That’s a tough call! I really love them both and they’re two of my favorite brands. I’d say the AER bag definitely has a bit more polish compared to Pakt, the fit and finish from AER is hard to beat IMO. AER is using bluesign material now, but Pakt probably wins when comparing ethics/sustainability. AER has a 28l and 35l version which is nice, and they’re a bit less expensive. Pakt has a bit more organization. Super rambly, apologies for that haha. Both are so similar it’s tough to pick a clear winner, I’d just go with your personal preference or gut, or AER if budget is a big factor since they’re a bit less expensive. You should be really happy with either choice.
Hi Josh, I recently came across your channel. You have an excellent and natural, presenting style. As someone’s who’s recently bought the Aer Travel 3 bag, you missed on mentioning a few of the internal pockets in the clam opening. A ‘secret’ side one, the long one under the mesh pocket, and the key holder in the front pocket. I agree with your comments re the water bottle holder. Keep up the great content. Much respect from the UK.
So many things on these bags, I always end up missing a thing or two either in the review process or more often while filming since I don’t script out the videos. Thanks for adding to the review and for the support on this one!
Absolutely. I’m sure it’s different person to person, but the AER bag designs have always been extremely comfortable for me, especially the smaller capacity bags like this. Load lifters would be way overkill for a bag of this size too. Extremely comfortable though, don’t know how they do it but AER always wins in that category compared to everything else for me.
Great video, I've used the Flight Pack 3 and Travel Kit 2 on several flights within the US so far and on one International Flight and love them. You've earned a new sub. Always happy to support content creators that cover what I'm most interested in, especially a fellow Oregonian.
It’s always up to the airlines and the individuals working there, but I think the small should be fine to pass as a personal item if it’s not completely packed full. America is usually pretty loose on the rules for this in my experience, but some countries and airlines are way more strict.
Do you think this bag would be suitable as a college/school bag? Idk, judging all the packs from Aer, this one seems to be on the sweet spot but I don’t have the bag personally to test it out. I really hope you can reply to this 🙏🏼
I’d probably prefer the layout of the tech pack for a school if it were me, but everyone’s situation and size/layout needs will be different. The 3 is probably the first of their travel packs that could work for day to day though, I’d say it just comes down to how much space you need. Fit/finish/quality will be excellent with either choice, I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you end up with. Hope this helps!
@@joshfenn oh God, sorry I forgot the specify which bag. I was referring to Flight pack 3. Anyway, I really appreciate your response. Yup, tech pack 2 is also under my radar but I feel like Aer is releasing the 3rd gen next year and I don’t have time to wait for it since face-to-face classes has already started here in my country. But I guess I’ll have to pick tech pack 2 for now.
If you were looking at the flight pack, the city pack would be another great option to check out! That’s been my favorite daily bag for quite some time if it has enough space for you.
@@joshfenn yess. City pack is great, but the 14L capacity might be a little small for my needs as a nursing student. Idk, city pack and Flight pack 3 are very identical even with the size. The city pack looks bigger than its carrying capacity, might go for it.
Planning to buy a Aer travel pack 3. I know box-42 X-pac is waterproof and 1680d corduroy is water resistance. But which fabric is more durable and scratch resistance and tear resistance.
If I had to bet, I’d probably put my money on the 1680d being more durable long term. That being said, xpac is extremely durable especially considering the weight and I doubt you’d have any issues with scratching or tearing. Xpac holds up really well in a lot of wilderness backpacks getting scratched and beaten up on branches and rocks. Both bags could probably last multiple decades if cared for properly so it’s a win win, but I’m glad I got the xpac version for mine.
I think it’d be a great option for sure! I’d decide mainly on capacity needs/preference between the city pack, flight pack, and tech pack. All 3 are great but with different capacities. The tech pack and city pack have been my main two daily bags depending on how much I’m carrying and this falls right in between those two.
I love watching your videos. These aren’t exactly in my price range but I do like to watch these videos for future pack purchases. This is a great looking set of bags with a lot of features I enjoy. Thanks for your videos as always. 🤙🏼
Happy to share and I totally get where you’re coming from! Always good to keep the wish list updated for the future, I do that with quite a few bigger categories/purchases too :)
I have the city sling first generation and I’ve been itching to get the CS2 for the fidlock and strap management improvement. Now with with DS3 I’m completely lost 😂. Does the DS3 feel much bigger than the CS? Or does it hide the extra capacity due it shape and the way it sits on the body? Appreciate if you can help! Thanks for the awesome videos as usual BTW
I’d say the size feels similar, but I definitely prefer the shape of the CS2 compared to the DS3. The DS3 max though has been a great option if you potentially want a bit more capacity, I’ve been using it way more than expected. Hope this helps!
@@joshfenn thank you for the feedback. I mostly use the sling as a pocket reliever so I’ll stick to the 2.5 liter capacity especially that I also prefer the shape of the CS. So final question, is the upgrade to the CS2 really worth it?
Probably not? Gonna be a personal preference thing though I’m sure. I don’t tend to utilize the new strap system all that much, but I could see that being really great for some. I never had the CS1 though so I can’t fully compare.
@@joshfenn Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think I will stick with it. I have read somewhere that although the strap management is not ideal, the CS actually is little more comfortable due to the wider straps and the slightly smaller size bag. I’ll just have to put the consumer urge on pause for now 😂 All the best
I got the aer travel pack 3. The passport zip is in a dumb location. If the bag is empty then your passport will become bent. The internal main side pocket is also in a dumb location directly opposite the bottle holder. If you're using a bottle then anything inside that pocket will become bent. The internal pocket should be on the other side opposing the external passport pocket. At least this way I can insert some sort of card placeholder to protect my passport. The passport pocket should've been on the back near the hip like the targus strike anti theft pocket. Then there should've been an extra external bulging compartment on the opposite side of the bottle holder. I told myself I'm getting this backpack for the warranty and the build quality but there's definitely some common sense room for improvement for future versions. I might start a RUclips channel just to make a review for this backpack
All great notes, I appreciate you sharing. You should absolutely make a channel if you’re interested! The more perspectives for possible buyers the better.
I do! Can’t stress enough how excellent both options are though, the 1680d cordura that AER uses has been a favorite of mine for years but I love xpac for the weight savings and additional water resistance.
I’m sure it’s subjective, but I’d say so. I’ve used the AER cordura bags through years of wet Pacific Northwest winters and rainy seasons without issue.
I agree, too. I recently ordered about 6 Aer bags and am replacing my gear with them because I feel that the look and vibe is amazing. Can a backpack be classy? Well, if Aer has anything to say about it...YES!
I’ve been using the Oktava MK-012 with a hypercardioid capsule for a couple of years now. It’s pretty hot/sensitive to noise but has been great for the price point.
Love your videos man! Keep it up. Btw, on the travel packs there is a “tech pocket” in the laptop compartment near the top that’s kind of hidden perfect for throwing a charger and some cables. Also, in the main compartment lid, there is a vertical pocket behind that small mesh pocket that has built in dimension perfect for some addition clothes or dirty laundry is what I’m thinking to use it for.
Just a quick correction on your video. The material used for the most recent grey versions (700D Cordura) is different from previous versions (900D polyester). Interested to know what the difference is in terms of texture and abrasion/tear resistance, though I’m sure both are more than enough. Thank you!
Great review - Are is quickly developing into my favourite bag and accessories company, great design and quality stuff, collection 3 adds some great upgrades.Very interested in the 3L sling - want to test it out but according to Are it can hold an iPad mini and have been looking for a sling just for that one...
@@joshfenn Somehow AER was ‘corrected’ into are in my orig post.. have tested (and purchased) and can confirm it fits the iPad Mini 6 like a glove (works with the pencil attached but that is a bit tight - the AER loop is an excellent garage for that one…
I like the look of the 35L but man, it weighs almost 2 kg (4.2 lbs). I am currently using the Allpa 35L, clocking in at around 1,5 kg, and I find that one to be on the heavy side. Traveling light in style ain't easy. On a side note, very happy with switching out my Macbook Pro charger for the Anker Nano II 65W. Works like a charm and it can charge my phone as well when needed.
I definitely appreciate that, I noticed the weight too when reviewing and wanted to make sure and mention it. My city travel load out is usually light enough where it’s not really an issue for me but I could see where it would be for some. Much more conscious around this for my wilderness pack, got the rei flash 55 last year and it’s just about 2lbs/1kg which has been great. Glad to hear about the charger! Definitely going that route when I upgrade my laptop. I still need 87W for my older MacBook so I can’t swap to it just yet.
This video came at the perfect time for me! I have a couple trips lined up for this year and I was just starting to look into some nicer bags for it. Think I might pick up a Flight Pack! Thanks for the thorough video.
Very nice video! What do you think about “Pakt travel backpack” (that you have reviewed) compare to this new Aer travel backpack 3?
That’s a tough call! I really love them both and they’re two of my favorite brands. I’d say the AER bag definitely has a bit more polish compared to Pakt, the fit and finish from AER is hard to beat IMO. AER is using bluesign material now, but Pakt probably wins when comparing ethics/sustainability. AER has a 28l and 35l version which is nice, and they’re a bit less expensive. Pakt has a bit more organization.
Super rambly, apologies for that haha. Both are so similar it’s tough to pick a clear winner, I’d just go with your personal preference or gut, or AER if budget is a big factor since they’re a bit less expensive. You should be really happy with either choice.
Hi Josh, I recently came across your channel. You have an excellent and natural, presenting style. As someone’s who’s recently bought the Aer Travel 3 bag, you missed on mentioning a few of the internal pockets in the clam opening. A ‘secret’ side one, the long one under the mesh pocket, and the key holder in the front pocket. I agree with your comments re the water bottle holder. Keep up the great content. Much respect from the UK.
So many things on these bags, I always end up missing a thing or two either in the review process or more often while filming since I don’t script out the videos. Thanks for adding to the review and for the support on this one!
Great video. So even without the load lifters and the contouring, the Flight Pack 3 was still VERY comfortable?
Absolutely. I’m sure it’s different person to person, but the AER bag designs have always been extremely comfortable for me, especially the smaller capacity bags like this. Load lifters would be way overkill for a bag of this size too. Extremely comfortable though, don’t know how they do it but AER always wins in that category compared to everything else for me.
The travel small It’s flight personal item?
It’d probably work if it’s not too full, but it might technically be too large so I’d check the airline dimension requirements first
Great video, I've used the Flight Pack 3 and Travel Kit 2 on several flights within the US so far and on one International Flight and love them. You've earned a new sub. Always happy to support content creators that cover what I'm most interested in, especially a fellow Oregonian.
So glad you enjoyed the video. Always happy to hear from another Oregonian too, thanks for the support!
Can I bring a carry on and the travel pack 3 small and not pay for it?
It’s always up to the airlines and the individuals working there, but I think the small should be fine to pass as a personal item if it’s not completely packed full. America is usually pretty loose on the rules for this in my experience, but some countries and airlines are way more strict.
Do you think this bag would be suitable as a college/school bag? Idk, judging all the packs from Aer, this one seems to be on the sweet spot but I don’t have the bag personally to test it out.
I really hope you can reply to this 🙏🏼
I’d probably prefer the layout of the tech pack for a school if it were me, but everyone’s situation and size/layout needs will be different. The 3 is probably the first of their travel packs that could work for day to day though, I’d say it just comes down to how much space you need. Fit/finish/quality will be excellent with either choice, I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you end up with. Hope this helps!
@@joshfenn oh God, sorry I forgot the specify which bag. I was referring to Flight pack 3.
Anyway, I really appreciate your response. Yup, tech pack 2 is also under my radar but I feel like Aer is releasing the 3rd gen next year and I don’t have time to wait for it since face-to-face classes has already started here in my country. But I guess I’ll have to pick tech pack 2 for now.
If you were looking at the flight pack, the city pack would be another great option to check out! That’s been my favorite daily bag for quite some time if it has enough space for you.
@@joshfenn yess. City pack is great, but the 14L capacity might be a little small for my needs as a nursing student. Idk, city pack and Flight pack 3 are very identical even with the size. The city pack looks bigger than its carrying capacity, might go for it.
Planning to buy a Aer travel pack 3. I know box-42 X-pac is waterproof and 1680d corduroy is water resistance. But which fabric is more durable and scratch resistance and tear resistance.
If I had to bet, I’d probably put my money on the 1680d being more durable long term. That being said, xpac is extremely durable especially considering the weight and I doubt you’d have any issues with scratching or tearing. Xpac holds up really well in a lot of wilderness backpacks getting scratched and beaten up on branches and rocks.
Both bags could probably last multiple decades if cared for properly so it’s a win win, but I’m glad I got the xpac version for mine.
What do you think about using the Flight Pack 3 as a cycling commuter bag?
I think it’d be a great option for sure! I’d decide mainly on capacity needs/preference between the city pack, flight pack, and tech pack. All 3 are great but with different capacities. The tech pack and city pack have been my main two daily bags depending on how much I’m carrying and this falls right in between those two.
I love watching your videos. These aren’t exactly in my price range but I do like to watch these videos for future pack purchases. This is a great looking set of bags with a lot of features I enjoy. Thanks for your videos as always. 🤙🏼
Happy to share and I totally get where you’re coming from! Always good to keep the wish list updated for the future, I do that with quite a few bigger categories/purchases too :)
Awesome review of the Aer travel collection. Thank you!
Happy to share, glad you enjoyed it!
I have the city sling first generation and I’ve been itching to get the CS2 for the fidlock and strap management improvement. Now with with DS3 I’m completely lost 😂. Does the DS3 feel much bigger than the CS? Or does it hide the extra capacity due it shape and the way it sits on the body?
Appreciate if you can help!
Thanks for the awesome videos as usual BTW
I’d say the size feels similar, but I definitely prefer the shape of the CS2 compared to the DS3. The DS3 max though has been a great option if you potentially want a bit more capacity, I’ve been using it way more than expected. Hope this helps!
@@joshfenn thank you for the feedback. I mostly use the sling as a pocket reliever so I’ll stick to the 2.5 liter capacity especially that I also prefer the shape of the CS. So final question, is the upgrade to the CS2 really worth it?
Probably not? Gonna be a personal preference thing though I’m sure. I don’t tend to utilize the new strap system all that much, but I could see that being really great for some. I never had the CS1 though so I can’t fully compare.
@@joshfenn Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think I will stick with it. I have read somewhere that although the strap management is not ideal, the CS actually is little more comfortable due to the wider straps and the slightly smaller size bag. I’ll just have to put the consumer urge on pause for now 😂
All the best
Answered many questions I had. Thanks!!
Glad to hear that, thanks for the support!
I got the aer travel pack 3. The passport zip is in a dumb location. If the bag is empty then your passport will become bent. The internal main side pocket is also in a dumb location directly opposite the bottle holder. If you're using a bottle then anything inside that pocket will become bent.
The internal pocket should be on the other side opposing the external passport pocket. At least this way I can insert some sort of card placeholder to protect my passport.
The passport pocket should've been on the back near the hip like the targus strike anti theft pocket. Then there should've been an extra external bulging compartment on the opposite side of the bottle holder.
I told myself I'm getting this backpack for the warranty and the build quality but there's definitely some common sense room for improvement for future versions.
I might start a RUclips channel just to make a review for this backpack
All great notes, I appreciate you sharing. You should absolutely make a channel if you’re interested! The more perspectives for possible buyers the better.
I own the same bag, and you make some great points.
Do you prefer xpac or cordura?
I do! Can’t stress enough how excellent both options are though, the 1680d cordura that AER uses has been a favorite of mine for years but I love xpac for the weight savings and additional water resistance.
Is the cordura sufficiently water resistant for a trip to Europe in march?
I’m sure it’s subjective, but I’d say so. I’ve used the AER cordura bags through years of wet Pacific Northwest winters and rainy seasons without issue.
Awesome analysis, as usual. There’s something refined, even elegant, about Aer that I don’t find in any other manufacturers.
Totally agree! I’ve been lucky enough to review and try quite a few different brands over the years and AER has always been a favorite of mine.
I agree, too. I recently ordered about 6 Aer bags and am replacing my gear with them because I feel that the look and vibe is amazing. Can a backpack be classy? Well, if Aer has anything to say about it...YES!
Hey
What microphone do you use?
I’ve been using the Oktava MK-012 with a hypercardioid capsule for a couple of years now. It’s pretty hot/sensitive to noise but has been great for the price point.
Love your videos man! Keep it up. Btw, on the travel packs there is a “tech pocket” in the laptop compartment near the top that’s kind of hidden perfect for throwing a charger and some cables. Also, in the main compartment lid, there is a vertical pocket behind that small mesh pocket that has built in dimension perfect for some addition clothes or dirty laundry is what I’m thinking to use it for.
Good catch, thanks for letting me know!
Just a quick correction on your video. The material used for the most recent grey versions (700D Cordura) is different from previous versions (900D polyester).
Interested to know what the difference is in terms of texture and abrasion/tear resistance, though I’m sure both are more than enough. Thank you!
Great catch, apologies for that and thanks for sharing!
@@joshfenn Thank you for the great review!
Great review - Are is quickly developing into my favourite bag and accessories company, great design and quality stuff, collection 3 adds some great upgrades.Very interested in the 3L sling - want to test it out but according to Are it can hold an iPad mini and have been looking for a sling just for that one...
I don’t have a mini to test and 100% confirm but that sounds about right based on the size. Perfect use case for it!
@@joshfenn Somehow AER was ‘corrected’ into are in my orig post.. have tested (and purchased) and can confirm it fits the iPad Mini 6 like a glove (works with the pencil attached but that is a bit tight - the AER loop is an excellent garage for that one…
Can you review the new SYMPL Travel backpack pls. tnx
I’ll check it out when I can, thanks for the recommendation!
I literally just bought everything in XPAC
Their 1680 cordura is great, but I absolutely love the xpac pieces I got. Definitely won’t be disappointed.
@@joshfenn i wish they do the orange inner lining for the cordura as well
I like the look of the 35L but man, it weighs almost 2 kg (4.2 lbs). I am currently using the Allpa 35L, clocking in at around 1,5 kg, and I find that one to be on the heavy side. Traveling light in style ain't easy. On a side note, very happy with switching out my Macbook Pro charger for the Anker Nano II 65W. Works like a charm and it can charge my phone as well when needed.
I definitely appreciate that, I noticed the weight too when reviewing and wanted to make sure and mention it. My city travel load out is usually light enough where it’s not really an issue for me but I could see where it would be for some. Much more conscious around this for my wilderness pack, got the rei flash 55 last year and it’s just about 2lbs/1kg which has been great.
Glad to hear about the charger! Definitely going that route when I upgrade my laptop. I still need 87W for my older MacBook so I can’t swap to it just yet.
This video came at the perfect time for me! I have a couple trips lined up for this year and I was just starting to look into some nicer bags for it. Think I might pick up a Flight Pack! Thanks for the thorough video.
So glad to hear that, enjoy your trips and the flight pack!
Have 7 pieces Aer X-Pacs: amazing EDCS!!!
Been loving the XPac options since I got them!
Love the flight pack
For sure!
3:50 time stamp...Same here
They’re definitely favorites of mine! All the friends and family I’ve given out my older models to love them as well
thanks josh
No problem!
Super excited for their travel pack 3 small. I'm going to order it for some long weekend trips I have planned this year.
I’m sure you’ll love it! So glad I was able to get the small size, should be perfect for me too.
love it,that' sperfect ! broth!
Taco bell funny
Road to 100k subs
🤞🤞