an AER packing cube or two ( sold separately ), the large open area can be easily organised to keep all your gear well organised.

The large section provides a lot more storage than it looks especially if you’re strategic. I packed 5 t-shirts, a pair of shorts and 5 pairs of underwear and socks as well as a toiletries bag. Well enough for a weekend trip, or, let’s be honest, a longer-term trip if you’re pretty a minimalist traveller . It’s possible to double these up and then fit a small camera bag in there too but it would be a bit tight. be careful not to pack this section out too much as it makes the other areas hard to use.

The only thing I would love to see here inside the Travel Pack is internal straps to keep everything in place and to aid compression.

Other features on the inside include a small stash pocket on the sidewall. It’s primarily designed to be used to hold a hidden smart tracker in case your bag does walkabout. But in real terms, it’s ideal for smaller items you don’t want floating around in the main compartment like wires, hair ties, medication etc.

Now, I love pockets, like, I’m a proper fiend for them! So for me, I would love to have a few of these pockets dotted around on the inside just to keep things tidy. I always carry extra cables, wires and bits of crap I think I need and these would be an ideal out-of-the-way spot for them! It’s one of the features of this AER travel backpack I just love.

It doesn’t end there though. The large flap of the main section includes a mesh pocket on the front. It’s a great spot for sanitary products, wires or maybe a torch. Again, I would love it if there were another couple of these on here, and there certainly is room, but I appreciate it being there!

Behind that is a full-length vertical pocket that covers the whole of the flap. It’s a bit of an odd pocket that is maybe too big for small items that would just slide down to the bottom. It’s perfect though for those documents you need to carry don’t always need access to like travel insurance policies or dive journals. At a push, you could fit a small accessories pouch like a toiletries bag in here, but be sure to make sure you don’t bulk it out too much.

Main Compartment Score: 4/5

Front Storage Compartment

If I thought I could do with a few more pockets on the larger section, then my worries were over once I opened this front storage compartment. I bloody love this compartment!

Here you’ve got a myriad of different pockets for epic organisation! You can use the zippered section to store your passport, wallet and keys if you like. The small elasticated pouches are ideal for Airpods, chargers and cables. The larger areas will easily fit things like portable battery packs and hard drives whilst you can put things like journals in the bottom. There’s even a pocket for a pen!

Behind all that is a large area where you can actually easily fit a laptop. Personally, I wouldn’t store mine here as you’ve got the dedicated and better-protected area, but it goes to show what you could store here if you were feeling a bit funky! In practice, it’s ideal for full-sized notebooks, magazines or documents.

Better still, this section is also lockable!! Yeah, that’s three sections of this bag that you can lock, pretty sick!

Front Compartment Score: 5/5 stars

The Exterior

The exterior is pretty stylish, sleek and adaptable. It’s a pack that will fit right in on the plane, at the office or on Khao San road just as well. The pack doesn’t draw too much attention which is always great when it comes to keeping a low profile when you’re travelling with valuables. Ok, so I do like a bit of colour but the design does mean it’s great for a whole heap of different scenarios.

Pocket wise for a bag so lowkey it does actually have quick a few features.

On the front, there is a large pocket with a clip inside. I imagine the clip is designed for keys but I’m not sure I’d want my keys right on the outside of my bag. I would have prefered to have this feature in the front compartment.

However, the pocket is actually pretty big and you can fit a decent amount of stuff in there. I’d highly advise against storing anything valuable here though. It’s perfectly suited for storing a book or items like tissues and sanitary products so you don’t have to open the other sections, which you might have locked when you nip to the bathroom.

There’s a side pocket too which isn’t massive but again, great for a pack of tissues, pens, spare change etc. Things you want easy access to but that aren’t valuable.

The top fleece-lined pocket is great for things like headphones, mints or your sunnies so they don’t get scratched.

On the other side, there is an expandable water bottle holder. It’s not massive but it’s plenty big enough for most standard-sized refillable water bottles . There’s a hoop too so you can clip your bottle with a carabiner to keep it secure. You could quite easily fit a small tripod in this pocket too and clip it on.

Another useful feature is the compression straps. There are two on each side so when the bag is full you can flatten things down, or when it’s empty and you can reduce unsued space. They also come in useful if you’re carrying a tripod or want to easily attach something like a travel towel or a lightweight jacket to the outside.

In addition, the pack features a pass-through strap so you can attach it securely to the top of a rolling suitcase. Personally, I don’t use a suitcase when I travel but it’s always nice to have additional features and functionality especially when they don’t add extra bulk or weight.

Exterior Score: 4/5 stars

Sizing and Fit

The AER Travel Pack 3 at 35L offers great storage without feeling too bulky. Despite being a bit boxy, it still feels like it fits nicely on your back. I’m generally used to carrying around a much bigger bag for long term travel so it feels quite liberating to have such a compact bag on my back.

For such a compact feeling bag you can really fit quite a lot in not only the large main compartment but the other sections too. It’s also designed to be carry on compliant which is super useful, just be sure not to pack it out too much and check with your airline before you fly.

However, in terms of everyday backpacks and day packs, I think if I was just heading to a cafe to work then it wouldn’t be too bad, but for walking around all day it would certainly feel too big, but then again, that’s not the primary use that this bag is designed for.

Another thing worth noting is that the design of the laptop compartment means that it doesn’t feel too rigid against my back when my Mac is in there as it does on some other bags.

The sternum strap is great for keeping the bag close and stopping it from moving around too much, especially when it’s full. But for me, you need more support when it’s packed out fully and the additional waist straps (sold separately) would be a welcome purchase if you plan on carrying a decent load.

Padding wise the shoulder straps are pretty chunky and feel super comfy even when the bag is packed out. The back padding offers enough support whilst still moulding to your body. The breathable material is also great for those warmer climates.

Sizing and Fit Score: 4/5 stars

Carry Options

The bag comes with not only traditional backpack straps but handles on the top and each side. The makes carrying the bag in all sorts of different ways really easy. Sometimes it’s just not convenient to have your bag on your back, you’re on busy public transport or you want to look a bit more professional when you turn up for a meeting.

It also just makes generally handling the bag better, when you’re picking it up from the scanner or pulling it down from the overhead compartment. Having straps on each side makes it easy wherever and however the bag is placed.

Carry Score: 5/5 stars

Weight and Capacity

Quick Answer:

• Weight : 3.7 lbs
• Capacity : 35 litres

The bag certainly isn’t the lightest when it’s unpacked and when it’s maxed out it can start to feel a little on the weighty side.

But in all fairness that’s partly in testament to the strong and hard-wearing material the bag is made from and its deceptive storage for a pretty compact backpack. With the padding on the shoulders and the added hip belt we mentioned earlier, it’s still pretty comfortable.

It’s also not the heaviest bag out there either, it manages to perfectly balance functionality, durability and storage.

There’s also no getting around the fact that 35L of gear with a laptop and all the associated accessories are going to feel heavy after a while even if the bag was made from feathers! It’s the design that’s gone into things like weight distribution and padding that make it easier to handle and that’s where the AER Travel Pack 3 does a great job.

Weight & Capacity Score: 4/5 stars

Toughness and Durability

The 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon material the bag is constructed from is super strong and water-resistant to boot. It’s pretty heavy-duty and it makes the bag have a real quality feel to it. You really get the sense that this thing will go the distance and will stand up to some abuse!

The YKK zippers are pretty heavy duty and don’t feel flimsy in the slightest. All three of the main compartments have pretty beefy lockable zippers and the laptop compartment has additional weather sealing along the zip to give you that bit more confidence when storing your electronics.

The bag isn’t totally waterproof but it will certainly help keep the elements out if you’re caught in a shower and the exterior will fend off the scrapes and scratches that come with travelling.

A rain cover would be a welcome addition to the bag but there is one available as an additional purchase for that extra peace of mind.

Toughness Score: 4/5 stars

As we’ve mentioned before, the bag has three compartments with locking zips! That’s pretty huge if you ask me and it makes this bag a great option for those travelling with quite a few valuable items that can’t all just go in the one section. Whether you want peace of mind whilst you’re having a snooze on the plane or you’re commuting on busy trains on the daily, this bag takes a lot of the stress out of carrying expensive gear.

The addition of zippered pockets inside of the locked compartments, some of which are pretty well hidden too, also adds an additional level of security. There are plenty of places within this bag where you can store things like your passport, wallet and keys without a worry.

Security Score: 5/5 stars

Aer Bag Aesthetics

Bags with this level of functionality, organisation and storage sometimes end up looking a bit, well, geeky! Aer however seem to have got the balance just right by keeping most of the important features on the inside whilst keeping the outside of the bag looking pretty minimalist and sleek.

The look of the bag is quite lowkey which helps once again to aid the versatility of the pack. It’s not going to look out of place wherever it finds itself, from the board room to a hostel dorm. When you’re carrying some expensive gear you don’t want your bag to shout about it and the AER Travel Pack 3 does just that whilst retaining a stylish and understated vibe.

Aesthetics Score: 4/5 stars

What I Liked About the Aer Travel Pack 3

• 3 Separate compartments rather than just one big main compartment
• huge amount of organisation features!
• The separate and huge laptop compartment
• Lockable zips
• Good array of external pockets for easy access
• Clamshell opening on the main compartment
• Covert internal pockets for valuables
• Tough and durable feel

What I Didn’t Like About the Aer Travel Pack 3

• Can feel bulky when empty
• Hip belt needs to be bought separately
• Similarly, the rain cover is an additional purchase
• Straps inside the main compartment would be great
• Would love to see this bag in a larger version too

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

AER Travel Pack 2 Vs AER Travel Pack 3

As the game suggests, this is the 3rd generation of the AER Travel Pack and it replaced the 2nd version about 18 months ago now.

Here’s a summary of the key differences and improvements in the Travel Pack 3;

• Updated Harness System with Load Lifters : This is a significant improvement for comfort and ergonomics, especially for those who found the previous version’s harness system lacking. Load lifters can greatly improve how the weight distributes on your back, making the bag feel lighter and more manageable, even when fully packed.
• Slight Overall Size Increase : A bit more space can make a significant difference in travel backpacks, providing extra room for packing without needing to resort to an additional bag. This size adjustment suggests that Aer listened to feedback from users who needed just a little more room for their travels.
• Upgraded Materials : Improvements in materials can affect the backpack’s durability, weight, and feel. Upgraded materials often mean a bag that lasts longer, withstands travel rigors better, and possibly even lighter than its predecessor.
• Removal of the Built-in Shoe Compartment : While some might miss this feature, its removal could indicate a prioritization of space flexibility and overall bag compactness. It seems to align with a design philosophy favoring versatile main compartments over specialized pockets.
• Beefed-up Hardware and Added Zipper Pulls : These updates likely contribute to the bag’s durability and ease of use. More robust hardware can withstand the wear and tear of travel, and added zipper pulls make accessing compartments quicker and easier.
• Pocket Adjustments : Adjusting pocket designs or configurations can significantly improve a bag’s practicality, making it easier to organize and access your belongings.
• Better Cinch-down Straps : Improved straps enhance the bag’s versatility, allowing users to compact the bag when it’s not fully packed or to secure additional items outside the backpack.

Aer Travel Pack 3 vs the Competition

Truth be told, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is pretty unique in terms of the features it offers for the carry-on market. You’re just not going to get features like the clamshell opening, three compartments and organisation levels in many other bags on the market. Aer really does seem to have thought of everything!

In terms of the main competition, it’s going to come in the form of the Nomatic Travel Bag which is slightly larger at 40L. This is an epic bag for many of the same reasons I love the Aer Travel Pack 3 and has many similar features such as clamshell opening, tech compartments and laptop storage. It’s a touch more expensive but you do get more space.

Personally, though, I still prefer the Aer Travel Pack 3 for a few reasons. Firstly is the dedicated laptop compartment, I’m not a fan of the way the Nomatic has it on the main opening flap. Secondly is the larger compartments for tech storage and in my opinion, the superior organisational features. Thirdly, the lockable zippers make it feel much more secure.

For more information, check out our more in-depth Nomatic Travel Bag review .

Here are some other Aer backpack competitors:

Aer Travel Pack 3

• Liters > 33
• Laptop Compartment? > Yes
• Best Use? > Everyday use, weekend + international travel

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Liters > 40

Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

• Best Use? > Weekend/international travel

Osprey Fairview (40 liter)

Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

• Liters > 33 or 36
• Laptop Compartment? > No
• Best Use? > Hiking

Tortuga Outbreaker (45 liter)

• Liters > 45

LowePro Pro Tactic 450 AW (45 liter)

• Cost > $$$$
• Best Use? > Photography

REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack

• Best Use? > Hiking/travel

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The Ultimate Aer Backpack: Our Verdict on the Travel Pack 3

Right then, we’ve come to the point in our AER travel pack 3 review where we’ve got to wrap things up!

Overall, I bloody love this bag and find it to come very close to perfection!

The sheer amount of organisational features packed within such an unassuming exterior is the real winner here. The large storage capacity is well managed across the three main compartments in a way that’s clearly been well planned and thought out.

The sheer versatility of this thing means that you’ll get your money’s worth when it comes to usability in heaps of different scenarios. I can easily see this suiting digital nomads, office commuters, weekend warriors and even long term travellers.

On a personal note, the only issue I have with using this for one bag travel is that I travel with a large mirrorless camera and accessories. I think I’d struggle to fit my camera gear inside along with enough clothing for more than a couple of days. My partner who only tends to use his phone or a compact camera would have no issues at all in this respect and I think most travellers would be the same.

I could imagine combining this bag with a dedicated camera bag or shoulder satchel and using it as an alternative to my larger, more bulky and less organised big backpack that I’ve used before for both long and short trips.

Overall I am super impressed with this backpack and can’t get over the organisational features that really are great for those of us with OCD!

Did our AER backpack review cover all your questions? Let us know if you have any more below.

What is our final score for the AER Travel Pack 3? We give it a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars !

Bonus: Day Sling 3 & Travel Kit 2

But wait! There’s more! The AER travel range comes with a super useful AER Travel Kit and Day Sling too.

What more organisation, of course, you do!! Even if you’re dedicated to the one-bag travel movement, there are another couple of bags that are needed to keep everything in check! One goes inside so it kinda doesn’t count and the other is a handy travel purse for keeping your documents close at hand.

Day Sling 3: Keep Your Valuables Close

One of the main issues with one-bag travel is where to keep valuables like your passport, wallet and phone when you’re not in possession of your bag. So you’ve thrown your AER Travel Pack under your seat or in the overhead locker, but can you really sleep soundly on that overnight bus?!

A travel purse/ sling/ manbag if you’re from Liverpool, is the ideal solution. This neat little bag can be carried across your chest whilst wearing your larger bag and keeps everything close at hand and insight. It’s the perfect place to keep things you need easy access to like your passport and boarding passes without having to root through your pack.

The Day Sling 3 unsurprisingly offers epic levels of storage and organisation for such a small bag. It’s got a zippered section for your passport, elasticated pockets for things like AirPods and cables, a quick access front pocket with a keychain and all in the same premium material as the larger pack.

3 litres might not seem a whole lot, but in here you can easily fit all your most important items and for me, I’d throw in one of my super small SanDisk Extreme SSD with my laptop and photos backed up too so you’ve got every base covered.

Travel Kit 2: Perfect Toiletry Bag

Another neat accessory is the Travel Kit 2 .

This 2.5l pack is primarily designed to be used as a toiletries bag but in classic Aer fashion, it’s actually a pretty versatile piece of kit that could be adapted to carry all your cables, wires, chargers and hard drives if you like or even as a first aid kit.

However, its primary function is to carry your toiletries and it does that with maximum levels of organisation too… obviously! There’s a stowaway hook so you can hang this bad boy up in the bathroom as well as dedicated toothbrush storage and heaps of different zippered and elasticated pockets.

The exterior is the same 1680D Cordura Ballistic nylon so it can take some heavy use and it comes with a convenient carry handle and additional pockets. The interior is treated with an antimicrobial coating to control bacteria and odours which is a welcome feature.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Why would you not consider the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in the competition? It offers organization, dedicated laptop storage and clamshell opening as well? Plus it comes with a stowable waist belt and appears to be more weather resistant. It also expands to 45L from 35L and can even be compressed to 30L. Just curious as I am comparing the Aer and PD as final choices for me.

Actually I have really come to love the Peak Design Travel Backpack and it is indeed, a worthy rival to the AER. I may update this post when I have the capacity in order to reflect this.

I just had to drop a comment after reading your fantastic review of the AER Travel Pack 3! It’s so refreshing to come across someone who’s as passionate about bags as I am. The struggle to find that elusive “perfect bag” is real, and your insights resonate with my own experiences.

The way you described the Travel Pack 3’s versatility is intriguing. It’s like the chameleon of backpacks, seamlessly adapting to different situations without making a fuss. And that laptop compartment sounds like a dream come true! No more squeezing my precious laptop into a cramped space, hooray!

That said, I wonder if it might be a tad too big for everyday use. I know that AER tends to offer smaller versions of their bags, and that could be the sweet spot for daily use. What’s your thought on that?

Cheers, Femi.

I enjoyed your post. I’m considering buying this backpack, but I still can’t make up my mind! Thanks for sharing, btw! Cheers. =)

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Aer Travel 2022 X-Pac

Related Gear:    The Drop: GORUCK X-Pac Collection    Aer City Sling and Cable Kit 2 X-Pac    Aer Day Pack 2 X-Pac

It’s been almost two years of setbacks and there are still fights ahead of us, but we can all agree that travel is high on our list of things to do when things somehow get back to normal. And while most of us aren’t taking to the roads and the skies just yet, it can’t hurt to prepare with some awesome new travel essentials. Their latest products to join their X-Pac stable are the latest versions of their Travel Sling and Dopp Kit , giving everyone the option to add the high-performance material to their travel ensemble.

If you’re unfamiliar with X-Pac, it’s a a highly durable and waterproof layered laminate material designed to withstand the harshest conditions built by Dimension-Polyant, a company that builds racing sailcloths by trade and figured they’d make an excellent product fabric as well. It’s made an appearance on a number of Aer bags over the years, but now the company is aiming to make it as accessible as possible to regular consumers as a premium option for all their bags moving forward—no limited edition drops, raffles, or extra hoops to jump through to be able to own your favorite model in X-Pac.

The latest duo to get the X-Pac treatment are the Travel Sling 2 and Dopp Kit 2. The Travel Sling 2 is sized right for the times when you aren't trying to one-bag it abroad. It has 12 liters of capacity for your essentials, and comes with a well-considered design that helps you use that space wisely. It starts with the padded laptop sleeve with a soft lining that cushions up to a 16" laptop or tablet computer.

The main compartment also features lots of internal organization spaces including mesh and zip pockets that allow you to keep smaller gear, accessories, and tech items from flopping around the bag as you move from place to place. And for your quick access needs, there's a small dedicated pocket on the exterior of the bag that can keep your travel documents, payment cards, and other critical items ready within reach at a moment's notice.

The Dopp Kit 2 is Aer’s take on the classic travel accessory, with 2.6L of space across two compartments to store your hygiene essentials. One compartment has slots for your toothbrush and other lengthwise implements paired with a stretchy mesh pocket, while the other has elastic webbing to hold your liquids and other preparations. Rounding out the Kit is an external zip pocket for quick access, a vertical slot for holding your toothbrush upright, and a handy grab-and-go handle for toting the Dopp Kit as a whole.

Wherever your travels take you, both packs are built to last thanks to the use of robust X-Pac and Aer’s usual quality combination of hi-vis interiors, YKK zippers, and Duraflex hardware for a comprehensive and robust construction inside and out. Check them out at the links below.

Check Out the Travel Sling 2 X-Pac

Check Out the Dopp Kit 2 X-Pac

#travel #x-pac #dopp-kit-2 #travel-sling-2 #aer #bags-pouches #xpac-backpack #aer-travel-sling-review see all

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Mikey Bautista

Director of everyday carry operations.

He has lived through many personal and professional lives, spending nearly a decade in the workforce management industry, a minor career in gaming, and has lent a hand with entrepreneurial efforts back home in the Philippines. He has also been an active participant and helped build a number of significant social communities online, both for EDC and his other hobbies.

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Aer Reviews

Product Review

The Aer Tech Pack 3 is the sleekest version yet, with a straightforward harness system, a tech pocket that can replace your pouch, and a big main compartment.

The Aer Day Pack 3 is a comfortable way to carry your tech with a streamlined harness system and good organization, though that takes up a lot of usable space.

The Aer Tech Brief’s partial frame sheet creates structure and improves main compartment access, highlighting the brand’s attention to detail.

The Aer Tech Sling 3 is convenient for carrying a laptop and tech accessories in a crossbody style, but while the strap is comfortable, the fit is limited.

The Aer Cable Kit 3 has almost a liter of extra space compared to the prior version, allowing you to stow larger tech inside without losing organization.

The Aer Pro Brief is a professional, capable messenger bag with organization for your laptop, travel documents, and accessories, but not much else.

The Aer Pro Kit's unique internal organization makes using all its features easier and more intuitive; however, its small size will hinder some tech-heavy travelers.

The Aer City Tote is a well-organized, durable, and structured travel tote for all your adventures, whether that's every day or on vacation.

Aer's Dopp Kit 3 has a more compact design than previous versions that consolidates toiletries in one large compartment and is balanced for short and long trips.

The Aer Pro Pack 24L makes full use of its volume by letting its valet pocket and admin panel occupy otherwise wasted space—clever and efficient.

The Aer Pro Pack 20L takes design features we love from other Aer daypacks and pairs them with lighter materials and new ideas to craft a comfortable and dynamic carry.

The Aer Pro Pack Slim is a decent daily driver with a comfortable harness system, though we wish it were easier to access the bottom of the bag.

The Aer Pro Sling’s roomy main compartment is a good match for large everyday carry gear, though smaller items tend to get lost.

The Aer Travel Weekender is a duffel with internal organization for small gear and ample space for clothing, though you’ll need to use packing cubes.

The Aer City Pack Pro's clamshell design and efficient use of space make it a daypack that you can use comfortably as a travel backpack.

The Aer Go Pack 2 is a capable, packable daypack that improves upon the previous iteration with features familiar to Aer’s non-packable offerings.

The Aer Go Sling 2 has stellar organization that can hold everything you’d typically throw into your pockets, although it might be too small for some.

The Aer Go Tote 2 will help you carry what you need as you explore a new city, though it has a larger footprint than other packable totes we’ve seen.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 improves the collection’s core strengths with an updated harness system, smoother compartment access, and refined build quality.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 Small takes key features from its bigger sibling and puts them in a smaller package built for shorter trips smaller frames.

The Aer Flight Pack 3 offers versatile carry and lots of storage for your gear while cruising at 35,000 feet, making it a great companion for a wide range of trips.

Aer switches up the internal organization for the Day Sling 3, upgrading the main compartment’s pocket count at the cost of a now-plain front pocket.

The Aer Day Sling 3 Max has a large capacity for holding lots of gear, but some of the organizational features feel lackluster in its large size.

The Aer Travel Kit 2’s extra toothbrush holder and spruced-up interior are fairly minor upgrades, but it brings it that much closer to a 10/10.

The Aer City Pack has plenty of pockets and compartments for keeping gear organized, though using all of them at once cuts into available space.

Despite its larger size, the Aer City Sling 2 wears more comfortably than the original—though the Fidlock buckle tends to snag inside the back panel.

The Aer Split Kit’s slim profile and two-compartment organization seem minimal, but the gusseted bottom and stretchy mesh material give it room to grow.

The Aer Lunar Pack carries comfortably and has spacious pockets, though we wish it had smaller organization for tech items.

The Aer Dopp Kit 2’s space and organization make it great for long trips, but the size is a bit overkill for one-bag setups.

The Aer Packing Cubes’ used clothing compartment keeps your threads cleverly separated, though we wish there was a size smaller than the 6-liter cube.

The Aer Tech Folio 16 packs in your laptop and its accessories comfortably, though we wish we could attach a strap to carry it messenger-style.

Carrying the Aer Travel Sling 2 three different ways adds welcome versatility, though the storage compartments reach full capacity quicker than we’d like.

The Aer Sling Bag 3 is a mini backpack in disguise. It’s big enough for a laptop and gym clothes, but we’ve got a bone to pick with the carry strap.

The Aer Fit Pack 3 offers a nice balance for work and gym use, but space can be limiting if you need more than the basics.

Organized compartments in the Aer Gym Duffel 3 keep your gym gear and daily essentials separated nicely. If only the quick grab pocket was in a better spot.

The Aer Duffel Pack 3 has the space and flexibility for work and hitting the gym, but a significant change to the front pocket may leave some on the fence.

The low profile Aer Slim Pouch will keep the mess on your desk at bay and your tech gear organized, though we wish some pockets were stretchier.

While the Aer Tech Sling 2 is conveniently organized and comfortable to carry, you’ll need to be intentional with what you pack and where.

If you don’t mind a bit of bulk, the Aer Cable Kit 2 is a solid, well-organized option for storing your everyday tech essentials.

The Aer Commuter Brief 2's snap fastener handles may slow down your access, but the bag's sleek, muted aesthetic and ample organization are well-suited for the workday.

The Aer Slim Pack is a minimal, sleek, and sophisticated bag with ample organization. We just wish it was more comfortable to carry.

The Aer Day Pack 2 is that just-right size, with a just-right amount of organization—but we’ve been having some issues with its harness system.

The Aer Tech Pack 2 has ample, efficient organization for our tech and everyday essentials—but its rigid structure doesn’t make for a very comfortable carry.

The Aer Travel Zip Wallet will help you organize your passport(s), cash, cards, and documents while traveling—but its large size can be inconvenient.

We’re digging the simple, effective organization of the Aer Cardholder—even if it is a bit taller than other wallets.

The Aer Capsule Pack Max has an ideal blend of open space and organization. We just wish the zippers were smoother to use.

Versatile and durable with solid organization and ample space, the Aer Fit Pack 2 is a great commuter bag—but the zippers can be frustrating to use.

While we don’t love the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small as much as the larger version, it works better for small body types or travels on stringent airlines.

With solid internal organization and a versatile carry, the Aer Sling Pouch is a great travel companion—as long as you don’t mind its handbag aesthetic.

The Aer City Sling combines clever design, versatile organization, and a surprising amount of capacity—all while keeping a low profile.

The Aer Travel Wallet will hold your travel documents, passport, cards, and cash on the road. But accessing your passport & cash is a bit cumbersome.

The Aer Travel Duffel is a sleek travel bag made of quality materials that should last a long time, though it gets uncomfortable to carry at capacity.

The Aer Travel Kit is ideal for organizing toiletries as you zip around the world. We love the internal organization, durable materials, and nifty hook.

The Aer Day Sling 2 is a sleek and comfortable sling made with top-notch materials you can trust. We love using it for everyday essentials while out and about.

The Aer Go Pack is a solid choice for a lightweight Aer day pack that looks good and keeps you organized, despite being somewhat less stowable.

Delivering some much anticipated upgrades from the previous iteration, the Aer Flight Pack 2 is a durable, functional pack with lots of organization that’s great for short trips and urban adventures.

The Aer Travel Pack 2 picks up right where it’s predecessor left off—a great one bag travel pack with a slick look and high attention to detail.

Though a bit smaller, the professional design, organization, and versatility of the Aer Flight Pack make it optimal for shorter trips and urban travel.

The Aer Travel Pack is a sleek & good looking—ideally suited for casual, one bag travel and urban adventure. Plus, it’s got some great pack organization.

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