I appreciate you showing us the packs being worn. These brands seem to have quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to volume so visuals are quite helpful. Thanks!
Yeah the advertised volume seems way off for some of these, the Pakt 15L seems about half of the city pack but they’re rated for 15L/14L. Glad the shots helped!
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is a great choice also - the compression straps on the bottom are a great way to stow a light jacket without taking up storage space, and it's got great organization. It's not the lightest, but it's a workhorse laptop backpack that you could also use as a weekender in a pinch, and it has nice clean lines and great fabric/color choices.
Aer Go pack 2 is my "daily driver". Carries my laptop and everything I need. Alternatively the Fit pack - somewhat more padded and better for the gym. :)
thanks a lot for the bellroy! that's exactly what i was looking for - minimal weight, practical, good looking. Just ordered one, I hope that'll work out for me. The Bellroy Classic also looks good btw, was considering it as well. Maybe i'll go for it as well in some future
Love that Aer city pack and totally agree about the way they organize that back or front compartment. Everybody seems to have the same basic design of that compartment. I will offer up my Osprey Halo LE pack. I have read it is a 15L but it holds a lot more than that....I thought it was an 18L. But what is in a number honestly.... Well 3ltrs.. Ha! Good video as always Josh.
I really enjoyed the Osprey pack I tried recently when I had them on as a sponsor! In the past I hadn’t given them much thought outside of outdoor use but they seem to really be stepping up their game, I was really impressed.
Interesting…own an Aer Go 2, have an Able Carry Max (can testify to the quality in that line), and have one of the Pakt bags on order. Truly they all have their use cases for me.
They definitely do! I know I’m super spoiled getting review samples but I usually assume most folks will try and get one ‘do everything’ type of bag so I will keep that in mind sometimes. Sounds like you’ve got great taste though! Haha.
I can keep my eyes off of the Tom Bihn options. I feel like his designs are what I would do. Don’t love the price, but materials and complexity add up quick with backpacks. They are also made in the USA which gives me some feeling of patriotism, lol
I hated how the Synik looked until I got one in hand and wore it. It drapes so well on my back, and I found use for every pocket regardless of activity - photography, climbing, travelling… I don’t need another bag because it does everything. I’m a believer now.
My favorite EDC backpack is Crumpler The Yee Ross. I've been using it for about 10 years, it looks like new. Unfortunately they stopped producing this model. That's why I bought Able Carry Daily plus. The backpack is excellent, but I would like the straps to be softer. Because of them, the backpack is not so convenient to take off and put on.
It’s always a tough decision with the straps, soft foam is nice at first but wears out faster, firmer will usually soften over time and have better longevity. Too bad they stopped making your old favorite!
Cool video. I don't hear much about the Pakt bag. Thanks for putting it on my radar! I think at 15L the lines between picking a large sling and a small backpack are blurred. I feel like this bag lets you make the decision as you need it. Did you like it more as a cross body or a small backpack?
I usually end up using both straps, mostly just for personal preference. I think if you’re used to a crossbody backpack type of carry it should work great for that too but I’m generally more comfortable with both straps
Great video as usual. Just bought a Tom Bihn Synik 30 (yes, I have a bag obsession) for travel and was looking at the Bellroy Lite Ready Pack to pack inside for a day pack when I get to my destination, but the AER Go Pack 2 is certainly an option as well. These day packs, while unstructured, still appear more structured than the Matador FreeFly 16 that I've taken on vacations and more "business appropriate" when heading into the office. Question: Which one lays flatter? and what size laptop did you put inside them? (the Bellroy stats appear thinner than a Macbook Pro 13")
Both bags are equally thin I’d say? While empty they’re both essentially just a couple layers of thin fabric with really minimal padding, seems really tough to measure but I’m sure it’d be splitting hairs. I put my 2018 15” MacBook in for the b-roll shots so I doubt you’d have an issue with your 13”.
Thanks so much! Just checked and I think both are discontinued. The tee is an old filson pioneer graphic tee and the shirt jacket is from Relwen. Out of stock but still found the Huckberry link where I got it: prf.hn/l/20ylQgy
When empty the go pack probably packs a bit smaller since the fabric is much thinner. The Pakt 15L is a much flatter design though for when it’s loaded up
I have the Aer Daypack 2 as my EDC. For overseas traveling, I use my Aer Travel 3 small. I'm looking for something in between these bags as a weekend travel pack. I narrowed it down to a couple of bags, Able Carry Daily plus and the Aer Pro pack 20L or 24L. I'm curious to see which of these you would recommend.
I haven’t tried the pro pack so I can’t speak to it very well, but I absolutely love the daily plus. Two of my favorite bag brands, I’m sure you wouldn’t go wrong with either.
Haven’t tried it, but just recently got some Tom Bihn gear I’ve been extremely happy with. I actually want to make an updated version of this sometime, got a few fresh small bags I’ve been really liking in addition to these
All of these should fit the bill fairly well in those aspects! I tend to prefer to wear my backpacks a bit higher, the adjustable straps are always helpful. Not to confuse things further, but i just got my hands on the able carry thirteen bag as well that could be a good contender. Still testing but it feels like a small version of the daily plus I featured in this video.
Both really great! The Bellroy will be a bit more water resistant with the zippers but otherwise they’re somewhat similar aside from the difference in fabric feel. Aer go is a bit softer/crinkly and the Bellroy is a little more shell-like
I appreciate you showing us the packs being worn. These brands seem to have quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to volume so visuals are quite helpful. Thanks!
Yeah the advertised volume seems way off for some of these, the Pakt 15L seems about half of the city pack but they’re rated for 15L/14L. Glad the shots helped!
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is a great choice also - the compression straps on the bottom are a great way to stow a light jacket without taking up storage space, and it's got great organization. It's not the lightest, but it's a workhorse laptop backpack that you could also use as a weekender in a pinch, and it has nice clean lines and great fabric/color choices.
I’ll have to check that one out, thanks for the rec!
Aer Go pack 2 is my "daily driver". Carries my laptop and everything I need. Alternatively the Fit pack - somewhat more padded and better for the gym. :)
Both great choices too! AER has been pretty consistently great for me over the years.
Great review, purchased the bellroy, and have Aer go pack, loved them both 😊
Great choices! Both have been go-go’s for me with the Bellroy a bit more outdoor-focused for my use case
thanks a lot for the bellroy! that's exactly what i was looking for - minimal weight, practical, good looking. Just ordered one, I hope that'll work out for me. The Bellroy Classic also looks good btw, was considering it as well. Maybe i'll go for it as well in some future
Glad you found one that should work well for you! I’m a sucker for those simple ultralight type of bags, I’ve been really happy with mine.
Love that Aer city pack and totally agree about the way they organize that back or front compartment. Everybody seems to have the same basic design of that compartment.
I will offer up my Osprey Halo LE pack. I have read it is a 15L but it holds a lot more than that....I thought it was an 18L. But what is in a number honestly.... Well 3ltrs.. Ha!
Good video as always Josh.
I really enjoyed the Osprey pack I tried recently when I had them on as a sponsor! In the past I hadn’t given them much thought outside of outdoor use but they seem to really be stepping up their game, I was really impressed.
the Bellroy Classic is also a great option. IMO it looks a lot nicer for professional settings.
For sure! I think the city pack fits the bill for office use as well, but Bellroy has some great options for work
I think bellroy lite day pack better option extra 2 litres
Interesting…own an Aer Go 2, have an Able Carry Max (can testify to the quality in that line), and have one of the Pakt bags on order. Truly they all have their use cases for me.
They definitely do! I know I’m super spoiled getting review samples but I usually assume most folks will try and get one ‘do everything’ type of bag so I will keep that in mind sometimes. Sounds like you’ve got great taste though! Haha.
I can keep my eyes off of the Tom Bihn options. I feel like his designs are what I would do. Don’t love the price, but materials and complexity add up quick with backpacks. They are also made in the USA which gives me some feeling of patriotism, lol
Still have to try some Tom Bihn bags sometime! Haven’t had the chance but I’ve heard nothing but good things.
I hated how the Synik looked until I got one in hand and wore it. It drapes so well on my back, and I found use for every pocket regardless of activity - photography, climbing, travelling… I don’t need another bag because it does everything. I’m a believer now.
Great video. I really like the 18l-20l size.
Me too! Great sweet spot if you don’t need to carry a ton.
Great video just what I was looking for
Glad to hear it, thanks for the support!
@@joshfenn the first one looks like the one I'd choose. Comprehensive review as usual, good work man!
My favorite EDC backpack is Crumpler The Yee Ross. I've been using it for about 10 years, it looks like new. Unfortunately they stopped producing this model. That's why I bought Able Carry Daily plus. The backpack is excellent, but I would like the straps to be softer. Because of them, the backpack is not so convenient to take off and put on.
It’s always a tough decision with the straps, soft foam is nice at first but wears out faster, firmer will usually soften over time and have better longevity. Too bad they stopped making your old favorite!
Good reviews thanks
Thanks for the support!
The Tom bihn bags are really nice & capacious. Easy to blend in an urban environment & great for travel (Synik 30 & Pilot, for example)
Still need to check some of those out, haven’t had the chance yet but they seem so well loved I need to get on it soon.
their design aesthetic is just. soooo dated. I do love my aeronaut45 but I wish I hadn't bought the synapse 19.
Cool video. I don't hear much about the Pakt bag. Thanks for putting it on my radar! I think at 15L the lines between picking a large sling and a small backpack are blurred. I feel like this bag lets you make the decision as you need it. Did you like it more as a cross body or a small backpack?
I usually end up using both straps, mostly just for personal preference. I think if you’re used to a crossbody backpack type of carry it should work great for that too but I’m generally more comfortable with both straps
Great video as usual. Just bought a Tom Bihn Synik 30 (yes, I have a bag obsession) for travel and was looking at the Bellroy Lite Ready Pack to pack inside for a day pack when I get to my destination, but the AER Go Pack 2 is certainly an option as well. These day packs, while unstructured, still appear more structured than the Matador FreeFly 16 that I've taken on vacations and more "business appropriate" when heading into the office. Question: Which one lays flatter? and what size laptop did you put inside them? (the Bellroy stats appear thinner than a Macbook Pro 13")
Both bags are equally thin I’d say? While empty they’re both essentially just a couple layers of thin fabric with really minimal padding, seems really tough to measure but I’m sure it’d be splitting hairs. I put my 2018 15” MacBook in for the b-roll shots so I doubt you’d have an issue with your 13”.
Hey! Great fan of your channel and of your shirt! Can I ask the brand?
Thanks so much! Just checked and I think both are discontinued. The tee is an old filson pioneer graphic tee and the shirt jacket is from Relwen. Out of stock but still found the Huckberry link where I got it: prf.hn/l/20ylQgy
Thank you!@@joshfenn
Which packs flatter? The Pakt 15L or the Aer Go Pack 2???
When empty the go pack probably packs a bit smaller since the fabric is much thinner. The Pakt 15L is a much flatter design though for when it’s loaded up
I have the Aer Daypack 2 as my EDC. For overseas traveling, I use my Aer Travel 3 small. I'm looking for something in between these bags as a weekend travel pack. I narrowed it down to a couple of bags, Able Carry Daily plus and the Aer Pro pack 20L or 24L. I'm curious to see which of these you would recommend.
I haven’t tried the pro pack so I can’t speak to it very well, but I absolutely love the daily plus. Two of my favorite bag brands, I’m sure you wouldn’t go wrong with either.
curious to know which option you ended up going with as currently I'm going though the same debate
I'm watching.
Appreciate the support!
what about synapse19? You think these are much better than it?
Haven’t tried it, but just recently got some Tom Bihn gear I’ve been extremely happy with. I actually want to make an updated version of this sometime, got a few fresh small bags I’ve been really liking in addition to these
What flannel are you wearing ?
It was from Relwen, their brushed mohair shirt jacket. Out of stock now unfortunately but if they ever do a re-release it’s amazing
aer go or bellboy lite?
Have both, Aer Go is the go
How tall are you? Just trying to gauge the sizing
I’m 5’11”, happy to help with other sizing questions if you need also
@joshfenn thanks for the reply! I'm 5'8 really looking for anything around 15L decent quality and not too long so it rides high
All of these should fit the bill fairly well in those aspects! I tend to prefer to wear my backpacks a bit higher, the adjustable straps are always helpful. Not to confuse things further, but i just got my hands on the able carry thirteen bag as well that could be a good contender. Still testing but it feels like a small version of the daily plus I featured in this video.
@joshfenn great shout thank you! I'll definitely take a look, got yourself a sub!
aer go or bellboy lite?
Both really great! The Bellroy will be a bit more water resistant with the zippers but otherwise they’re somewhat similar aside from the difference in fabric feel. Aer go is a bit softer/crinkly and the Bellroy is a little more shell-like
@@joshfenn thank you