travel pack 3 vs xpac

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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 Pack Review – Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac Full Review

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: September 17, 2022  - Last updated: June 18, 2023

Categories Digital Nomad

Last updated on June 18th, 2023 at 09:44 pm

Aer Travel Pack Review – In today’s article, we explore Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac and why it’s our newest favorite all-around travel backpack!

If you’re like us, we are always looking for the most versatile travel backpacks – whether you’re on a weekender trip, a one-week trip, or on a year-long trip of your dreams! Having an organized and efficient backpack is definitely a basic travel requirement, and Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac fits the bill.

Read here Nomatic Navigator vs Tortuga Outbreaker ,  Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack Review , Tortuga Outbreaker vs Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac ,  Tropicfeel Shell Backpack Review , Aer Travel Backpack vs Tropicfeel  and  Tortuga Outbreaker vs Tropicfeel Shell  

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac is a carry-on bag, that can pack a 35L volume – the weight allowed for international carry-on travel . Aer’s Travel Pack 3 uses the X-Pac fabric, high-quality sailcloth, durable, and 100% waterproof.

Check here Digital Nomad Luggage

Table of Contents

ALTERNATIVE BACKPACK

The Nomatic Navigator backpack is designed for travelers and commuters and features multiple compartments and pockets for organization and storage. Navigator Travel Backpack has a laptop compartment and a built-in USB charging port. Read our Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack Review

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 Backpack allows you to organize all your important travel luggage – clothes, toiletries, emergency materials, camera gear, devices, documents, and more – without sacrificing design, durability, and while keeping all your stuff in a carry-on backpack.

Carry-on bags are the best if you want to travel faster and skip the check-in luggage time.

See the full features of the Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac (Aer Backpack Review) below:

Features – Aer Travel Pack Review

• VX-42 X-Pac ™ sailcloth exterior by Dimension-Polyant® • YKK® AquaGuard® zippers for all major compartments • Duraflex® plastic hardware • High-visibility orange interior liner (bluesign® approved) • Padded suspended laptop pocket with soft lining (fits up to 16″ laptop)  • Lay-flat main compartment for spacious storage and easy packing • Compression straps with magnetic fasteners for stability and security • Quick-access top and side pockets for small valuables • Load lifters for support and comfort • Handles on all sides for versatile carrying • Expandable water bottle pocket • Hidden smart tracker pocket • Internal framesheet provides structure and support • Attachment points for a removable hip belt (sold separately) • Luggage handle pass-through • Lockable zippers for additional security • Imported

We love the bright orange internal lining – makes the bag really beautiful and without sacrificing organization and durability. In this image above you can see Aer’s organizational packs – Aer’s packing pouches are the best for travel luggage organization.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

Separate your clothes, from your accessories, from documents, and toiletries, and access all your things easier once you unpack.

Check out the full-featured Aer’s Travel Pack 3 X-Pac by watching the video above! This will help you visualize the backpack you’re getting! We can attest to how good this is – our favorite for sure!

Pros And Cons Aer Travel Pack Review: PAC 3 X-PAC Aer Backpack Review

This travel backpack’s 2 most prominent features are the X-Pac fabric , which gives you zero worries in carrying this bag in any weather – tropical, cold or hot weather and the power to organize everything in a 35L backpack – keeping this back within international carry-on standards. Skip the check-in luggage time and the wait to get it, and travel faster.

Of course, we understand not all travel needs are the same, so the only con we see with this backpack is of course if you want to pack more than 35L. If you want a huge suitcase for check-in luggage, you can check our Level-8 Luggage review .

That’s it for today. Let us know in the comments below what do you think about Aer Backpack Review

Happy travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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• > Backpacks

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 3 Review

Made with bomb-proof materials, smart features, and understated styling, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is one of our most recommended carry-on backpacks.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a beautifully designed carry-on travel backpack that’s tough, compact, and has plenty of features to keep you organized on your trip.

At 35L, this bag is on the smaller end of the range (45L being the max size for a carry-on backpack), which means the Aer Travel Pack is perfect for short jaunts, minimalist packers or two-bag travelers.

For this purposes of this review, I traveled with this bag as a single carry-on item for a two-week trip to Costa Rica. Yes, I lived out of just this bag for two weeks and had no problem making it work. Granted, I’m a light packer, but if all you need to carry are some clothes and a laptop, this bag fits the bill.

What’s more, at TravelFreak, we’ve tested, rated and ranked more than 150 backpacks, and the Aer Travel Pack 3 scores in the top five for the carry-on category. With an outstanding 9.1 score based on our 39-point backpack rating system , this bag is one of the best you can buy.

In this review of the Aer Travel Pack 3, I’ll dive into my experience with this bag, what it excels at, and the things I wish were a little different.

The Aer Travel Pack is one of our highest-rated backpacks with some of the highest scores in its class. Living up to their slogan, “Travel Every Day,” the Aer Travel Pack is streamlined for carry-on travel, finding the sweet spot of durability, functionality and value.

• Build Quality 9.7
• Comfort 8.5
• Ease of Use 9.2
• Functionality 9.2
• It functions well for one-bag travel
• Durable material brings peace of mind that the bag will not fail you when traveling
• Functional smart compartments that keep you well organized
• Lay-flat main compartment makes accessing your belongings easy
• Sleek design and minimal design
• Attachment points for extra gear on the outside
• The lack of hip straps limits comfort. I’m not a fan of add on options for features that I deem necessary 
• No rain-fly. Probably not the biggest worry but a little extra rain protection wouldn’t hurt
• Lack of larger size options. I'd love to see a 45L version of this bag as well

Who is The Aer Travel Pack 3 for?

At 35L, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is too big to be used as a daily carry, and it isn’t well-suited for hiking. As the name implies, this pack is truly built for travel. Its smart design helps utilize space efficiently and is easy to keep organized.

The Aer Travel Pack is purpose-built as a carry-on backpack for one- or two-bag travel, and that’s where it truly shines.

They also make a Small version of the Aer Travel Pack which clocks in at 28L of carry volume. At 28L, I see this smaller version working really well as a crossover bag with dual function as a travel bag and an everyday bag. On the other hand, the regular sized 35L bag is going to suit two-bag travelers who want to carry more on their back or one-bag travelers who aim to carry less.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Summary

The Aer Travel Pack is streamlined for carry-on travel. Living up to their slogan, “Travel Every Day,” they are specialized in constructing a backpack that can be used “from the office to the gym, or from San Francisco to Tokyo.”

Living out of this bag for a week or more won’t be for everyone. I am a textbook minimalist traveler so if you’re the type of traveler who likes “options,” there is no chance this pack will be able to fit all of your excessiveness (I mean that in the kindest way possible).

If the idea of packing less and carrying less gets you excited, you’ll probably love this bag. It’s for light packers or short trips, not for people who like to bring one of everything, “just in case.”

Here’s what I packed for two weeks of international travel:

• Enough clothes for a week of no laundry
• Packable daypack
• Water bottle
• Chargers & cables
• A few chocolate bars (eight, if you really need to know)

The clothes I packed were mainly made of synthetic materials, able to be rolled up and compacted down to a smaller size. If you plan on packing jeans and big sweatshirts, don’t expect to be able to fit a week’s worth of clothes in this pack.

I packed my camera gear (Canon R5 and 2 lenses) into a sling pack, so I was able to test this bag without the need to carry bulky camera equipment inside. And like that, I was set for two weeks in Costa Rica!

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is made with 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign approved), YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic hardware.

As I mentioned, this pack is meant for travel, not for rugged adventures, though if coupled with the optional hip straps, it could be easily used for some easy day hikes. As long as you’re not tossing the pack down a slab of granite or intend on testing its water resistance to the extreme, the materials will hold up well throughout your travels.

That being said, I love the overall felt strength of this pack. Aer definitely didn’t cheap out on the materials and it shows.

I suspect the materials on this pack will hold up for many years to come.

The pack lives up to Aer’s minimalist pursuit, offering a sleek look that is a perfect fit for on-the-go travel.

Its low-profile look gives it the versatility of a travel bag, a hiking bag or a work bag without drawing any unneeded attention to it.

One thing to note is that the Aer Travel Pack doesn’t have many colors to choose from. You can get black, grey, olive green, or black X-Pack (a lighter, fully-waterproof fabric).

I personally love black, but for anyone who likes a splash of color in their travel gear, the selection here is a bit disappointing.

The amount of black travel backpacks you see in an airport is abundant, making it easy to confuse which bag is yours. Having the option to stand out from the pack (see what I did there?) could come in handy.

The pack is built for comfort with well-padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and an internal framesheet to distribute the load. When it’s packed to the brim, though, it starts weighing on your shoulders, especially if you don’t have the upgraded removable hip belt (I did not).

With no hip straps, I had a tremendous amount of weight on my shoulders which can make a 20-minute wait in line for customs pretty arduous. Walking from terminal to terminal, even more so.

If you pack light with only a few of your belongings, the padded shoulder straps may be able to manage the weight to some extent, but for me, hip straps are a must on any pack bigger than a small daypack.

I don’t care if it’s two weeks of items or a laptop and a jacket. If you’re wearing it for long enough, the pack is going to cause discomfort if all the weight is only distributed on your shoulders. Weight tolerance will vary from person to person, so experiment with what feels best for you and find out what your body can and cannot handle.

The good news is that you can get a padded hipbelt to attach to this bag. The bad news is that it will be an extra cost.

Organization

Some bags have too many pockets, to the point where I can’t remember which pocket I put things in. Other bags have too few, and all my belongings come pouring out as soon as I open a zipper.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 really hit the Goldilocks zone for pockets and felt “just right” for me. It has smart organization features designed to give you a place for everything without being overly complicated.

The lay-flat main compartment allowed me to pack and access my clothes efficiently, the padded laptop compartment felt safe and secure, and the outside mesh pocket made accessing items on the go, quick and as the name implies, “easy”.

The Aer Travel 3 is certainly a sturdy pack. Even before testing it out, I noticed how durable this pack felt. This is definitely not the case with all packs.

There was never a point in my trip that I felt like my bag was at risk of injury.

The zippers on the back get the most wear in my opinion, especially with a bag that’s nearly bursting at the seams, and never once did I feel like my zippers were about to fail.

I would be wary of putting it to the test against anything too rugged but the 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior feels strong and water-resistant enough to hold up against an unexpected rainstorm or some light abrasion.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Features

The Aer Travel Pack 3 comes with an abundance of thoughtful features. There’s a compartment for everything—and nothing more—which adds to the ease of daily use.

Lay-Flat Main Compartment

Looking at the bag, I don’t know how I fit two week’s worth of clothes in there but I did! The ability to unzip the pack fully and carefully place your items definitely increases the functionality of the available space.

I stored a packing cube in this compartment that helped keep my clothes organized. My camera equipment was carried in the WANDRD 9L Roam Sling so the cube was used only for clothing and a few other random items.

What I felt was lacking were internal compression straps to keep everything in place.

So much is getting placed in this main compartment and though the lay-flat zipper makes it easy to open and access, items tend to fall out when there are no side walls holding them in.

Some compression straps to secure my clothes and other items would have been a helpful feature to have and would have brought some added peace of mind when opening my pack.

Padded Suspended Laptop Compartment

With an ample amount of space, padding, and a soft fabric lining, I never felt like my laptop was at risk of damage.

A lay-flat zipper on this compartment would make it easier to access my cables and hard drives that I stored in there.

Also, a few added compartments back here for hard drives or a tablet would make it easier to stay organized.

The amount of cables, dongles and tech accessories that come with traveling with a laptop can feel overwhelming. There is plenty of space in the suspended laptop compartment for all of that so to have some added organization would have helped a ton.

Load Lifters

What are load lifters? Load lifters are two small straps that are attached to the shoulder straps and back of your pack. Tightening and loosening them adjusts the closeness of the bag to your body, allowing for greater comfort and stabilization by decreasing the sway of the pack.

Load lifters may not be a necessity for everyone but they are definitely a nice feature for added comfort, especially if you are traveling with a fully loaded single-carry backpack.

Compression Design

I used the compression straps to secure a tripod which ended up working out really well.

To improve functionality and diversify the use, I would’ve liked to see these straps expand just a little bit more as they became pretty tight when I tried to secure my tripod.

Yes, I realize these straps are not specifically designed to carry things, but I can’t imagine I am the first and only person to use these straps for this.

There are so many traveling creators out there so to have these compression straps perform as a dual functioning tripod straps would definitely up the appeal for a lot of people. An added sleeve for the tripod legs on one of the sides of the bag would be a pretty awesome improvement to see too.

Lockable Zippers

It’s a small detail, but the fact that you can lock the main zippers can be a big deal for some. If you’re carrying valuable items like a laptop, camera, or other electronics, it can add a lot of peace of mind knowing you can secure your bag from unwanted intrusion.

Be aware that it is still possible for thieves to rip through zippers, so it definitely isn’t a fool-proof solution. Locking the zippers of your pack does provide som deterrence for casual thieves though.

Bottom Shoe Pocket

The pocket is relatively spacious as I was able to fit a pair of running shoes and a Lowepro RunAbout BP 18L Collapsible Backpack i n here. A couple of pairs of flip-flops or sandals would also be a reasonable fit.

In normal suitcases, shoes are often placed in with everything else which may be okay at the start of the trip when your shoes are clean, but after hikes and sandy walks on the beach it may not be so ideal.

The ability to separate your dirty shoes from your clean clothes is an awesome feature to have and somewhat of an unexpected luxury in a bag of this size.

What should be noted is that not all shoes will be able to fit in here. As I mentioned, I had a pair of compact running shoes in this pocket but a set of high heels or chunky hiking boots would make it a tight squeeze.

Easy Access Front Pocket

Easy access is the name of the game when traveling with a solo carry-on bag. Regardless of whether you’re in the airport, or caught in a rainstorm waiting for an Uber, quick access to your daily travel necessities is key to staying organized and keeping your items safe.

I really enjoyed the functionality of this front pocket. It was large enough to stow a pair of sandals and organized enough to keep my daily items readily available.

There are various different pockets and compartments within this front access pocket that are suitable for everything from a pen and journal, to a toothbrush and toiletries.

The zipper folds three-quarters of the way down to provide that easy access so you don’t have to blindly dig around to find some of the smaller items you may have stowed in there.

Expandable Water Bottle Side Pocket

Following Aer’s minimalist approach, the compartment seems pretty stealthy, with a vertical zipper that allows it to expand and give you more space for larger bottles.

At first sight, I didn’t think my wide-mouthed water bottle would fit in there but to my surprise, it did with ease.

Though the expandable option adds the minimalist look, I don’t find it all that necessary as it is a topless compartment that smaller items could easily fall out of rendering it only useful for a water bottle.

My other complaint with the compartment is the overall placement.

It is located in the upper middle of the bag which a) makes it harder to reach when it is on your back and b) throws off the weight distribution.

Heavier items should be stored near the bottom of your pack to allow the weight to be distributed on your hips, not your back or shoulders. Water is typically one of the heaviest things you carry, so to have it placed higher up on the pack is less than ideal.

Quick-Access Top Pocket

Throughout your long travel days in the airport, you are constantly transitioning from being on the move to long periods of down time whether it be on a long flight or a layover.

Throughout your day there are several items that will be going in and out of use and the potential to lose or misplace them relatively high.

All too often I am getting ready to board or deboard the plane while doing the “where’s my shit” dance, grabbing for my back pocket to check for my wallet, feeling my seat for my phone, rubbing my hip for my keys, patting down my jacket for my headphones, and bending down low for anything else that may have fallen out while I was in a daze.

A single pocket to keep these items safe and secure would surely help to eliminate that worry and the anxious scrambling to gather my belongings.

Removable Hip Belt (sold separately)

As I mentioned before, the weight of your pack should be distributed on your hips, not your back or shoulders. I can’t help but feel like I am getting taken advantage of when backpack companies are offering hip straps as an add-on option sold separately, as, to me, they are a necessity.

Hip strips not only add comfortability, but also versatility. Some may argue that a city or travel pack doesn’t need hip straps (though I would strongly disagree) but a hiking pack simply cannot go without them.

Not only is it incredibly uncomfortable to hike without hip straps, it is terrible for the body.

With the amount of walking that can go into a day of travel, hip straps are a much needed feature if you don’t want a sore back and shoulders the next day.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Dimensions and Specifications

The Travel Pack 3 measures in at a height of 21.5″ (54.5 cm), a width of 13” (33 cm), and a depth of 9” (21.5 cm). By dimensions, it is a fairly small pack. Most people who I showed this bag to and told them that this was all I was bringing, called me crazy.

The compact size allows it to pass any airline’s carry-on restrictions

Though light in weight weighing in at 4.2 lbs, it can store up to 35 L, allowing plenty of room for what you need.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Alternatives

The Aer Travel Pack 3 won’t be for everyone but there’s definitely a pack out there for you. Here are a few more options that you may prefer.

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

If the Travel Pack 3’s 35L capacity isn’t enough, Nomatic’s 40L Travel Bag might be a better option. Though 5L isn’t a huge difference, it could just be enough space to squeeze in those few extra items that you were going to have to leave behind.

It’s loaded with 20+ innovative features like a laundry bag, shoe compartment, and an underwear and sock pocket.

It’s made with a waterproof material, not water resistant, so this bag can definitely handle a bit more ruggedness if necessary.

It measures in at 21″ x 14″ x 9″ so it is very comparable in size to the Travel Pack 3 and functions both as a backpack and a duffle bag.

It comes with a waist and sternum strap which is nice to see as not an add on.

Honestly, this pack sounds awesome and may be a potential solution to the Travel Bag 3’s shortcomings.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L offers a rugged, durable and expandable daypack that is ideal for shorter travel and everyday carry.

It works seamlessly with Peak Designs camera cubes so if you are a digital creator, this might be the pack you need.

It meets international carry-on requirements in the expanded 33L form and the collapsed 27L form.

The Travel Backpack 30L comes with expansive side pockets for tripods, water bottles and other accessories, a padded laptop sleeve, and an enlarged top pocket designed for passports, wallets, and glasses.

Tuck-away shoulder straps and optional hip strap attachments make this pack a winner in my eyes.

Able Carry Max Backpack

The Able Carry Max Backpack is a 30L pack that is built for work, play and travel.

Maybe you’re not looking to utilize your backpack as a single carry-on item and just need it for  some extra belongings. With a little bit less room and many of the same features as the Travel Pack 3, The Max Backpack could be a good option for you.

It fits up to 17” devices and is made with a strong and durable X-Pac fabric and Cordura 1000D nylon.

It provides a 25L main compartment and external pockets that allow for peak organization and the flexibility to “arrange your day, your way.”

It comes with thick shoulder support and ventilated pads to keep your back cool but it does not come with a hip straps, nor do I see an option to add one on.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Final Thoughts

There’s a lot that goes into traveling abroad, most of which can go overlooked in preparation. Having the right backpack and the right compartments not only helps you stay organized but helps you to remember the items you may be forgetting.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 really checked a lot of the boxes for me. As someone who is notoriously disorganized, I felt not only well-organized but also well-prepared to travel with this bag.

For me, what’s more important than functionality, organization, and comfort, is the reliability of the bag. All of these features become less important and the adventure can become much more taxing if a zipper breaks or a strap rips etc.

I felt safe using the Aer Travel Pack 3. I really put this bag to the test by packing more than I probably should have but it was able to hold up exceptionally well. Shoot, maybe I am one of those “excessive,” packers after all?

Though it wasn’t always easy living out of this bag for two weeks, that’s just the game with one-bag travel! Sacrifices are made to travel minimally and to have the safety and security of carrying all that you need in a single carry-on item.

Single carry-on travel isn’t for everyone, but for those who see themselves as a minimal traveler, I would absolutely suggest this bag, hip straps included.

With that being said, the Aer Travel Pack 3 can surely be used for more than just a travel pack. I can see it being a great day carrier for city or on-campus use.

The price is certainly reasonable and the surplus of features packed into a minimal and aesthetic bag makes this backpack a winner for me.

At the end of the day, there is no such thing as a perfect backpack. Though the Aer Travel Pack 3 is no exception, it certainly has a lot to offer.

Aer Travel Pack 3 FAQs

Is the aer travel pack 3 too big.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is too big for an everyday backpack, but it’s perfect for carry-on travel.

Is the Aer Travel Pack 3 water resistant?

The Aer Travel Pack is made from a waterproof PU-coated fabric, but water can still get through the seams during heavy downpours.

How do you clean an Aer travel pack?

To clean an Aer Travel Pack, use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside and inside of the bag. Let it air dry.

What is the capacity of the Aer Travel Pack 3?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has 35L of internal capacity.

How much does the AER Travel Pack 3 weigh?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 weighs 4.12 lbs in the Cordura version.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Thanks for the great review. I’ve had this bag as my EDC work bag for 6 months and I’m very impressed with it.

This pack comes in 2 sizes. Any more sizes than that would be completely impractical in the business sense. Every extra size means an enormous extra production cost.

The hip strap and rain fly are sold separately, it’s reasonable to pay extra for these, especially when most customers don’t want it need them.

The 1680d ballistic nylon is extremely strong. You could easily roll it down a granite cliff many times and it won’t tear (sure it will scuff like any material would).

My biggest gripe is not being able to replace the framesheet. I like stiff framesheet so it would be nice to be able to swap it.

I’d also appreciate some anchor zip pull tabs for when I zip up the main compartment (especially when it’s empty).

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Aer Travel Pack 3 Review

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

March 6, 2024: We updated this review to include additional insights from the last 2 years of testing.

Our Verdict

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• Comfortable harness system
• Just-right built-in organization and open space
• Compartments are easily accessible—even with compression straps fastened
• Magnetic compression buckles can come undone
• Imbalanced side handle carry
• Laptop sleeve's false bottom could be greater (but still works well)

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 91/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

4.12 lb (1.9 kg)

21.5 in x 13 in x 9 in (54.6 x 33 x 22.9 cm)

Notable Materials

CORDURA® Ballistic Nylon, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware, Woojin Hardware, X-Pac, CORDURA® Nylon

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Aer Lifetime Warranty

Full Review

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It’s no secret that we really liked Aer’s original Travel Pack when we first reviewed it. It was a good one-bag solution for those who don’t want to be overly encumbered with suitcases and bags on their flight (i.e., us). In fact, the follow-up Travel Pack 2 was our bag of choice for our Digital Nomad Packing List — was . Enter the Travel Pack 3, the third iteration of the collection, and it has the unenviable task of upstaging its already-great predecessor. With a long list of upgrades—both subtle and explicit ones—we think it has what it takes to become our new Digital Nomad bag of choice (spoiler alert: it does).

And there are a LOT of these upgrades to cover. The harness system welcomes back some old friends from the original Travel Pack: load lifters. Aer has also added magnetic buckles around the bag, which we’re a bit let down by. We also say goodbye to the shoe compartment, which was in the two previous versions. Plus, the compression straps and compartment openings have been revised to improve access and ease of packing. If you’re a visual learner, check out our Pack Hacker Pro-exclusive video to see exactly how we pack it. (If you’re a pro member and you’re logged in, click here .)

While we’re welcoming some upgrades with the Travel Pack 3, some tradeoffs are tagging along with them. Now, let’s move along with the review and meet who they are. Strap in because it’s going to be a jam-packed one.

Materials & Aesthetic

As you might have already guessed based on the “3” in the name, the Travel Pack 3 isn’t Aer’s first take on the concept. They’ve pretty much nailed their desired aesthetic at this point—an aesthetic that we all dig here at Pack Hacker.

It’s not just the black-on-black color scheme that we like. In spite of the now-larger 35-liter size, Aer has been able to keep the sleek looks. It still has their go-to styling cue of black ballistic nylon, a squared-off shape, and a bisecting zippered opening right at the front. They’ve scaled that design language up and down their product range from pouches like the Split Kit all the way to travel backpacks like the Travel Pack 3. Some design elements may shift from place to place, but Aer’s done well to make their gear stand out from the pack.

We’ll admit, it doesn’t look drastically different from the Travel Pack 2. Unless you put them side-by-side, you might be hard-pressed to tell which bits and bobs are new. If you’re coming from the previous version, there’s nothing majorly different about the visual side of things. But hey, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to get excited about (there’s plenty of that to come later in the next sections). Rather, the lack of stand-out differences versus the previous model is just down to the minimalist approach the brand takes when it comes to design. Put another way, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

On that note, the Travel Pack 3 uses the same familiar material as the Travel Pack 2: 1680D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon. This time it’s bluesign certified, so you know it’s made with safety and sustainability in mind—good for the people making it, good for the environment. It’s an extra tidbit of peace of mind that’s oh-so-satisfying to have. Of course, the fabric still has that abrasion-resistant durability that a heavy denier brings along with it.

If you’re looking for something more eye-catching, the Olive colorway holds a certain appealto us here at Pack Hacker. It just looks a touch more classy and, dare we say, imaginative than plain black. Alternatively, Gray is also an option, featuring 700D CORDURA—it’s a lower denier fabric, but it’s more than tough enough for city use if our short, but generally positive, stint with the Duffel Pack 2 is anything to go by.

Needless to say, the Travel Pack 3 is about as well-built as we’ve come to expect from Aer (read: very well-built). The smaller details of the bag really help tie things together in this respect. The YKK zippers feel high quality, helped further by Hypalon pulls on some of them. On the subject of zipper pulls, the jingly-ness we observed from Aer’s earlier iterations of their gear is practically gone. Paracord complements the metal pulls, and they’re threaded through in such a way that dampens metal-on-metal clacking. The metal pulls themselves are smaller, too.

One of the most notable additions to this new version of the Travel Pack are the magnetic Woojin buckles. Magnets are a joy to use because of the tactile feedback when you engage and disengage them, which is why they’re also great to fidget around with. However, we’re not completely sold on their implementation on the Travel Pack 3, which we’ll cover in the next section.

External Components

Since the Travel Pack 3 is a slightly bigger bag compared to the Travel Pack 2, changes to the harness system are welcome. Not that the Travel Pack 2 was uncomfortable to carry by any means, mind you. Just that, in our previous review, the changes made going from the Travel Pack 1 to the Travel Pack 2 felt like a bit of a tradeoff. We’re, of course, talking about the addition of the (optional) hip belt but the removal of the load lifters.

Now that tradeoff is now effectively nullified. The load lifters are back on the Travel Pack 3 along with the option to add a hip belt, and Aer’s managed to solve one of the reasons they were omitted from the previous Travel Pack in the first place: to reduce the number of dangling straps. The solution is simple enough: strap keepers. Just below where the load lifters are, there are flat loops on the shoulder straps where the extra slack can be threaded through.

What are load lifters anyway? Simply put, they’re straps anchoring the upper portion of the shoulder straps to the top edge of the bag’s structure. Their ultimate purpose is to pull the bag toward your back, lifting some weight off your shoulders and preventing the bag from sagging and creating that sensation you’re being pulled backward. While they may not be strictly necessary on the 35-liter Travel Pack 3, they do make a noticeable difference in carrying comfort.

On the opposite end of the bag are two nylon loops where you have the option to attach the aforementioned hip belt (sold separately) via gatekeeper clips. Like load lifters, a hip belt also helps shift the weight of your pack, but this time to your waist area, which can more comfortably handle the pounds. The strap itself is wide and thickly padded, with a correspondingly beefy side release buckle in the middle.

Like the load lifters, it’s not an absolute must-have unless you really have the Travel Pack 3 loaded to the brim. Side note: when not in use, this hip belt can poke you in the sides if it’s not folded right. Good thing it’s removable, so you can just pack it away or leave it at home when you don’t need it.

Supportive load lifters and a hip belt are good and all, but the basic comfort of a backpack still lies on its trusty pair of shoulder straps. The good news is that the Travel Pack 3’s are just as comfortable to shoulder as we remember them on the Travel Pack 2. In fact, we’d say they’re even more comfortable because side-by-side, the Travel Pack 3’s are a little bit wider and somewhat thicker. However, the latter may be because our Travel Pack 2’s straps are quite broken in.

Nonetheless, they’re very comfortable to wear, especially once you take full advantage of the load lifters and hip belt, even though the Travel Pack 3 has an additional two liters of storage over the previous version. Keep in mind comfort is relative, and your mileage may still vary depending on your body type. For example, those with smaller frames may not feel as comfortable with the wide shoulder straps.

There’s also a D-ring at the top of one of the shoulder straps, which was previously on the left side for the Travel Pack 2 but is now on the right. We’re not quite sure why they moved it, but we’re fine with it on either side, and it is handy to have.

There’s also a sternum strap, and while the vertical adjustment is sliding (and that’s our favorite kind), we’re less enthused with the magnetic buckle. There’s technically nothing wrong with it since it works as intended. However, we do feel it’s a bit unnecessary for a sternum strap compared to a much simpler side release buckle. In our experience, a side release buckle is better because it simply plugs and clicks. Meanwhile, a magnetic buckle needs to be pulled inwards to unclasp, which is slightly discomforting if you have it well-tensioned. It’s a tiny detail, but something we definitely notice in day-to-day use.

Other things to note about the shoulder straps include them not being stowable. We’ve seen this feature on other travel bags like the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L and THULE Subterra Convertible Carry-On . We don’t find the lack of this feature to be a huge loss since we like having them out and ready all the time for our one-bag trips. It’s a feature that’s more prevalent among bags with multiple carry options, which the Travel Pack 3 isn’t. Silver lining: if you’re looking for this feature in order to avoid dangling straps, there are elastic strap keepers built-in with the sternum and shoulder straps that keep their slack in check.

The back panel remains mostly unchanged from the Travel Pack 2 in terms of design. There are two foam panels with a vertical air channel in the middle. The foam is covered in a mesh fabric which allows the material to breathe and minimizes heat. Comfort-wise, the cushioning does well to make the Travel Pack 3 feel less boxy and flat. For times when the bag isn’t on your back, there’s a strap embedded in the air channel, intended as a luggage pass-through in case you want to hitch the bag to your roller.

Alternatively, there are handles along the edges (top, bottom, and both sides). The top handle is easily the most padded among the four. Our only nitpick is that it’s located far in the middle of the bag. This makes it almost impossible to hang on shallow hooks in restroom stalls (and no, there isn’t a loop between the shoulder straps, either).

The side handles have some thickness to them, and they’re made from slick seatbelt-like material. As opposed to the centrally located top handle, they’re positioned more towards the side of the back panel. This means that when we’re carrying it briefcase-style, the bag leans and feels lopsided. There’s also a plain nylon strap at the bottom, mostly for “pull-it-out-of-the-overhead-bin” scenarios.

Despite the nitpicks on the handles, they do their job well when we need to move the relatively weighty Travel Pack 3 over short distances. We’re talking about moving to another seat in an airport terminal, across your hotel room, or just passing it among your travel companions. If we have any other handle-related nitpicks, it’s that none of them can be used to hang the bag on narrow hooks—the kind you find behind restroom stalls.

On the right side of the Travel Pack 3 is a water bottle pocket that sits flush against the bag. It’s held down by a zipper, another feature carried over from the previous version, which we like. Unzipping reveals the stretchy mesh fabric inside that gives the pocket its expandability. For context, our fairly slender 21-ounce Hydro Flask doesn’t sit all the way down on the non-flat floor, nor is it firmly gripped by the elastic. On the other hand, our wider 32-ounce Nalgene Wide-Mouth fits more snuggly.

Above the water bottle pocket is a D-ring, a carry-over all the way from the original Travel Pack. Fun fact: this was originally intended as an attachment point for a detachable shoulder strap Aer ultimately didn’t implement. The D-ring is still here, though, and you can use it for other purposes like securing the handle of a water bottle or simply hanging accessories like luggage tags and keychains.

Aer made major revisions to the four compression straps, too. We must say these are the most exciting to us because it affects accessibility and ease of packing—two crucial aspects for any travel bag. In the Travel Pack 2, the compression straps went over the zippered openings of the bag; not so for the Travel Pack 3.

There are still four of them: two on each side of the bag. This time, Aer moved the openings further forward so that the straps don’t go over them. Another change is the move to magnetic buckles instead of side release ones. As with the sternum strap, we’re not quite satisfied with these because there are instances where they disengage on their own. However, since there are four of them, and if they’re tightened enough, the issue isn’t catastrophically bad—a minor inconvenience at most. Just be sure you hook any gear to them, as it’ll fall off if they come apart. It’s interesting to note that the Travel Pack 3 Small seems to be less affected by this minor issue, and that may be because that bag tends to be more densely packed than the roomier Travel Pack 3.

One of the main uses of compression straps is turning relatively large travel backpacks into something more daily drivable (i.e., more daypack-like). In this regard, we think the Travel Pack 2’s simpler, more secure compression straps are the better solution (zipper overlap notwithstanding). In contrast, the Travel Pack 3’s larger size and less secure buckles toe the line between daily drivable and strictly travel. If daypack-able is what you’re looking for, it’s definitely worth checking out the easier-to-wield Travel Pack 3 Small instead, or even the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30 —both of which are smaller than the Travel Pack 3.

Inside The Backpack

All of that capacity is put to good use, though. The Travel Pack 3 is packing compartments and pockets—lots of ‘em. We’ve already shown you the water bottle pocket on the right side. In addition to that, there’s also another zippered pocket on the opposite side of the bag.

It’s very stealthy and great for quick-grab items like a passport and wallet. The opening of the pocket itself is fairly shrouded by fabric; you wouldn’t guess a pocket is hiding underneath if not for split in the pack’s material—the telltale sign of a zippered opening. The fabric shroud has enough space underneath to tuck the zipper in, hiding it completely.

Next is the top quick-grab pocket. This is geared more towards fragile or easily scratched items like a smartphone or a pair of sunglasses. Inside, the inner fabric is a soft and thick liner that’s less abrasive than regular polyester lining. The only downside is that the fabric is completely black, so it’s best to avoid putting small accessories like black memory cards in there.

Since the opening uses a self-locking YKK zipper, you can also stash a mid-sized power bank inside and route a charging cable out of it. Simply leave a small hole for the cable and fold down the metal zipper pull so that it stays in place.

If the top and side pockets aren’t enough, there’s still plenty of space inside the front pocket. Its coverage practically spans the entire lower half of the Travel Pack 3’s front, meaning it’s deep enough to stash our folded jacket inside (though this still depends on how packed the main compartment’s pockets are). On the flip side, its depth means that using a pouch is recommended to prevent smaller items from getting mixed up. The only exception are keys since there’s a built-in key clip. We’re happy to report that it’s a solid key clip, too, one that feels way better than the plastic-y ones Aer has included in the past.

Despite the pocket’s depth, access remains quite good. The YKK AquaGuard zipper serves both as a distinguishing visual feature and a water-resistant barrier between the elements and what’s inside. It’s flanked by a pair of nylon tabs, making zipping and unzipping easier, especially when the bag’s tightly packed.

Around the back, the Travel Pack 3 comes with a dedicated tech compartment where you can put your laptop and its accessories. The laptop sleeve fits around our 16-inch MacBook Pro with room to spare. There’s also a false bottom, which is something Aer also added on a second iteration of the Travel Pack 2. However, the laptop sleeve is only raised about an inch from the base of the bag, and we feel this could have been more. The Travel Pack 3 is a relatively large backpack, so we think there’s room for the sleeve to be shifted an inch further upward to add a little extra protection.

There’s also space in the middle if you need to carry a folder of documents around. Near the top of the opening is a zippered pocket for tech accessories. It’s a prime spot to put long laptop charging bricks or a small tech pouch. On the other hand, we use it to stash our packable hat since the pocket is relatively easy to access. Really, with so many pockets in the Travel Pack 3, you’re free to make use of all of them as you see fit.

One neat design element of the Travel Pack 3 is how the upper portion of the tech compartment is wedge-shaped. This allows the back panel to better contour around your upper back and shoulders, most notably when the load lifters are tightened down. It also gives the zippered pocket inside and the top quick grab pocket more space to occupy and minimizes how much they press against each other. You can check out the photo below to get a clearer picture of what we mean.

It’s a very small and subtle attention to detail that really highlights the amount of thought that goes into designing the Travel Pack 3.

The Travel Pack 3’s isn’t out of pockets just yet. At the front is an admin panel that acts as the bag’s secondary main compartment. This is where the bulk of the bag’s organization is allocated. Granted, the pocket layout hasn’t changed much from the Travel Pack 2, but we guarantee you things have been improved.

First, the horseshoe-style opening now goes about an inch lower than the previous version. This keeps items like pouches and organizers more accessible when they’re stuffed into the lowermost area of the compartment. Second, the compartment’s material, stitching, and seams look a lot cleaner. The most noteworthy visual distraction they’ve managed to hide is the piping around the edges. The reinforcement is still there, but it’s now much more integrated and seamless.

There are two liner pockets for items like our MacBook Pro’s charging brick and Magic Keyboard . The row above that is populated by a small mesh pocket in front of two liner pockets flanking a pen/stylus slot. This row is better suited for smaller items we more frequently use, like our AirPods , Magic Mouse 2 , and Field Notes notebook. The topmost zippered pocket is a good storage space for smaller paper documents like tickets, receipts, and travel guides. Behind that is a tablet sleeve that can fit up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro or similarly-sized documents.

There’s a fair amount of room inside this compartment alongside the vast array of pockets. Our key observation here is that despite the number of pockets, it doesn’t feel overwhelming, nor do any of them feel conflicting. We’ve seen bags like CODEOFBELL’s X-CASE where some of the pockets inside are tricky to access because of its design—not the case with the Travel Pack 3. Organization feels just right, with a lot of options offering storage flexibility.

Last but not least is the main compartment. As we mentioned earlier, the compression straps no longer get in the way of the opening because it’s been moved forward. As a result, the sidewalls of the compartment are noticeably higher than the Travel Pack 2’s. In turn, this means packing is made easier because there’s more bucket space to fill up.

It’s the same design most travel backpacks with a similar clamshell-style opening have. The bag’s boxier design fits packing cubes inside like puzzle pieces. While we do favor the use of packing cubes in general, we’d say they’re necessary for the Travel Pack 3. There are no built-in tie-down straps, nor are there any attachment points to add them. Unless you’re packing clothes tightly, chances are they’ll get tossed around if they aren’t secured in smaller pouches. Aer sells their own line of packing cubes and pouches, of which our choice would be the Aer Packing Cubes V2 and Aer Slim Pouch , both of which fit perfectly in the Travel Pack 3’s compartments. That said, there’s nothing proprietary like special magnets and buckles stopping you to find alternatives that fit just as well.

There’s a small and quite hidden pocket for a smart tracker just behind the top pocket’s liner. It’s very easy to miss unless you move the liner out of the way, though that adds to the security. Our Apple AirTag fits the pocket snuggly, and its opening butts up against the bag’s roof (sidewall), so there’s little chance it will fall out. We like this implementation of a smart tracker pocket, and, more importantly, it makes the Travel Pack 3 feel more in line with the times.

There is also a side pocket along the right side where you can hide some important travel documents like valid IDs, membership cards, a passport, transit card, etc. Since the compression straps are no longer in the way, accessing this pocket won’t be as tricky as it was on the Travel Pack 2.

Lastly, on the lid is a zippered mesh pocket. This one’s big and wide enough for clothes like socks or gloves. Alternatively, it can be used as a toiletry pouch in case you don’t use one (though we highly recommend looking into those). Behind the mesh pocket, there’s a hidden compartment about the size of the entire lid. It doesn’t have much space in terms of bulk, though it is gusseted. This is where we put a towel or even some souvenir t-shirts as a surprise for later.

By far, the biggest feature the Travel Pack 3 omits from the Travel Pack 2 is the shoe compartment. There’s also no built-in alternative like underslung straps where you can hang shoes. The good news is that since the Travel Pack 3 has more capacity, the space is still there if you want to pack a pair of shoes—it’s just a matter of using something like a shoe pouch from WANDRD or Peak Design . Word of warning, though: Any odor that may leak will linger within the main compartment.

If you’re currently on the Travel Pack 2 and like its shoe compartment, that’s really the only major step down with the Travel Pack 3. The rest of the bag’s features are a step up in terms of space, organization, and build quality. The experience just feels much more refined—and Aer just set itself a higher bar to hurdle.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Load lifters are back, and you can slip their slack into loops on the shoulder straps
• Side compression straps’ buckles are relatively low-profile
• Smart tracker pocket is right up against the ceiling, so whatever’s inside shouldn’t slip out
• Digging the small improvements from the Aer Travel Pack 2 like the harness system, cleaner construction, and additional secret pockets
• Magnetic compression strap buckles on the sides have come undone on their own—it’s best not to hang items or carabiners from these
• Great organization options with a spacious main compartment and lay-flat admin area for gear
• Top area of the bag requires a bit of packing strategy with all the pocket options available—it’s hard to utilize every pocket at once, but the contour on the back panel does give more space
• We’ve found that loosening the load lifters can help flatten the straps to the bag for storage under plane seats
• AirTag pocket has proven to be set-it-and-forget-it, which is awesome (so long as you don’t accidentally leave it inside!)
• This is our bag of choice for the updated version of our Digital Nomad Packing List

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Review: Aer’s Travel Pack 3 Is a Globetrotter’s Backpack Done Right

By: Tim Huber Published: May 25, 2022

Roughly a decade ago, Allen Choi found himself needing a do-it-all daily use bag that could go straight from home to the office to the gym. Unsatisfied with the available bags on the market, Choi opted to design his own game-changing backpack that was launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 — a project that would ultimately lead to the inception of the Aer brand. Since that time, Aer has steadily introduced an ever-growing and ever-evolving range of ultra-capable bags that are engineered from the ground up for specific uses.

One such item is the San Francisco label’s latest Travel Pack. Keeping in line with the company’s MO, this third-generation bag is highly calculated, crafted from a spare-no-expense array of materials, and loaded with features that were clearly born out of years of real-world experience and daily-field testing — both at home and abroad. And while there’s absolutely no denying the high-end nature or premium quality of the bag, it can still be difficult to judge whether or not the backpack’s features and construction justify its $249 MSRP. So, with this in mind, we’ve opted to explore the latest version of this purpose-built travel pack firsthand, putting its features and build quality to the test in this hands-on review of the Aer Travel Pack 3.

VIDEO REVIEW: AER TRAVEL PACK 3

To get a better idea of what kind of utility this bag offers, have a look at our Aer Travel Pack 3 video review .

Aer Travel Pack History

Three Generations Of Perfecting Travel Packs

Meticulously developed to be something of the ultimate travel bag, the original first-generation Aer Travel Pack first debuted in 2017. Also launched via a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign, this initial model would eventually be phased out in favor of the even more capable Travel Pack 2 in late 2018. Fast forward to 2022, and after hundreds — if not thousands — of feedback notes from the public, and tens of thousands of miles of international globetrotting, Aer has finally debuted the highly-anticipated successor to its second-gen model with the heavily-revised Travel Pack 3.

First Impressions

Surface-Level Observations

Right out of the box, Aer’s third-generation Travel Pack boasts a premium quality that the user can easily feel, looking even more attractive and well-built in person with its subtle waterproof zippers , ample reinforcements, blacked-out hardware, and ballistic-grade weaved construction. Aesthetically, the backpack sports an incredibly minimalistic design that’s made all the more impressive by how thoroughly utilitarian it manages to be.

And, while it’s abundantly clear that every element of this bag has been thoroughly considered and streamlined, with an inherent purpose behind each feature, its bevy of zipper tracks can be a little confusing at first — though this issue quickly goes away after becoming better acquainted with the bag over the first day or two of use/ownership.

Quality Constructions

Only The Best Materials

Like its predecessor, the Aer Travel Pack 3 features a shell that’s crafted from insanely-rugged 1,680-denier CORDURA . This bluesign-approved, ballistic-grade exterior has been matched by an array of equally premium components such as Duraflex hardware, Hypalon label tags, and waterproof YKK zippers equipped with Hypalon and custom Aer-branded pulls. The backpack’s main compartment has also been treated to a smooth ripstop liner while its dedicated electronics and tech compartments (i.e. the bag’s laptop sleeve and smartphone pocket) have been treated to thick padding trimmed in ultra-soft fleece linings. Sitting beneath a plush, breathable, foam-lined back panel is an internal frame sheet. This internal frame chassis system provides the bag with a semi-rigid structure, enabling it to stand up on its own when packed while also affording additional support.

Third-Generation Design

Third Time's A Charm

Though the newest version of the Travel Pack looks remarkably similar to its first- and second-generation predecessors, the backpack has actually been bestowed with a slew of tweaks and updates that make for an even more capable travel bag. Hugely benefitting from ample customer feedback as well as Aer’s own field-testing, the Travel Pack 3 retains the previous gens’ Lay-flat main compartment, though loses its dedicated shoe compartment. Other revisions include an improved compression design, the addition of all-new load lifters that bolster comfort and fit, and a hidden smart tracker pocket for accommodating Apple AirTags, Tiles, or other smart tracking devices.

And, while it still measures 21.5” in length, the bag’s width has been shortened by half an inch (down to 13” from 13.5”) and its depth has increased by the same amount (going from the 8.5” to 9”). These revised dimensions also result in more volume, with the Travel Pack 3 boasting 35 liters of real estate versus the 2’s 33 liters. The gen-three is also slightly heavier, now tipping the scales at 4.2lbs — up from 3.7.

External Design & Equipment

Minimalist Yet Complex

Despite its incredibly spartan exterior design, the outside of the Track Pack 3’s shell actually packs a surprising amount of attachment points and cleverly-integrated features. This includes a pair of D-rings supplemented by a series of loops on the backpack’s two shoulder straps, a luggage handle pass-through, an integrated zippered expandable water bottle sleeve, and a redesigned compression strap setup that sees the gen-two bag’s plastic buckles jettisoned in favor of FIDLOCK-style magnetic fasteners. This same magnetic coupling fastener is also used to secure the sternum strap that connects the two shoulder straps. There are also heavily-reinforced grab handles at the top of the bag and on either side, as well as an additional grab handle tucked into the back panel between its padding. Lastly, Aer also produces a removable hip belt with built-in zippered pockets — though this item is sold separately.

Internal Storage & Organization

It's What's On The Inside That Counts

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 has been further streamlined for easy one-bag travel. Carry-on-friendly , this backpack features a luggage-style lay-flat main compartment that sits beneath a front secondary compartment that’s outfitted with a generous bevy of organizers, sleeves, and zippered compartments — both of which are secured via lockable waterproof zippers.

Also designed with ample versatility in mind, the third-gen Travel Pack sports a plethora of supplementary pockets and compartments such as a padded and suspended laptop sleeve that can simultaneously accommodate a smart tablet and a notebook of up to 16”, and a padded and fleece-lined easy-access smartphone pocket. Opposite the bag’s expandable water bottle pocket is yet another quick-access pocket, meant for storing passports, wallets, and other small essentials.

Final Thoughts On A Brilliant Pack

Overall, after the time we spent putting this bag through its paces, we went from liking Aer’s latest Travel Pack to loving it. While building on an already industry-leading design is admittedly a monumental task, Choi and the rest of the team over at Aer have managed to do exactly that. A wonderful blend of minimalist form meeting highly-utilitarian function, the newest iteration of this backpack boasts a myriad of incredibly intuitive features that were very clearly derived from real-world travel experience. And, while we honestly have absolutely no idea how Aer will do it, the continued evolution of this award-winning bag makes us extremely excited to eventually get our hands on the inevitable fourth generation of the Travel Pack.

Purchase: $249

The 15 Best Travel Backpacks

While Aer’s third-generation Travel Pack is undeniably one of the very finest travel-specific bags that money can buy, there are other options in this space that are worthy of your consideration. To help shine a light on the latest and greatest the industry has to offer, we’ve handpicked this curated list of the best travel backpacks .

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Aer travel pack 3 review.

Mar 22nd, 2022

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Please read the Aer Travel Pack 2 Review if you haven't already.

• Price $249 on aersf.com
• Dimensions  13″ (w) x 21.5″ (h) x 9″ (d) / 330mm (w) x 550mm (h) x 215mm (d)
• Weight  1905 g / 4 lb 2 oz
• Material  1680D CORDURA®  ballistic nylon  exterior
• Volume  35 liters

On several occasions, I have reviewed various iterations of the same bags. They give me a chance to see the evolution of not just a product but the way a brand thinks. Like how the TOM BIHN Synapse upgraded to the TOM BIHN Synik for digital nomads. Or the TOM BIHN Aeronaut to the TOM BIHN Techonaut .

Many backpacks get upgrades to get with the times and to keep up with or beat the competition, Aer is no different.

But unlike the TOM BIHN Synapse , the Aer Travel Pack 2 was already designed with the digital nomad in mind. With sleek aesthetics and functional pockets for tech accessories, the Aer Travel Pack 2 , along with similarly sleek packs like the Able Carry Max , is one of my favorite backpacks for indefinite travel.

When I heard that they would release the Travel Pack 3 , I was puzzled. What could they possibly improve from version 2? But if you know anything about Aer, it's their relentless pursuit of perfection that has found their way into my heart.

My expectations with Aer's products are usually sky high, and I am rarely disappointed. While I don't think this time will be any different, it is interesting to see how Aer can top an already perfect backpack.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 , as the name suggests and its predecessors show, is designed for travelers. Not just any traveler, but those who embrace the one-bag lifestyle, traveling indefinitely with just a single backpack.

As a hardcore one-bagger myself, I know what I'm looking for in a backpack like this.

When I travel, I want to attract as little attention as possible. I often leave my pricier accessories, such as my wedding ring, behind and dress down. At the same time, meeting new people during travel is part of the experience, and I want to look presentable and represent myself well.

For a backpack to achieve the above, it should look sleek but not flashy. It should be large enough to hold what I need it to, but not too large that it makes it too obvious that I am traveling.

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But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.

or buy me coffee

Aer has always been a master of designing stealthy, sleek backpacks. Aer has got to be in my top three when it comes to product aesthetics. The other two would probably be Able Carry and Black Ember. The Travel Pack comes with minimal branding, a small tag on the shoulder strap, and a larger one on the side.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 comes in black, gray, and X-Pac. Since I already own the Travel Pack 2 in black, I went for that X-Pac version that comes with a subtle criss-cross pattern, a trademark of the X-Pac material.

Apart from the patterns, the biggest aesthetical difference that comes with the X-Pac is the orange interiors. The color does make it easier to spot the stuff I am reaching for, but the black version offers a gray interior that attracts less attention.

Some backpacks can be too large and lack structure, such as the TOM BIHN Techonaut . The Travel Pack has the right balance of size and structure, which helps me look clean and proper. The structure and support are thanks to the internal framesheet and the robust internal organization.

I have no problem carrying the Travel Pack 3 as an everyday carry, but with some luxury of space, I would likely pack a TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack or Tortuga Prelude Daypack as a daily carry.

While it looks fine on my 6 ft frame, those who find it too bulky can opt for the small version of the bag, new with this version.

If you are an owner of the Travel Pack or any Aer product, you'll find the style familiar. It's what Aer is known for and probably one of the biggest reasons to choose the Travel Pack 3 .

The main material of the bag is 1680D CORDURA®  ballistic nylon  exterior. As a reader of this blog, you must be already familiar with the wonders of CORDURA® and why so many brands use it.

I designed a thing.

I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.

or read review

If you don't, let me break it down real quick.

CORDURA® is a fabric brand, similar to names like  GORETEX  or Polartec. They are maybe one of the most used fabrics for high-quality bags. Some brands, like the military-influenced GORUCK, even use CORDURA® exclusively.

On the other hand, Ballistic nylon is a type of fabric that was originally developed for military body armor. The word “ballistic” gained popularity because the military used the fabric for anti-fragmentation ballistic jackets during the Vietnam war, where layers upon layers of the fabric were laminated on top of each other to be durable enough to withstand exploding metal, yet at the same time remain flexible for wear.

CORDURA® Ballistic fabrics are made with high tenacity nylon 6,6 filament yarns to be dense and rugged to offer enhanced tear and abrasion resistance.

The 1680d refers to the denier count. This bag has one of the highest denier counts I've seen. Even the  GORUCK GR1 , that design was based on special operations needs, only has 1000d.

You want to note that a higher denier count does not necessarily mean a stronger fabric. It simply refers to the weight of the fabric.

If you want to know if a fabric is stronger, you should look at the “tenacity” or stretch per denier, breaking strength (tenacity x denier), and toughness of a fabric.

This is because stretch and abrasion resistance is mainly attained through molecular manipulation and how a piece of fabric is stretched, spun, or woven.

You also want to note that there is a difference between CORDURA®  ballistic nylon  and regular CORDURA® nylon (which  GORUCK  uses). Generally speaking,  ballistic nylon  weighs more but is stronger and has better tear resistance.

Nylon looks more like canvas, while  ballistic nylon  is a little shiny and has larger weaves.

One brand has a sole monopoly for zippers at this grade of backpacks when it comes to zippers. You guessed it; it's the almighty YKK. You want to note that only the laptop compartment has YKK® AquaGuard® zippers, which gives your $3000 laptop extra protection from the elements.

You can find Duraflex plastic hardware throughout the bag, such as in a D-ring for you to hang things off.

While materials have largely stayed the same as their predecessor, I noticed an upgrade of the compression straps clasps to Fidlock type clasps.

Usage: Aer Travel Pack 2 and Aer Travel Pack 3 Organization & Feature Comparison

The Travel Pack 2 and 3 are very similar packs. You'll find the experience very similar, and I would encourage you to read my review on the Travel Pack 2 if you haven't already.

In this section, I will be going through each feature again but focus more on the upgrades from version 2 and how it affects the experience.

Top Quick Access

A standard small pocket that you can access from the top. This pocket is pretty standard and can be found on most of Aer's backpacks. I keep smaller things, like AirPods or keys, that I access often.

Upgraded from version 2, this pocket is padded and felt-lined in the Travel Pack 3 . You'll feel safe having electronics that might scratch easily here.

If you don't have anything that scratches easily, then you might find this a downgrade, since the padding will cause the pocket to take up more space in the main compartment. I am in this camp, although I don't particularly mind it since the extra space it takes up is neglible.

The zipper in version 3 is also smaller and more subtle.

Front Quick Access

Like its predecessors, version 3 comes with a single zip across the middle of the front. The compartment is non-3D that takes up the bottom half of the bag. I usually have quick-access, non-valuables here, such as a portable fan from MUJI or any loose pieces of rubbish in rubbish bin sparse Japan.

If I'm a pickpocket, this pocket would be, without a doubt, the easiest target for me.

Smart Organization Compartment

The first zipper on the top nearest to you will reveal a compartment full of in-built organization. The organization is almost the same as the Travel Pack 2, except for one small, but very welcomed difference; the two pen slots have been merged into one.

While I bring along my NOMAD Pen when I travel just so that I don't have to fight for shared pens at customs, I rarely bring a pen for any other occasion. Pen slots are so narrow that you usually won't be able to use them for any other purposes. This slightly wider slot is still narrow enough to hold a pen but wide enough to accommodate something like a flashlight.

Some might organize their tech accessories into these slots. The slots are relatively wide to fit a variety of accessories, such as a Magic Mouse or AirPods Pro , but not too baggy that the accessories will move around excessively in them.

I use the Aer Slim Pouch for my tech accessories since I often switch bags. I put the pouch at the bottom of this compartment and filled the slots with my passport, portable utensils set, and flashlight, like the Nitecore MH11 .

Main Compartment

The main compartment isn't anything to shout about, but the way it is accessed in the Travel Pack 3 is nothing short of revolutionary. I've always been a fan of compression straps on one-bagging backpacks since they let you make the backpack less bulky for everyday carry.

The big issue with compression straps is that they hinder the zippers of the main compartment, like on the GORUCK GR3 and the Aer Travel Pack 2 . The Aer Travel Pack 3 has compression straps between the zippers, so you don't have to undo them to unzip.

There is a mesh zippered pocket on the inside of this compartment.

No more shoe compartment

One compartment that went away was the shoe compartment. It was a compartment, accessible from the bottom, that could fit up to size 13 shoes. The compartment separated your dirty shoes from the clean clothing in the main compartment.

I agree that it wasn't necessary.

Most one baggers would bring a pair of shoes and a pair of open footwear, like the Xero Shoes Z-Trek . Because shoes take up quite a bit of space, I usually wear them when I fly and change out to a pair of sandals after check-in. For my sandals, I would keep them into a TOM BIHN Stuff Sack . It gave me more versatility in packing, rather than an in-built organization that takes up more space than I need. For a one-bagger, every bit of space counts.

Laptop Compartment

In this digital age, multiple devices are the norm, allowing you to bring along a laptop and a tablet. Aer knows this and added a slot in here, something that was not in version 2. The slot is padded, so you won't have to worry about your devices rubbing against each other as you are on the move.

While I would only bring a single laptop, the slot helped when I had documents that I needed to carry along. I am allergic to paper, but it's hard to escape them living in Japan.

Another difference I noticed was that the zippers opened less on the Travel Pack 3 than version 2. In version 2, you could open it down half the bag, while in version 3, the zippers go down to about a quarter down the side.

I thought a quarter was just right for you to reach into the compartment and would prevent users from mindlessly and unnecessarily opening it all the way, wasting that wee bit of time.

There is a hidden padded pocket in here that I nearly missed. It's great for cables and chargers, like the Satechi Wall Chargers , that you need to pull out with your laptop.

Update: Brought it to Seoul with two 16-inch Macbook Pro in the Aer Tech Folio and was able to fit with no problem. It was a little tight trying to pull it out, but bearable.

Load-Lifting Shoulder Straps

Perhaps the biggest and most obvious upgrade is the all-new load-lifting shoulder straps. These straps are adjustable from straps on the top of the bag. They rebalance the backpack according to the length of your back and the amount of weight you are holding. You just kinda pull both of it while you have it on till you feel comfortable.

The last backpack I reviewed with this feature was the Tortuga Prelude Backpack , and I can say it is something I would look for in a one-bagging backpack.

Like the compression straps clasp, the sternum strap clasp has been upgraded to Fidlock.

The Travel Pack 2 from Aer has long been one of my favorite bags for one bagging. The Travel Pack 3 elevated that experience with a few upgrades like load-lifting shoulder straps and compression straps that don't hinder access to the main compartments.

While the upgrades are excellent, I personally wouldn't get a Travel Pack 3 if I already have a Travel Pack 2. Aer has probably shot themselves in the foot by making the Travel Pack 2 so awesome that it would be hard to justify $249 for version 3.

If you never had a travel backpack from Aer, then the Aer Travel Pack 3 is the one for you. It is $19 more expensive than version 2, but the upgrades are well worth it.

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Tagged aer backpack bag ballistic nylon cordura fidlock review water-resistant x-pac

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thanks for your review. what are your thoughts on the 1680d ballistic nylon of the tp2 versus the xpac42 of the tp3?

In practical terms like abrasion and durability, you will likely not be able to feel any difference between the two. However, X-Pac just looks a bit more premium with the criss-cross pattern. Honestly, I would choose the one the looks the best to me, which is X-Pac in this case.

Strange you do not mentioned nothing about weight of the pack. For this capacity this is quite heavy pack.

I am curious between this Travel Pack 3 versus the Able Carry Max on which you prefer.

Difficult one. The ultimate differentiator for me is that if I need to pack more, I go for the TP3. If not, Able Carry Max. Despite being almost the same capacity, Able Carry has most of its organization internalized, so there is really less space than you think it has.

Hi alex, do you think it could fit a 17 inch laptop in the compartment with the false bottom? Not too many packs can fit my laptop. I’m wondering if this one can

I am pretty sure it can, although I can’t guarantee it since I don’t have a 17-inch laptop to try. Best to check with Aer.

Hi Alex, do you think it would be appropriate to use it as an EDC for a guy who is 6’4 ? On a mission to hunt for something to use it for both short trips and EDC.

I think it is possible, although I personally prefer smaller packs for EDC. You can also try the Able Carry Max , which is more compact and great for short trips.

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Travel Pack 3

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The carry-on travel backpack that keeps you moving

The Travel Pack 3 is a versatile carry-on backpack designed for traveling smart. It features a streamlined design and smart organization so you can skip the baggage carousel and stay on the go. Move Smarter™.

Product Details

• 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign® approved)

• YKK® zippers

• Duraflex® plastic hardware

• Padded, suspended laptop pocket with soft lining (fits up to 16" laptop) 

• Lay-flat main compartment for spacious storage and easy packing

• Compression straps with magnetic fasteners for stability and security

• Quick-access top and side pockets for small valuables

• Load lifters for support and comfort

• Handles on all sides for versatile carrying

• Expandable water bottle pocket

• Hidden smart tracker pocket

• Internal framesheet provides structure and support

• Attachment points for a removable hip belt (sold separately)

• Luggage handle pass-through

• Lockable zippers for additional security

Length: 21.5" (54.5 cm)

Width: 13" (33 cm)

Depth: 9" (21.5 cm)

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