I had ordered the Travel pack 3 earlier this year then cancelled because I’m not as tall as Tom and the 35L capacity did seem slightly overkill. I live in India and domestic flights can get quite finicky with the size of your carryon. This video convinced me to get the Travel pack 3 small. Thanks Aer for making a variety of products that fit different people’s needs. Huge thumbs! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I like seeing a woman review this because I’m shorter and smaller and can get overwhelmed by giant backpacks. It’s easier to see if this is a good fit for me.
I've been using the TP2S for the last 2 years and been using it literally everyday and loving it. I was so upset when I broke the laptop zipper. The top small zipper compartment was filled with too heavy of items, so when the laptop zipper was open, the top part of the bag sagged. When I pulled the laptop zipper to close it, it twisted and caught inner fabric and some part of the zipper track got unthreaded. I contacted Aer, unfortunately they couldn't replace my bag coz I bought it from unauthorized dealer in Malaysia. They're kind enough to give me 50% discount tho, which I haven't use. Maybe it's time to use it..
Hi Pack Hacker, I watched your Aer reviews so many times before purchasing. I just got the TP3 Small and I would do anything to swap it for Flight Pack 3. (I can't return and exchange it because I had it shipped here in Asia.) TP3 is way too heavy and bulky for a small body frame (about 5") like mine. I bought it to be my carry on for int'l trip. But it seems I won't be able to use it. Because the carry on limit is 7kg and TP3 when loaded by a 13" laptop, few tech accessories, and personal items, reached about 9kg. Sure, it can fit a lot of stuff and the quality is undeniably superb. The main downside is the weight. The compression straps doesn't do much even though only few and light items are loaded in the main compartment.
Great, I‘m 155cm long (5‘1‘‘ if I converted it right :) ..I was so unsure with which size I should go, but I think the normal one would be way too big for me. I like how this bag is fitting you, on me it is going to be a bit bigger, but still better then the normal one. It’s really hard to find reviews with women, so thanks a lot for this review, it helped me a lot!
The bag looks great with all of it's features, but as everyone else has stated, the weight is it's greatest issue. Aer should go in the direction of Tom Bihn where they use 400d/200, 525d/200, or 1200d/200 to cut down on weight. 1680D/liner is honestly overkill. and adds so much weight to the bag. It seems like not enough people complained about the weight of the TP2.
@@gundam0816 It's not so much physically lifting the bag (you'll get used to an extra weight); the main issue is traveling on airlines which impose strict weight limits (ie 7kg for carry-on luggage). Heavier bag = less gear you can take on your trip.
Love these new Aer Travel Packs, really liked the comparison! You can really see the difference in shape and the aer travel pack 3 seems to be a little shorter!
When you grab the pack with the top handle, do you feel that “wrapping material” around the handle tends to “overfit” the handle, thus creating a flimsy feeling when grabbing? I think AER used excessive wrapping nylon around the top handle, hence the flimsy feeling.
Interesting! i'm just surprised that this scored lower than the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L - with both bags being hybrid EDC Travel bags, i feel that this bag is more thoughtful with EDC features (esp in the second compartment) and organization
Well, it’s a dead heat between your review here and Tom’s review of the full-sized Travel Pack 3. He had a real AirTag in the hidden AirTag pocket, but you had a real pen in the pen slot, so…. It’s a tie! 😉
is the luggage passthrough bigger on the Aer travel pack 3 small than the Aer travel pack 2 small? how many cm long is it? (the luggage passthrough for my Aer fit pack is 22.5 cm and just barely squeezes over my travel pro luggage handle but it is so fiddly and annoying to hold up the bag with one hand while trying to stretch the luggage passthrough with my other hand over the handle after emerging from the metal detector line at the airport with not much space to stand and a bunch of people in line behind me trying to get their things off the conveyor and get out etc...)
It would have been helpful to add the size and weight comparisons between the two and also a discussion about fitting under an airline seat. The latest is heavier at 3.9 lbs vs 3.3 lbs for the 2 small and the 2 looks larger in your video. I’m looking for the largest capacity pack to fit under an airline seat and there are no videos about this. I think this will work. Thanks for a fine review!
Great review!I would've like to see you pack the bag up. I'd just like to visualize how you're describing the items that you would put in the bag. Otherwise, thanks for the walk through!
I just saw the travel pack 2 small almost new for $150 in the gray color. Do you guys think the travel pack 3 small may be a better option for the extra $70-100?🤔
Awesome review! Can you please tell me how big in terms of inches is the opening of the side packet (opposite of the water bottle packet). Thank you and more power to you!
Would this bag be too much for everyday use? Ideally seeking a bag I can use also as a personal bad when traveling. Stuck between this and the City Pack Pro
It is a burly boxy bag. As a personal, on paper, no. But I’ve read some people get away with it storing under a seat. City pack pro would definitely fit. Main gripe is if you overpack then main compartment, it eats up into the admin pocket and outside pocket.
I believe that the specs for both the full-size Travel Pack 3 and this Small version are incorrect on Aer’s website. For example, 1.9 kg is listed as the weight of all the different versions of both size bags, which obviously can’t be true. That said, it’s not a lightweight backpack for its capacity, even in VX42
@@DeeEllEff i checked wirh AER and they told me weight between different materials is almost the same and reason they set same numbers on spec chart for xpac / ballistic version.
I understand you feeling, but let me tell you, I have the Travel Pack 2 Small for more than 2 years. And, from the videos I've been watching, I think I prefer it! :) it's a great bag, you'll love it!
How tall is the water bottle pocket? My last AER bag... the bottle would fall out when it was on top of my carry on luggage because it was so loose and short.
Any comments on 1680D cordura vs xpac? Should I just get the cordura and buy a raincover? Will be using this as EDC in a Southeast Asian country and for travel to mostly US and Europe. Thanks!
Great review. Is this backpack and the larger sized too big a an additional carry on item for a plane. In other words, can it fit under the seat in front of you?
Literally was about to hit "submit" to purchase this bag. I love the look and the orange on the Xpac. I generally travel with the Away "bigger" carry-on, plus a backpack (personal item). My old backpack zippers broke so I was in the market for a new one. Honestly, the water bottle pocket on this is sort of a deal breaker for me. The fact that it only holds an 18oz bottle comfortably is pretty lame. I have a 40oz Hydroflask and based on the vids I've seen I doubt it would fit. I know it's not important for everyone, but that's unfortunate. I'd be tempted to order one with a possible plan to return it if they didn't charge you $10 for the return hah.
Hey guys love this pack. I’m in-between this one and the city pack pro. I will be using the bag mainly for daily carry for going to work and will frequently want to bring a change of clothes and shoes for the gym as well. But I do also like the idea of being able to use this for a weekend trip (which however doesn’t happen all that frequently). Is this size overkill, and should I go with the CPP. And how much of a size difference are the four liters really? I’m a tall guy 6.3 so I think this shouldn’t look too bully on me for edc. Cheer guys!
Recommendation to try more than one water bottle for the pocket, not everyone will use an 18oz, which is on the smaller side. If anything, fit the biggest bottle you can, then smaller bottle owners will know whatever is smaller than that will fit. I don't know if my 32 oz Nalgene will fit compared to an 18 oz.
For those who complain about the weight really don't understand how a travel bag works or it's intended use. If you want something light use a plastic bag.
Yes sir! I really appreciate it it's still the highlight of my year I've never won anything... As a disabled veteran getting a win like that really makes a person feel special... Thanks to all of the amazing team at Pack Hacker
It depends on the airline! Those with larger under-seat compartments should fit, but those with smaller bins may not. Most airlines have this listed online so that you can check! -Eric
Looking forward to 4th iteration of this design. I really hope AER brings back useful compression straps on both sides. With TP3's magnetic lock and very short straps, you can't even buckle in lightweight tripods or thin yoga mats using the straps! That's a wasted functionality in my opinion, especially when you use the bag as single carry on during travels. I guess we can't ask them to replace the ballistic nylon material they use in their OG lineups, but I think higher pricing on the XPAC editions deter potential customers for there are cheaper options from other brands with the same tech/materials used. I also hope they rethink the pricing for the XPAC editions because I think many would pick it up for it is lighter than the ballistic nylon versions.
Hi! I'm from Portugal and back in 2020 I bought my Travel Pack 2 Small from London Undercover, an authorized dealer from the UK (it is mentioned in Aer website in the stockists section). I've checked their website and the small versions are out of stock, but keep an eye on it! :)
@@Alex-bu6xi thank you very much! Yeah I checked london uncover all of aer latest products are out of stock. I emailed them and they don't see stock coming for a while 😅. Hopefully I can get aer 4 version since I know of the store just to make sure I buy before they all go again
I had ordered the Travel pack 3 earlier this year then cancelled because I’m not as tall as Tom and the 35L capacity did seem slightly overkill. I live in India and domestic flights can get quite finicky with the size of your carryon. This video convinced me to get the Travel pack 3 small. Thanks Aer for making a variety of products that fit different people’s needs. Huge thumbs! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for sharing, Sam! Let us know how you like it 😃
-Eric
I like seeing a woman review this because I’m shorter and smaller and can get overwhelmed by giant backpacks. It’s easier to see if this is a good fit for me.
Glad you enjoyed the review, Michael!
- Austin
Grow up dude 😎
@@k.o.t.o.n. grow up because I like to see smaller petite people demonstrating a backpack? Also I ended up buying it after watching this video haha
@@animegirl20 it was a joke 🤣
@@k.o.t.o.n. 🤔🥶🥶
I've been using the TP2S for the last 2 years and been using it literally everyday and loving it. I was so upset when I broke the laptop zipper. The top small zipper compartment was filled with too heavy of items, so when the laptop zipper was open, the top part of the bag sagged. When I pulled the laptop zipper to close it, it twisted and caught inner fabric and some part of the zipper track got unthreaded. I contacted Aer, unfortunately they couldn't replace my bag coz I bought it from unauthorized dealer in Malaysia. They're kind enough to give me 50% discount tho, which I haven't use. Maybe it's time to use it..
If you never used the discount, I could take it off your hands :p
This is by far the best review I've seen of this pack! Well done.
Thanks for watching! 😃
Hi Pack Hacker, I watched your Aer reviews so many times before purchasing. I just got the TP3 Small and I would do anything to swap it for Flight Pack 3. (I can't return and exchange it because I had it shipped here in Asia.)
TP3 is way too heavy and bulky for a small body frame (about 5") like mine.
I bought it to be my carry on for int'l trip. But it seems I won't be able to use it. Because the carry on limit is 7kg and TP3 when loaded by a 13" laptop, few tech accessories, and personal items, reached about 9kg.
Sure, it can fit a lot of stuff and the quality is undeniably superb. The main downside is the weight. The compression straps doesn't do much even though only few and light items are loaded in the main compartment.
So is it bulky for my daughter who is about your height? Is this too big for school?
@@jcap8391yeah it’s pretty bulky. Try for the aer city pack or city pack pro
@@jcap8391 too big, i am 182cm and 78-82kg and consider CPP more than this, 500gram weight difference, for school i think its the safe spot
what airline were u using?
Great, I‘m 155cm long (5‘1‘‘ if I converted it right :) ..I was so unsure with which size I should go, but I think the normal one would be way too big for me. I like how this bag is fitting you, on me it is going to be a bit bigger, but still better then the normal one. It’s really hard to find reviews with women, so thanks a lot for this review, it helped me a lot!
Thanks for watching, Marina! We’re glad it was helpful 😃
The bag looks great with all of it's features, but as everyone else has stated, the weight is it's greatest issue. Aer should go in the direction of Tom Bihn where they use 400d/200, 525d/200, or 1200d/200 to cut down on weight. 1680D/liner is honestly overkill. and adds so much weight to the bag.
It seems like not enough people complained about the weight of the TP2.
But 1680D is what Aer is known for…
lift some weights bro, it ain't that heavy.... 🤣🤣🤣
@@gundam0816 It's not so much physically lifting the bag (you'll get used to an extra weight); the main issue is traveling on airlines which impose strict weight limits (ie 7kg for carry-on luggage). Heavier bag = less gear you can take on your trip.
Love these new Aer Travel Packs, really liked the comparison! You can really see the difference in shape and the aer travel pack 3 seems to be a little shorter!
Thanks for watching!
- Austin
When you grab the pack with the top handle, do you feel that “wrapping material” around the handle tends to “overfit” the handle, thus creating a flimsy feeling when grabbing? I think AER used excessive wrapping nylon around the top handle, hence the flimsy feeling.
Interesting! i'm just surprised that this scored lower than the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L - with both bags being hybrid EDC Travel bags, i feel that this bag is more thoughtful with EDC features (esp in the second compartment) and organization
And load lifters! That’s the big one for me.
Well, it’s a dead heat between your review here and Tom’s review of the full-sized Travel Pack 3. He had a real AirTag in the hidden AirTag pocket, but you had a real pen in the pen slot, so…. It’s a tie! 😉
😂😂😂
is the luggage passthrough bigger on the Aer travel pack 3 small than the Aer travel pack 2 small? how many cm long is it? (the luggage passthrough for my Aer fit pack is 22.5 cm and just barely squeezes over my travel pro luggage handle but it is so fiddly and annoying to hold up the bag with one hand while trying to stretch the luggage passthrough with my other hand over the handle after emerging from the metal detector line at the airport with not much space to stand and a bunch of people in line behind me trying to get their things off the conveyor and get out etc...)
Great Video! Does the bag stand up ok when it is packed out?
It would have been helpful to add the size and weight comparisons between the two and also a discussion about fitting under an airline seat. The latest is heavier at 3.9 lbs vs 3.3 lbs for the 2 small and the 2 looks larger in your video. I’m looking for the largest capacity pack to fit under an airline seat and there are no videos about this. I think this will work. Thanks for a fine review!
Thanks for your kind words 😃 We’ll see you in the next one!
-Eric
Great review!I would've like to see you pack the bag up. I'd just like to visualize how you're describing the items that you would put in the bag. Otherwise, thanks for the walk through!
Thanks for checking it out 😃
-Eric
I just saw the travel pack 2 small almost new for $150 in the gray color. Do you guys think the travel pack 3 small may be a better option for the extra $70-100?🤔
Between this and the Bellroy Transit Backpack, of 28 L, which do you prefer? And do they really have the same capacity?
Love your reviews always😊the nitpicky things are the most subtle but important to quality of life
Awesome review! Can you please tell me how big in terms of inches is the opening of the side packet (opposite of the water bottle packet). Thank you and more power to you!
Have you guys reviewed the xpac travel pack 3? I'd like to know how the xpac material holds up over time.
Would this bag be too much for everyday use? Ideally seeking a bag I can use also as a personal bad when traveling. Stuck between this and the City Pack Pro
It is a burly boxy bag. As a personal, on paper, no. But I’ve read some people get away with it storing under a seat. City pack pro would definitely fit. Main gripe is if you overpack then main compartment, it eats up into the admin pocket and outside pocket.
The only gripe i have and reason i will not buy this bag is total weight. It is crazy 1,9kg for empty bag.
its such a good looking bag and i find this version perfect for my needs... but i cannot and will never get a bag this heavy.
I believe that the specs for both the full-size Travel Pack 3 and this Small version are incorrect on Aer’s website. For example, 1.9 kg is listed as the weight of all the different versions of both size bags, which obviously can’t be true. That said, it’s not a lightweight backpack for its capacity, even in VX42
@@DeeEllEff i checked wirh AER and they told me weight between different materials is almost the same and reason they set same numbers on spec chart for xpac / ballistic version.
Thanks for sharing this insight!
- Austin
The larger front panel side zipper pocket of the main compartment is a good spot for storing the removable waist pads.
I just got the Travel Pack 2 Small last month. Wish I held off for this one :(
I understand you feeling, but let me tell you, I have the Travel Pack 2 Small for more than 2 years. And, from the videos I've been watching, I think I prefer it! :) it's a great bag, you'll love it!
@@Alex-bu6xi :) Wish it had a side pocket, but otherwise love it!
Does it look too big for a 5'6" foot tall guy? I'm planning to buy this backpack but still in doubt. Please reply. Thanks
Can this fit under the airplane seat?
From what I heard, you can take this on the airplane as a personal item? Not a carry on?
How tall is the water bottle pocket? My last AER bag... the bottle would fall out when it was on top of my carry on luggage because it was so loose and short.
Any comments on 1680D cordura vs xpac? Should I just get the cordura and buy a raincover? Will be using this as EDC in a Southeast Asian country and for travel to mostly US and Europe. Thanks!
Thanks for a thorough review. I think the TP3 would be a better fit for my smaller frame since it has the adjustment.
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
Great review. Is this backpack and the larger sized too big a an additional carry on item for a plane. In other words, can it fit under the seat in front of you?
I am curious about the same question
On paper no, it’s a tad bit too big. But I’ve heard pple get away with it
What packing cube volume combos work efficiently with this bag's main compartment?
Great review! Can we fit macbook 16 into this bag?
Yep - we tested with a 16" MacBook Pro!
- Austin
Literally was about to hit "submit" to purchase this bag. I love the look and the orange on the Xpac. I generally travel with the Away "bigger" carry-on, plus a backpack (personal item). My old backpack zippers broke so I was in the market for a new one.
Honestly, the water bottle pocket on this is sort of a deal breaker for me. The fact that it only holds an 18oz bottle comfortably is pretty lame. I have a 40oz Hydroflask and based on the vids I've seen I doubt it would fit. I know it's not important for everyone, but that's unfortunate. I'd be tempted to order one with a possible plan to return it if they didn't charge you $10 for the return hah.
how does this compare to the goruck gr1? what would be better as a edc/ travel hybrid
Hey guys love this pack. I’m in-between this one and the city pack pro. I will be using the bag mainly for daily carry for going to work and will frequently want to bring a change of clothes and shoes for the gym as well. But I do also like the idea of being able to use this for a weekend trip (which however doesn’t happen all that frequently). Is this size overkill, and should I go with the CPP. And how much of a size difference are the four liters really? I’m a tall guy 6.3 so I think this shouldn’t look too bully on me for edc. Cheer guys!
Almost same question I had! If you already bought it, did it work?
Can’t you just undo the magnetic clip from those straps and swap them out to the regular clip style ones?
Yes, but it wouldn’t be terribly easy to do!
-Eric
Any idea what the volume is with the compression straps cinched all the way down?
What’s your size? I’m petite and it would be helpful to know your height and shirt size.
Recommendation to try more than one water bottle for the pocket, not everyone will use an 18oz, which is on the smaller side. If anything, fit the biggest bottle you can, then smaller bottle owners will know whatever is smaller than that will fit. I don't know if my 32 oz Nalgene will fit compared to an 18 oz.
Thanks for the feedback!
- Austin
Love the informational videos. Do you ever pack the ENTIRE bag with clothes, etc for greater perspective for future buyers?
How might the Peak Design Medium cube fit in this?
Im a male who is 5”7-5”7.5 would the Aer travel pack 3 small be perfect for me?
I’m the same height. I have one and it is a bulky pack but I personally don’t mind it. I use it now as a diaper bag and to carry my belongings as well
Is this of for daily use? Like Gym and office?
It can be 😉 Check out our full review for more in-depth information! packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/travel-pack-3-small/
-Eric
Wanted to see what it looked like worn when compressed :( But great review. Thank you.
Any thoughts on this vs the Black Ember Citadel R2?
We haven’t had a chance to review the Citadel R2 yet, but we look forward to checking it out!
-Eric
this or Patagonia mini MLC 30L?
Does anyone knows where to buy this backpack in Canada? Thanks
Would this backpack be good for school? I was thinking about getting it but it seems like more than I would need.
I think you’re right-it may be more than you would need! It’s definitely capable, though 😃
-Eric
For those who complain about the weight really don't understand how a travel bag works or it's intended use. If you want something light use a plastic bag.
Can you review the new SYMPL Travel backpack pls. tnx
Thanks for the suggestion; I’ll pass it along! 😃
-Eric
Awesome review thanks 👍
Glad you liked it, Justin! I hope you're enjoying the gear you won in the previous Pro-exclusive Aer giveaway!
- Austin
Yes sir! I really appreciate it it's still the highlight of my year I've never won anything... As a disabled veteran getting a win like that really makes a person feel special... Thanks to all of the amazing team at Pack Hacker
You're welcome, Justin! Your support makes all this possible 😊
- Austin
Is this small enough to go underseat?
It depends on the airline! Those with larger under-seat compartments should fit, but those with smaller bins may not. Most airlines have this listed online so that you can check!
-Eric
I think this is the one! 🥰
🙌
can this bag fit a ps5 inside?
i'm hella sold
🙌
Looking forward to 4th iteration of this design. I really hope AER brings back useful compression straps on both sides. With TP3's magnetic lock and very short straps, you can't even buckle in lightweight tripods or thin yoga mats using the straps! That's a wasted functionality in my opinion, especially when you use the bag as single carry on during travels. I guess we can't ask them to replace the ballistic nylon material they use in their OG lineups, but I think higher pricing on the XPAC editions deter potential customers for there are cheaper options from other brands with the same tech/materials used. I also hope they rethink the pricing for the XPAC editions because I think many would pick it up for it is lighter than the ballistic nylon versions.
Thanks for your detailed insights 😃 We’re amped for the 4th iteration, too!
-Eric
What is the difference with the Xpac versions? Would also love if they had some lighter or brighter colors
I wish I could buy over here in the UK
Hi! I'm from Portugal and back in 2020 I bought my Travel Pack 2 Small from London Undercover, an authorized dealer from the UK (it is mentioned in Aer website in the stockists section). I've checked their website and the small versions are out of stock, but keep an eye on it! :)
@@Alex-bu6xi thank you very much! Yeah I checked london uncover all of aer latest products are out of stock. I emailed them and they don't see stock coming for a while 😅. Hopefully I can get aer 4 version since I know of the store just to make sure I buy before they all go again
Can you do the flight pack 3?
We've got you covered!
packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/flight-pack-3/
- Austin
Looks and features are perfect but why so heavy??
Cordura is a lot heavier. I think the X-pac version is lighter
@@edwardnovick9904 should be but both are listed at the same weight on their website. Maybe it's an error.
@@RodrigodosReis Indeed it HAS to be an error. Maybe an early adopter will weigh it and tell us.
Excellent review. Bucket with pizzazz? 😂👍
Glad you like it!
- Austin
how tall is the reviewer?
Here ya go: ua-cam.com/video/5xNBH-d10aI/v-deo.html
- Austin
Love the informationals, but they more informative if you actually packed a bag.
too big for edc, too small for few weeks travel... city pack pro much better
Thanks for sharing! 😃
-Eric
Too heavy
work out maybe? 🤣