This was super helpful. I'd also like to see your spreadsheet, so I could know the data not mentioned for certain bags - for example, how size compliant, how much they weigh, etc. Thanks Nik!
Good video 👍. But - The peak design bag cons: - Stupid compression snaps totally unsnap every time I pick up the bag by one strap; - Too heavy; - The materials are too harsh! Say goodbye to your precious Merino clothing! 😢 There are a lot better options - Some new Osprey bags (not the one you included). Or Alpaka bags, or Belroy, or Black Ember. Way better!
Anything at 4 pounds unfilled is a no-go for me. 4 lbs unfilled is pretty impractical for international travel. That removes out the Travel Pack 3, Tortuga, Pakt Travel, GR2, etc. The Subterra 2 looks interesting though. But yeah, 4lb backpack imo is a dealbreaker flat-out.
I have the Osprey 46 and it is the best for my travels. Yes, I do look like a backpacker with it, but has been a great bag. What sold me with the Osprey over the Tomtoc is the ability to compress down the pack really well with its side flaps. This backpack has saved me on a few trips where size of the bag was important on flights. BUT the issue is the Osprey is a little too big. I really appreciate this video and I am always on the lookout for a new backpack.
I got an osprey farpoint 40 brand new on anazon for $130 (I have an anazon credit card, so i had gift cards). I like it for that price. Its holding up well
Great video, as a professional bag nerd and amateur backpack reviewer on UA-cam, lots of good points made here. The AER TCP3 is definitely one of the goats. 🐐 props on a good mix of bags shown.
I recently picked the Ospray (126€) over Tomtoc (76€), because of superior wearing comfort. Worth the difference since it is a backpack. Having one large compartment is one of the best things for travelling.
Osprey Farpoint as its the only bag that you can cover the shoulder straps so that when its put in the cargo hold the back panel is kept clean and protected. Have used one for years.
The TomToc bag does have a luggage pass through. It runs along the length of the back vertically rather than horizontally. I actually love that feature as a backpack this large if pu5 on the "normal" way with a horizontal luggage strap makes carry on Rollerblade top heavy and prone to tipping.
Great vídeo, though I find it funny you saying that Tomtoc has no luggage pass through literally 3 seconds after showing yourself passing your hand through it's pass through!
Good, detailed video...well done. For ME, as a world traveller SECURITY is a big consideration so if I can find a bag with great security features without compromising too much on some of the other areas you considered that's what works for me. I had the GoRuck bag and it's fantastically built but super impractical. I am currently using the Pacsafe EXP35 and absolutely LOVE IT. Might be worth considering for the next review lineup.
Great video! I have the Pakt 35L travel bag and do agree with you on the way it shows dirt/scuffs/scratches, for over $300 that's my biggest gripe. I would like to see 1 or 2 less zippers and get me under $300. It is extremely well made inside and out, light and I am relived to hear I got the right size for carry on travel as I am doing carry on only for my travels. Only had 1 short trip with it so far so time will tell how much I really like it, especially as it's the first travel backpack I've purchased.
I have the peak design bag and like it very much. I have even taken it to work on days when I need a bigger bag than my smaller, cute & girly one. 😬 It is a very comfortable bag to carry too. There's lots of attachment points to hang a carabiner from too, which I think is one of the most useful accessories you can travel with.
while the cotopaxi allpa 42l criticisms are warranted, they have since released new versions with different materials (you actually showed them in the screen capture) they also have the allpa available in a more reasonable 35l (which could’ve been included in this video) otherwise great travel pack roundup
Another great video! I’ve had my eye on the Aer Travel Pack 3 but was wondering what your thoughts are on checking it. Do you think it can handle being a checked bag?
I would go with the tomtoc it has what most travels are looking for and with a 40 liter capacity that's one big pocket and fits 90% of air line sizing and light weight that's a win for me the rest of these bags are just wayyyyyy to expensive for a backpack in my opinion
There is no "best travel bag." It all depends on how you prefer to pack, how each bag fits your particular frame, size/weight according to where you plan to travel with it. The Aer TPP is a wonderful bag, but that whole front compartment is wasted on me - I like to put everything in packing cubes and pouches, an admin panel is just extra weight and is in the way. I like the PD 45L cause I can get rid of the front compartment and make it part of the main compartment, giving me just a huge bucket of up to 45L. But most of the time, when I don't travel with camera gear, I'll grab the ULA Dragonfly 36L, which is also just a bucket and weighs nothing, while still being made of high quality materials. And sometimes, when I feel like having a little bit of organisation, I'll grab the Evergoods CTB35.
Thank you , Nik. This was a very helpful video, and I totally appreciate all the hard work you put in to produce it. Do you recommend the Aer backpack for a woman’s body? Just wondering if Allie tried it. Thanks for letting me know your opinion! Blessings ❤️
That last looks like the bag for me. It's decidedly better than what I currently have and while it's not cheap, it's also not cheap (I'm sure most people get what I mean). I'll keep an eye out for a sale before I need it. I could get lucky!
Nice video but the truth is there is never an overall best backpack! Things that are a must for one are a pass for another. I have used and owned minaal, aer, pakt etc and they all have their strengths and weakness', but recently used a Trakke Storr 25l bag for a month in Europe, very simple bucket style bag but bullet proof build quality and is carry on compliant to all bar maybe half dozen budget carriers. Only downside is they are not a budget bag
Depends on your needs, XPAC is gonna offer better water resistance and rigidity but the trade off is the crunchiness of the material and it patinas in a certain way some people don’t like.
@@UnPackD AND it's harder to overstuff Xpac if you need to in a pinch vs the original material, which is why I got both the Travel Pack 2 and Track Pack 3 Small in the nylon.
Neither, get the Ultra version. It is an amazing material and looks even better than the original plus is more resistant to abrasion and has a higher waterproofness rating.
"hard to beat under 90 dollars" --- well, try bagsmart bags. :) Tons of organization, good materials, 40L, under 60 bucks. Traveled to Korea with one, it's really good.
@@TLhike it doesn't blow out. Being cheaper doesn't mean it's bad quality. Most of the time with those expensive brands you are only paying for the brand logo on the product. These bags are made from the same water resistant materials and zippers, sturdy as hell. has had bagsmart bags for years now. I also have a quilted fabric laptop bag, and a smaller backpack. you are judging it literally without having tried it.
Nice no nonsense review....for me it was confirmation of my prior decisions...I own Aer 3 and Peak, once owned the Pakt but gave it to a friend and I am a sucker for Goruck (have GR2, GR3 ) I looked at Cotopaxi, the Thule and Farpoint and elected not to purchase for many of the same reasons as you gave. I'm a 64 year old business guy whose travels include short trips in Asia and frequent trips to Europe and US. Recently, I have also used the Evergoods CTB given it's waterproof (rains alot in Asia) and light. Cheers Curtis (US expat in Shanghai)
Great video! Could you do another video for personal item backpacks to use as a supplement to carry on roller luggage?
This is an amazing idea.
Lots of great options in this space, would make a great video though. I wouldn’t even know where to begin to narrow down to, let’s say 10
Yes this please!
You can use the Pakt 35L as a personal item…just don’t overpack it. Its presently my preferred go-to for that use case.
Outstanding review! I’m a big fan of the AER backpacks . Have you looked at the EVERGOOD‘S packs? The CTB 35 and CTB 26 are two of my favorites.
I use the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and love it, it's always a touch underfilled and never had any issues taking as a carry-on.
This was super helpful. I'd also like to see your spreadsheet, so I could know the data not mentioned for certain bags - for example, how size compliant, how much they weigh, etc. Thanks Nik!
I so desperately want access to that carry-on sizing spreadsheet. :)
Id patron subscribe for a month to get it lol
Been waiting for this video, thanks!
Good video 👍. But - The peak design bag cons:
- Stupid compression snaps totally unsnap every time I pick up the bag by one strap;
- Too heavy;
- The materials are too harsh! Say goodbye to your precious Merino clothing! 😢
There are a lot better options - Some new Osprey bags (not the one you included). Or Alpaka bags, or Belroy, or Black Ember. Way better!
Anything at 4 pounds unfilled is a no-go for me. 4 lbs unfilled is pretty impractical for international travel. That removes out the Travel Pack 3, Tortuga, Pakt Travel, GR2, etc. The Subterra 2 looks interesting though. But yeah, 4lb backpack imo is a dealbreaker flat-out.
They x-pac and ultra fabric which shaves some weight off. But it costs more.
GREAT REVIEW ... Thank you.
P.S. As usual your honesty means the most ... very appreciated. 😎
Huge fan of AER in xpac. New ultra fabric even lighter. Have cpl of their bags and getting another. Great review and channel thanks!!!!
I purchased the Peak Design bag and love it for over a year now. It’s holds a ton of stuff and I take it everywhere.
Thank you so much! This video is super useful, as are all your other ones. I feel like I have a PhD in carry-on travel, thanks to you and Allie. 😃
Fantastic video! So thorough and detailed! I look forward to all your videos.
I have the Osprey 46 and it is the best for my travels. Yes, I do look like a backpacker with it, but has been a great bag.
What sold me with the Osprey over the Tomtoc is the ability to compress down the pack really well with its side flaps. This backpack has saved me on a few trips where size of the bag was important on flights. BUT the issue is the Osprey is a little too big. I really appreciate this video and I am always on the lookout for a new backpack.
I got an osprey farpoint 40 brand new on anazon for $130
(I have an anazon credit card, so i had gift cards).
I like it for that price. Its holding up well
Thank you so much! Will gladly use the links.
Excellent review. Thank you
Great video, as a professional bag nerd and amateur backpack reviewer on UA-cam, lots of good points made here. The AER TCP3 is definitely one of the goats. 🐐 props on a good mix of bags shown.
I recently picked the Ospray (126€) over Tomtoc (76€), because of superior wearing comfort. Worth the difference since it is a backpack. Having one large compartment is one of the best things for travelling.
I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you lol. I will say in shocked there were no Nomatic bags on this list.
Osprey Farpoint as its the only bag that you can cover the shoulder straps so that when its put in the cargo hold the back panel is kept clean and protected. Have used one for years.
The TomToc bag does have a luggage pass through. It runs along the length of the back vertically rather than horizontally. I actually love that feature as a backpack this large if pu5 on the "normal" way with a horizontal luggage strap makes carry on Rollerblade top heavy and prone to tipping.
Thank you! Great info!!! I love that you're never sponsored on these so I can trust your opinion. :)
Great video, but it all seemed expensive to me.
Great vídeo, though I find it funny you saying that Tomtoc has no luggage pass through literally 3 seconds after showing yourself passing your hand through it's pass through!
Tomtoc is a good option if you want to save money. Very spacious
Yes! We got one, used it on our last big trip, then got another. Fantastic and amazing value
Good, detailed video...well done. For ME, as a world traveller SECURITY is a big consideration so if I can find a bag with great security features without compromising too much on some of the other areas you considered that's what works for me. I had the GoRuck bag and it's fantastically built but super impractical. I am currently using the Pacsafe EXP35 and absolutely LOVE IT. Might be worth considering for the next review lineup.
Great video! I have the Pakt 35L travel bag and do agree with you on the way it shows dirt/scuffs/scratches, for over $300 that's my biggest gripe. I would like to see 1 or 2 less zippers and get me under $300. It is extremely well made inside and out, light and I am relived to hear I got the right size for carry on travel as I am doing carry on only for my travels. Only had 1 short trip with it so far so time will tell how much I really like it, especially as it's the first travel backpack I've purchased.
I have the peak design bag and like it very much. I have even taken it to work on days when I need a bigger bag than my smaller, cute & girly one. 😬 It is a very comfortable bag to carry too. There's lots of attachment points to hang a carabiner from too, which I think is one of the most useful accessories you can travel with.
while the cotopaxi allpa 42l criticisms are warranted, they have since released new versions with different materials (you actually showed them in the screen capture)
they also have the allpa available in a more reasonable 35l (which could’ve been included in this video)
otherwise great travel pack roundup
Another great video! I’ve had my eye on the Aer Travel Pack 3 but was wondering what your thoughts are on checking it. Do you think it can handle being a checked bag?
Thank you!
Just wanted to note the Osprey has a lifetime warranty so the price is easier to stomach. It's also very comfortable.
I would go with the tomtoc it has what most travels are looking for and with a 40 liter capacity that's one big pocket and fits 90% of air line sizing and light weight that's a win for me the rest of these bags are just wayyyyyy to expensive for a backpack in my opinion
There is no "best travel bag." It all depends on how you prefer to pack, how each bag fits your particular frame, size/weight according to where you plan to travel with it.
The Aer TPP is a wonderful bag, but that whole front compartment is wasted on me - I like to put everything in packing cubes and pouches, an admin panel is just extra weight and is in the way.
I like the PD 45L cause I can get rid of the front compartment and make it part of the main compartment, giving me just a huge bucket of up to 45L.
But most of the time, when I don't travel with camera gear, I'll grab the ULA Dragonfly 36L, which is also just a bucket and weighs nothing, while still being made of high quality materials.
And sometimes, when I feel like having a little bit of organisation, I'll grab the Evergoods CTB35.
Great video, we are travelling with kids and teens can you recommend backpacks for them thanks
Thank you , Nik. This was a very helpful video, and I totally appreciate all the hard work you put in to produce it. Do you recommend the Aer backpack for a woman’s body? Just wondering if Allie tried it. Thanks for letting me know your opinion! Blessings ❤️
good stuff!
That last looks like the bag for me. It's decidedly better than what I currently have and while it's not cheap, it's also not cheap (I'm sure most people get what I mean). I'll keep an eye out for a sale before I need it. I could get lucky!
They do have black friday deals on their site...keep an eye out.
Nice video but the truth is there is never an overall best backpack! Things that are a must for one are a pass for another. I have used and owned minaal, aer, pakt etc and they all have their strengths and weakness', but recently used a Trakke Storr 25l bag for a month in Europe, very simple bucket style bag but bullet proof build quality and is carry on compliant to all bar maybe half dozen budget carriers. Only downside is they are not a budget bag
I love my Peak Design 45 L!
What about the Tom Bihn Synik 30?
Alr know this is gonna be great!!
Great video….
Please let us use your Google sheet size spreadsheet. Please add the Link to the description
Quick note: not all goruck bags are made in America.
Sorry, but not all GoRuck is made in the US these days...some of those bags are made in Vietnam
Would you buy the air travel pack 3 or the x-pac version?
Depends on your needs, XPAC is gonna offer better water resistance and rigidity but the trade off is the crunchiness of the material and it patinas in a certain way some people don’t like.
@@UnPackD AND it's harder to overstuff Xpac if you need to in a pinch vs the original material, which is why I got both the Travel Pack 2 and Track Pack 3 Small in the nylon.
Neither, get the Ultra version. It is an amazing material and looks even better than the original plus is more resistant to abrasion and has a higher waterproofness rating.
@@honigbaer love ultra bags
@@honigbaer But is the material as inflexible as Xpac?
🎒
#1 rule Whatever you think you need divided in half And you're still taking too much!
"hard to beat under 90 dollars" --- well, try bagsmart bags. :) Tons of organization, good materials, 40L, under 60 bucks. Traveled to Korea with one, it's really good.
Until it blows out in worst possible time. You get what you pay for
@@TLhike it doesn't blow out. Being cheaper doesn't mean it's bad quality. Most of the time with those expensive brands you are only paying for the brand logo on the product. These bags are made from the same water resistant materials and zippers, sturdy as hell. has had bagsmart bags for years now. I also have a quilted fabric laptop bag, and a smaller backpack. you are judging it literally without having tried it.
At about 14:20: Ray Ban Wayfarers. Nice.
Thanks!
Nice no nonsense review....for me it was confirmation of my prior decisions...I own Aer 3 and Peak, once owned the Pakt but gave it to a friend and I am a sucker for Goruck (have GR2, GR3 )
I looked at Cotopaxi, the Thule and Farpoint and elected not to purchase for many of the same reasons as you gave.
I'm a 64 year old business guy whose travels include short trips in Asia and frequent trips to Europe and US.
Recently, I have also used the Evergoods CTB given it's waterproof (rains alot in Asia) and light.
Cheers
Curtis (US expat in Shanghai)