Would love to see you guys remake this video with the new versions of each of these bags. I'm really torn between the too! Think we can see a Pakt V2 35L vs Aer Travel Pack 3 comparison video soon?
@@vninjadfw I ended up with the Aer TP3…purchased about 2 months ago. I love it, BUT if I had to do it all over again I probably would’ve waited for the Tortuga 40L Lite
They are my favorite travel bags in which I am interested. Thanks for the comparison review, a great job 👍🏻. Apparently Aer bag seems a little bit bigger and the design is roomy for packing cube or bulky clothes. Pakt is better in terms of organizing clothes and has pockets to place small things while across the customs. Both are great bags. Hard to choose for me. 😅
I have the aer travel pack 2 in xpac! Contemplated switching to the pakt but after this review looks like I’ll be staying with the xpac aer travel pack 2! Love the orange interior 😍😍😍
I don’t travel with a laptop generally and I’m a big fan of some of the additional things the pakt bag has. I’ve ordered a pakt bag when it arrives if I don’t like it I’ll return it and order an AER travel bag. This comparison video was very helpful for someone who was between these two bags!
@Matt I stuck with the pakt! I actually recently took a trip with it using the bag and it’s packing cubes and I really liked it. The hip belt/sling bag was extremely useful!
This was helpful, thank you! Two of my reservations about the Pakt were answered in this video: the possibility that the laptop could pull the center of gravity too far away from my back for comfort (so glad that's not the case!), and possibly missing out on International carry-on allowed volume because of the Pakt's relatively narrow depth. It's great to see that the Pakt is actually BIGGER when packed than a bag with supposedly larger dimensions. I had a feeling the narrow depth was to account for the bulging that happens with soft-sided bags--another aspect of the thoughtful design evident throughout this bag. P.S. 13:58 Totally agree about liking the exterior pocket on the Aer, especially the fold down flap for greater visibility. I hate cramped pockets you can't get into easily and prefer using pouches for most things, but the Aer's pocket is one I would actually use.
I cancelled my backer order for the Pakt unfortunately, as the weight of it preyed on my mind. Plus, the first iteration of the Pakt will not come with full YKK zips. A bunch of non-deal breakers added up. I think I would prefer a giant bucket as well anyways.
Either way, if you over pack the bag you will run the risk of damaging your laptop screen due to additional stress and pressure that bending over can put on it. I’m always hesitant and careful when adding a laptop to a backpack.
R Ww some people prefer the middle because it’s more padded and doesn’t have pressure from your back. Tom had that issue with his GR2 where his laptop bent along his back. It seems like they could solve access by adding a back laptop zipper accesible by that top zip.
The weight for both of these bags cancel any interest for my side of the world. But if I was travelling exclusively through the US only, with no weight limit for carry on, I love the Pakt a little bit more, and think the Aer looks dated now.
I Love my Pakt Backpack and having the laptop sleeve in middle vs up against my back gives me piece of mind. I just never liked the idea of consistently "pressing" or "pushing" on the laptop with my back as I walk or run, no matter how padded the laptop sleeve is. My only complaint was the depth of the compartments, which they seem to have addressed with V2.
The Pakt just doesn't look premium in addition to all the other deficiencies it has and the Aer also looks better but I wouldn't buy either one, I would buy a Peak Design or even one of the new Nomatics (not a Peter McKinnon one though).
I got the peak design and returned it. Might be good as a camera bag but for travel, not really. One little pocket externally besides the open side pockets.
Are the top compression straps going to be a concern when carrying heavy load, probably make the aqua guard zipper to open up? I noticed that the top compression straps are stitched in front of the aqua guard zipper rather than behind it instead.
how useable are either of these as a daily edc backpack? im a big guy, and want to have one bag to rule them all. edc, short/longterm travel, onebag travel. For EDC the one day I got a (almost too full) full bag the other day its less full. currently carrying my (old) Fjallraven raven 28. works for edc, but is not sufficient for short term, undoable for long term travel... so looking for a new backpack. preferently just one to do it all...
Peedy I recently got the Pakt backpack. While it isn’t necessarily set up for edc and may be too large to some, I like it’s front pockets for pretty much all my edc items and laptop. The removable hip strap becomes a fanny pack/sling bag which, if I’m carrying light smaller items, I find to be pretty useful. In terms of size it’s quite similar height and width to the FUL school backpack (I think it’s a Walmart brand) I’ve had since high school and I think that is a size I’m pretty comfortable with for moving from coffee shop to work and whatnot. I cannot speak to the Aer bag however.
Wow! We are in a similar boat on this. Been rocking my Fjallraven Raven 28 for the last year or so for EDC and travel. But wondering if I could do better and more practical by going up just slightly in usable volume with the Pakt and yet still cover my EDC needs. Presently undecided. You wrote your comment 3 yrs ago…meanwhile as I write, Pakt is ready to release two new models of the backpack. So sort of waiting to see what happens with that too.
I really wish companies would put more emphasis on using lighter materials. I feel these are both over built to justify their prices. I traveled around the world with the Aer for months and while it was basically fine the #10 zippers and the super high denier were overkill. It's just not a bag people are going to tie to the roofs of buses or even need to check in the hold of an airplane. You know what I want? I want a bag that is equivalent to the new iPhone SE: light, functional, and with zero gimmicks. 😅
Same. Which is why as of now I'm still using a backpacking bag instead of a travel backpack. The top loading bucket style loading isn't ideal for travel but you can save significant weight and have a very good harness system..
Agree 100%. Less is the new More. I have been testing going with ultralight bags and using reinforced padded cases for the electronics. It keeps the weight down but you have to inspect the backpack shell after each trip to ensure there is no damage (the tradeoff for super light weight).
I think it depends on the weight of what you're carrying, and also how long you expect the bag to last. I have a patagonia black hole bag that I was dailying, and its great, nice thin yet tough material, but loaded all the way up with heavier items, the shape of the bag started to give way and the straps felt strained when I picked it up. Comparing that to my Aer Fit Pack 2 it's no contest, the bag feels extremely solid and really inspires confidence that I wasn't getting with my patagonia, when loaded up with my laptop, charger, battery bank and a whole load of drinks.
At over 2kg weight, both bags are way, way, WAY too heavy. Especially since many carry-on restriction outside the US are very limited, some up to just 7kg total.
Hi team, could I ask if the Peak Design medium packing cube fits nicely into the Aer travel pack 2 or does it only fit the small packing cube? Thank you.
I think you forgot to talk about top quick access pocket of pakt backpack. I cancelled the indigogo campaign because of the zippers. They are not YKK. I will wait for the YKK zips one to come out.
My biggest gripe with the Pakt was mainly the laptop part. Had the laptop pocket was flipped over, then at least I don't need to reopen my lock for the main compartment just to access the laptop. I do understand the argument for security, where the laptop is lock within the main compartment. Then it's really no difference than just using a basic cabin zero bag. (Laptop compartment within main compartment)
Hey, can you please make a video on how to disinfect all the travel gears? Because after this pandemic, we really need to give importance to clean the stuff.
Hey Dayu, we recommend checking out our blog post on How To Wash A Backpack & Gear Cleaning Tips. While this post goes less into disinfecting, it does go into detail about cleaning all different types of gear you'll take with you on your travels. packhacker.com/blog/general/how-to-wash-a-backpack-and-gear-cleaning-tips/ Hope this helps! - Rebecca
Would love to see you guys remake this video with the new versions of each of these bags. I'm really torn between the too! Think we can see a Pakt V2 35L vs Aer Travel Pack 3 comparison video soon?
I'm torn between those 2 as well. Can't find a good/any video comparison
@@vninjadfw I ended up with the Aer TP3…purchased about 2 months ago. I love it, BUT if I had to do it all over again I probably would’ve waited for the Tortuga 40L Lite
I didn’t particularly like the Pakt backpack at first. But now, each time I see it I like it a little bit more.
They are my favorite travel bags in which I am interested. Thanks for the comparison review, a great job 👍🏻. Apparently Aer bag seems a little bit bigger and the design is roomy for packing cube or bulky clothes. Pakt is better in terms of organizing clothes and has pockets to place small things while across the customs. Both are great bags. Hard to choose for me. 😅
I have the aer travel pack 2 in xpac! Contemplated switching to the pakt but after this review looks like I’ll be staying with the xpac aer travel pack 2! Love the orange interior 😍😍😍
Ap hi parsal bhejdo aha milega nahi to kya Armshi ke pash paisa abhi nahi Armis admission jaruri hai Raj kab bola sirji se
I would love to see an updated video comparing the new Aer Travel Pack 3 to the Pakt. Travle Backpack v2
I don’t travel with a laptop generally and I’m a big fan of some of the additional things the pakt bag has. I’ve ordered a pakt bag when it arrives if I don’t like it I’ll return it and order an AER travel bag. This comparison video was very helpful for someone who was between these two bags!
@Matt I stuck with the pakt! I actually recently took a trip with it using the bag and it’s packing cubes and I really liked it. The hip belt/sling bag was extremely useful!
They don’t do refunds
This was helpful, thank you! Two of my reservations about the Pakt were answered in this video: the possibility that the laptop could pull the center of gravity too far away from my back for comfort (so glad that's not the case!), and possibly missing out on International carry-on allowed volume because of the Pakt's relatively narrow depth. It's great to see that the Pakt is actually BIGGER when packed than a bag with supposedly larger dimensions. I had a feeling the narrow depth was to account for the bulging that happens with soft-sided bags--another aspect of the thoughtful design evident throughout this bag.
P.S. 13:58 Totally agree about liking the exterior pocket on the Aer, especially the fold down flap for greater visibility. I hate cramped pockets you can't get into easily and prefer using pouches for most things, but the Aer's pocket is one I would actually use.
Thanks for watching and sharing your insights 😃
-Eric
Those three quick access pockets are so rare - literally every other bag has one or bad pockets. Killer.
I cancelled my backer order for the Pakt unfortunately, as the weight of it preyed on my mind. Plus, the first iteration of the Pakt will not come with full YKK zips. A bunch of non-deal breakers added up. I think I would prefer a giant bucket as well anyways.
Either way, if you over pack the bag you will run the risk of damaging your laptop screen due to additional stress and pressure that bending over can put on it. I’m always hesitant and careful when adding a laptop to a backpack.
R Ww some people prefer the middle because it’s more padded and doesn’t have pressure from your back. Tom had that issue with his GR2 where his laptop bent along his back.
It seems like they could solve access by adding a back laptop zipper accesible by that top zip.
The weight for both of these bags cancel any interest for my side of the world. But if I was travelling exclusively through the US only, with no weight limit for carry on, I love the Pakt a little bit more, and think the Aer looks dated now.
What are the bags you use?
I Love my Pakt Backpack and having the laptop sleeve in middle vs up against my back gives me piece of mind. I just never liked the idea of consistently "pressing" or "pushing" on the laptop with my back as I walk or run, no matter how padded the laptop sleeve is. My only complaint was the depth of the compartments, which they seem to have addressed with V2.
The Pakt just doesn't look premium in addition to all the other deficiencies it has and the Aer also looks better but I wouldn't buy either one, I would buy a Peak Design or even one of the new Nomatics (not a Peter McKinnon one though).
The new Nomatic bags are way too heavy.
I got the peak design and returned it. Might be good as a camera bag but for travel, not really. One little pocket externally besides the open side pockets.
Are the top compression straps going to be a concern when carrying heavy load, probably make the aqua guard zipper to open up? I noticed that the top compression straps are stitched in front of the aqua guard zipper rather than behind it instead.
This is just what I was looking for thanks guys!
how useable are either of these as a daily edc backpack?
im a big guy, and want to have one bag to rule them all. edc, short/longterm travel, onebag travel. For EDC the one day I got a (almost too full) full bag the other day its less full.
currently carrying my (old) Fjallraven raven 28. works for edc, but is not sufficient for short term, undoable for long term travel...
so looking for a new backpack. preferently just one to do it all...
I am curious about this too
Peedy
I recently got the Pakt backpack. While it isn’t necessarily set up for edc and may be too large to some, I like it’s front pockets for pretty much all my edc items and laptop.
The removable hip strap becomes a fanny pack/sling bag which, if I’m carrying light smaller items, I find to be
pretty useful. In terms of size it’s quite similar height and width to the FUL school backpack (I think it’s a Walmart brand) I’ve had since high school and I think that is a size I’m pretty comfortable with for moving from coffee shop to work and whatnot.
I cannot speak to the Aer bag however.
Check out TropicFeel’s Shell Backpack on kickstarter. I’m eyeing it as a one bag to rule them all.
Wow! We are in a similar boat on this. Been rocking my Fjallraven Raven 28 for the last year or so for EDC and travel. But wondering if I could do better and more practical by going up just slightly in usable volume with the Pakt and yet still cover my EDC needs. Presently undecided. You wrote your comment 3 yrs ago…meanwhile as I write, Pakt is ready to release two new models of the backpack. So sort of waiting to see what happens with that too.
I really wish companies would put more emphasis on using lighter materials. I feel these are both over built to justify their prices. I traveled around the world with the Aer for months and while it was basically fine the #10 zippers and the super high denier were overkill. It's just not a bag people are going to tie to the roofs of buses or even need to check in the hold of an airplane. You know what I want? I want a bag that is equivalent to the new iPhone SE: light, functional, and with zero gimmicks. 😅
Same. Which is why as of now I'm still using a backpacking bag instead of a travel backpack. The top loading bucket style loading isn't ideal for travel but you can save significant weight and have a very good harness system..
Plastic bag!
Agree 100%. Less is the new More. I have been testing going with ultralight bags and using reinforced padded cases for the electronics. It keeps the weight down but you have to inspect the backpack shell after each trip to ensure there is no damage (the tradeoff for super light weight).
I think it depends on the weight of what you're carrying, and also how long you expect the bag to last.
I have a patagonia black hole bag that I was dailying, and its great, nice thin yet tough material, but loaded all the way up with heavier items, the shape of the bag started to give way and the straps felt strained when I picked it up. Comparing that to my Aer Fit Pack 2 it's no contest, the bag feels extremely solid and really inspires confidence that I wasn't getting with my patagonia, when loaded up with my laptop, charger, battery bank and a whole load of drinks.
Please do a comparison between Aer Travel Pack 2 and Evergoods CTB40, thank you!
Can you review the new Nomatic Navigator line? Particularly their new travel bag?
At over 2kg weight, both bags are way, way, WAY too heavy.
Especially since many carry-on restriction outside the US are very limited, some up to just 7kg total.
Not 10kg?😮
I use compression bags in my Pak bag too. The Aer just has loose bags that can fall out.
I like the watch you are wearing Tom - could tell me what it is ? Thanks
Hi team, could I ask if the Peak Design medium packing cube fits nicely into the Aer travel pack 2 or does it only fit the small packing cube? Thank you.
I have both small and medium cubes and the X-Pac TP2 and they both fit depending on how you load them.
@@ENB90 thank you very much
I think you forgot to talk about top quick access pocket of pakt backpack. I cancelled the indigogo campaign because of the zippers. They are not YKK. I will wait for the YKK zips one to come out.
But they are. All of them... 😇 Maybe you should recheck that.
My biggest gripe with the Pakt was mainly the laptop part. Had the laptop pocket was flipped over, then at least I don't need to reopen my lock for the main compartment just to access the laptop.
I do understand the argument for security, where the laptop is lock within the main compartment. Then it's really no difference than just using a basic cabin zero bag. (Laptop compartment within main compartment)
Pakt have designed a set of 5 packing cubes to be used with the backpack, if I remember correctly.
William Martin yes Pakt, sold the Packing cubes separately, I added them to my order.
Hey, can you please make a video on how to disinfect all the travel gears? Because after this pandemic, we really need to give importance to clean the stuff.
Hey Dayu, we recommend checking out our blog post on How To Wash A Backpack & Gear Cleaning Tips. While this post goes less into disinfecting, it does go into detail about cleaning all different types of gear you'll take with you on your travels.
packhacker.com/blog/general/how-to-wash-a-backpack-and-gear-cleaning-tips/
Hope this helps!
- Rebecca
Awesome video!! Inspiration for my next venture. Big up!
is the Pakt Travel Backpack for compatible with 17 inches laptop?
Hey Gibran! According to their website, it will fit most 15" or 16" laptops.
- Austin
@@PackHacker2 ty for the answer
It would have been nice to throw the goruck2 in the mix just for fun.
Another look at the Pakt bag? I wonder why....
Would like to see a review on the Aer Day Pack 2!
can you review the Open Story traveler backpack from Target?
Aer Travel Pack 2 is the better choice imo. That Pakt looks rushed and not very well thought out.
Big help here. Thank you!!!
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric