For the minimalist vacationers trying to lower baggage prices and squeeze their life into one bag for his or her adventures overseas, a stable journey backpack could also be all you want.
Discovering the proper pack could be a problem, although. You want one thing that’s large enough to hold all the pieces to your journey, supportive sufficient to allow you to carry all that weight in consolation, and sturdy sufficient to outlive the abuse of journey.
The Aer Travel Pack 3 suits the invoice, permitting you to retailer and set up your whole journey gear in a single practical backpack. It’s powerful, compact, and has loads of options to maintain you organized in your journey.
Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly not for everybody. Gentle packers will adore it, however those that are inclined to overpack may wrestle with this smaller journey bag.
I put this bag to the check and produce it alongside as a single carry-on merchandise for a two-week journey to Costa Rica.
Sure, I lived out of simply this bag (and the WANDRD 9L Roam Sling for my digicam gear) for 2 weeks and—to my shock—I made it work!
However is that this the proper bag for you? On this evaluation of the Aer Journey Pack 3, I’ll dive into my expertise with this bag, what it excels at, and the issues I wanted had been totally different.
Aer Journey Pack 3 Abstract
The Aer Journey Pack is streamlined for carry-on journey. Residing as much as their slogan, “Journey Each Day,” they’re specialised in developing a backpack that can be utilized “from the workplace to the health club, or from San Francisco to Tokyo.”
Residing out of this bag for every week or extra gained’t be for everybody. I’m a textbook minimalist traveler so for those who’re the kind of traveler who likes “choices,” there isn’t any probability this pack will have the ability to match your whole excessiveness (I imply that within the kindest means attainable).
If the concept of packing much less and carrying much less will get you excited, you’ll most likely love this bag. It’s for mild packers or quick journeys, not for individuals who wish to deliver all the pieces however the kitchen sink.
To offer you an concept of the capability of this bag, right here’s what I packed:
The garments I packed had been primarily fabricated from artificial supplies, capable of be rolled up and compacted right down to a smaller dimension. If you happen to plan on packing denims and large sweatshirts, don’t anticipate to have the ability to match every week’s value of garments on this pack.
My Canon R5 physique and a pair of lenses match properly into my WANDRD 9L Roam Sling, so with the pack on my again, and the sling on my hips, I used to be set for 2 weeks in Costa Rica!
Aer Journey Pack 3 Execs and Cons
Earlier than diving into the professionals and cons, it’s necessary to handle what this bag is and who it’s for.
The Aer Journey Pack 3 is admittedly too huge for use as a each day carry, and it isn’t actually well-suited for mountaineering. Because the identify implies, this pack is really constructed for journey. Its sensible design helps make the most of house effectively and is straightforward to maintain organized.
The Aer Journey Pack is admittedly meant as a carry-on backpack for one-bag journey, and that’s the place it shines.
I dont wish to test a bag after I journey overseas, I usually carry a bigger pack as my carry merchandise. This pack is a bit smaller than ones I’ve used prior to now, nevertheless it works properly as a carry-on bag for those who’re a light-weight packer. It has its limits, although.
Right here’s a brief record of a number of the different execs and cons of the Aer Journey Pack 3.
Execs
- It capabilities properly for one-bag journey
- Sturdy materials brings peace of thoughts that the bag is not going to fail you when touring
- Practical sensible compartments that hold you properly organized
- Lay-flat predominant compartment makes accessing your belongings simple
- Modern design and minimal design
- Attachment factors for further gear on the surface
Cons
- The shortage of hip straps limits consolation. I’m not a fan of add on choices for options that appear essential
- No rain-fly. In all probability not the largest fear however slightly further rain safety wouldn’t harm
- Lack of dimension choices limits utilization. It might be cool to see a number of totally different dimension choices that fits each kind of traveler
Who’s Aer?
Aer is run by a small workforce based mostly in San Francisco, California. Based in 2014, Aer started as a crowdfunded venture whose objective was to mix a health club bag and an workplace bag into one simplified backpack. Since their preliminary begin, they’ve grown to create award-winning merchandise to assist their clients journey higher.
Their merchandise are impressed by the town and attempt to combine sensible options and minimalist fashion with an emphasis on simplicity, utility, and sturdiness.
Aer Journey Pack 3 Evaluation
Now that you’ve a basic concept of what the Journey Pack 3 has to supply, let’s take a extra thorough have a look at the design and performance.
Supplies
The Aer Journey Pack 3 is made with 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign authorized), YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic {hardware}.
As I discussed, this pack is supposed for journey, not for rugged adventures, although if coupled with the elective hip straps, it may very well be simply used for some simple day hikes. So long as you’re not tossing the pack down a slab of granite or intend on testing its water resistance to the acute, the supplies will maintain up properly all through your travels.
That being mentioned, I like the general felt power of this pack. Aer undoubtedly didn’t low cost out on the supplies and it reveals.
I believe the supplies on this pack will maintain up for a few years to return.
Ranking: 4/5
Aesthetic
One might suspect a bag with as many options because the Journey Pack 3 to look a bit extreme, however Aer was capable of pull off each performance and clear aesthetics.
The pack lives as much as Aer’s minimalist pursuit, providing a smooth look that may be a good match for on-the-go journey.
Its low-profile look provides it the flexibility of a journey bag, a mountaineering bag or a piece bag with out drawing any unneeded consideration to it.
One factor to notice is that the Aer Journey Pack doesn’t have many colours to select from. You will get black, gray, olive inexperienced, or black X-Pack (a lighter, fully-waterproof cloth).
I personally love black, however for anybody who likes a splash of coloration of their journey gear, the choice here’s a bit disappointing.
The quantity of black journey backpacks you see in an airport is ample, making it simple to confuse which bag is yours. Having the choice to face out from the pack (see what I did there?) may turn out to be useful.
Ranking: 5/5
Consolation
The pack is constructed for consolation with well-padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and an inner framesheet to distribute the load. When it’s packed to the brim, although, it begins weighing in your shoulders, particularly for those who don’t have the upgraded detachable hip belt (I didn’t).
With no hip straps, I had an amazing quantity of weight on my shoulders which might make a 20-minute wait in line for customs fairly arduous. Strolling from terminal to terminal, much more so.
If you happen to pack mild with just a few of your belongings, the padded shoulder straps could possibly handle the load to some extent, however for me, hip straps are a should on any pack larger than a small daypack.
I don’t care if it’s two weeks of things or a laptop computer and a jacket. If you happen to’re sporting it for lengthy sufficient, the pack goes to trigger discomfort if all the load is just distributed in your shoulders. Weight tolerance will differ from individual to individual, so experiment with what feels greatest for you and discover out what your physique can and can’t deal with.
The excellent news is which you could get a padded hipbelt to connect to this bag. The dangerous information is that will probably be an additional value.
Ranking: 3/5
Group
I’m naturally fairly cluttered and disorganized, so I used to be impressed with how the general performance of this bag helped me tame the chaos whereas packing for my journey.
Some baggage have too many pockets, to the purpose the place I can’t keep in mind which pocket I put issues in. Different baggage have too few, and all my belongings come pouring out as quickly as I open a zipper.
The Aer Journey Pack 3 actually hit the Goldilocks zone for pockets and felt “good” for me. It has sensible group options designed to provide you a spot for all the pieces with out being overly sophisticated.
The lay-flat predominant compartment allowed me to pack and entry my garments effectively, the padded laptop computer compartment felt protected and safe, and the surface mesh pocket made accessing gadgets on the go, fast and because the identify implies, “simple”.
Ranking: 5/5
Sturdiness
The Aer Journey 3 is actually a sturdy pack. Even earlier than testing it out, I observed how sturdy this pack felt. That is undoubtedly not the case with all packs.
There was by no means a degree in my journey that I felt like my bag was susceptible to damage.
The zippers on the again get essentially the most put on for my part, particularly with a bag that’s practically bursting on the seams, and by no means as soon as did I really feel like my zippers had been about to fail.
I’d be cautious of placing it to the check in opposition to something too rugged however the 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior feels sturdy and waterproof sufficient to carry up in opposition to an sudden rainstorm or some mild abrasion.
Ranking: 4/5
Aer Journey Pack 3 Options
The Aer Journey Pack 3 comes with an abundance of considerate options. There’s a compartment for all the pieces—and nothing extra—which provides to the convenience of each day use.
Lay-Flat Most important Compartment
For my part, the lay-flat predominant compartment is a must have function on journey baggage. Everybody has needed to unpack and repack their bag simply to search out that one merchandise. The lay-flat zipper makes it tremendous simple to pack and discover gadgets with out having to dig ferociously to the underside.
Trying on the bag, I don’t know the way I match two week’s value of garments in there however I did! The power to unzip the pack absolutely and punctiliously place your gadgets undoubtedly will increase the performance of the accessible house.
I saved a packing dice on this compartment that helped hold my garments organized. My digicam tools was carried within the WANDRD 9L Roam Sling so the dice was used just for clothes and some different random gadgets.
What I felt was missing had been inner compression straps to maintain all the pieces in place.
A lot is getting positioned on this predominant compartment and although the lay-flat zipper makes it simple to open and entry, gadgets are inclined to fall out when there aren’t any aspect partitions holding them in.
Some compression straps to safe my garments and different gadgets would have been a useful function to have and would have introduced some added peace of thoughts when opening my pack.
Padded Suspended Laptop computer Compartment
The laptop computer pocket can match laptops as much as 16” and there’s loads extra room for different digital equipment or paperwork within the divided compartment.
With an ample quantity of house, padding, and a gentle cloth lining, I by no means felt like my laptop computer was susceptible to harm.
A lay-flat zipper on this compartment would make it simpler to entry my cables and arduous drives that I saved in there.
Additionally, a number of added compartments again right here for arduous drives or a pill would make it simpler to remain organized.
The quantity of cables, dongles and tech equipment that include touring with a laptop computer can really feel overwhelming. There’s loads of house within the suspended laptop computer compartment for all of that so to have some added group would have helped a ton.
Load Lifters
The load lifters had been a pleasant function to see on a journey pack, as they’re most typical on backpacking baggage. It undoubtedly helped with adjusting the load for a extra comfy match.
What are load lifters? Load lifters are two small straps which might be hooked up to the shoulder straps and again of your pack. Tightening and loosening them adjusts the closeness of the bag to your physique, permitting for better consolation and stabilization by lowering the sway of the pack.
Load lifters might not be a necessity for everybody however they’re undoubtedly a pleasant function for added consolation, particularly in case you are touring with a totally loaded single-carry backpack.
Compression Design
The compression straps on the aspect can turn out to be useful in case your pack is stuffed to the brim and also you’re trying to save an inch or two of house.
I used the compression straps to safe a tripod which ended up understanding very well.
To enhance performance and diversify the use, I’d’ve preferred to see these straps broaden just a bit bit extra as they grew to become fairly tight after I tried to safe my tripod.
Sure, I notice these straps should not particularly designed to hold issues, however I can’t think about I’m the primary and solely particular person to make use of these straps for this.
There are such a lot of touring creators on the market so to have these compression straps carry out as a twin functioning tripod straps would undoubtedly up the attraction for lots of people. An added sleeve for the tripod legs on one of many sides of the bag could be a reasonably superior enchancment to see too.
Lockable Zippers
It’s a small element, however the truth that you’ll be able to lock the primary zippers could be a huge deal for some. If you happen to’re carrying priceless gadgets like a laptop computer, digicam, or different electronics, it might probably add plenty of peace of thoughts understanding you’ll be able to safe your bag from undesirable intrusion.
Remember that it’s nonetheless attainable for thieves to tear by zippers, so it undoubtedly isn’t a fool-proof resolution. Locking the zippers of your pack does present som deterrence for informal thieves although.
Backside Shoe Pocket
I like this function on journey baggage. This pocket is accessed from the underside of the bag, extending into the primary compartment.
The pocket is comparatively spacious as I used to be capable of match a pair of trainers and a Lowepro RunAbout BP 18L Collapsible Backpack in right here. A few pairs of flip-flops or sandals would even be an inexpensive match.
In regular suitcases, footwear are sometimes positioned in with all the pieces else which can be okay firstly of the journey when your footwear are clear, however after hikes and sandy walks on the seaside it might not be so perfect.
The power to separate your soiled footwear out of your clear garments is an superior function to have and considerably of an sudden luxurious in a bag of this dimension.
What must be famous is that not all footwear will have the ability to slot in right here. As I discussed, I had a pair of compact trainers on this pocket however a set of excessive heels or chunky mountaineering boots would make it a good squeeze.
Simple Entry Entrance Pocket
Easy accessibility is the secret when touring with a solo carry-on bag. No matter whether or not you’re within the airport, or caught in a rainstorm ready for an Uber, fast entry to your each day journey requirements is essential to staying organized and conserving your gadgets protected.
I actually loved the performance of this entrance pocket. It was giant sufficient to stow a pair of sandals and arranged sufficient to maintain my each day gadgets available.
There are numerous totally different pockets and compartments inside this entrance entry pocket which might be appropriate for all the pieces from a pen and journal, to a toothbrush and toiletries.
The zipper folds three-quarters of the best way down to supply that easy accessibility so that you don’t should blindly dig round to search out a number of the smaller gadgets you will have stowed in there.
Expandable Water Bottle Aspect Pocket
The expandable water bottle pocket on the aspect of the backpack was deceptively giant.
Following Aer’s minimalist method, the compartment appears fairly stealthy, with a vertical zipper that enables it to broaden and provides you extra space for bigger bottles.
At first sight, I didn’t assume my wide-mouthed water bottle would slot in there however to my shock, it did with ease.
Although the expandable choice provides the minimalist look, I don’t discover all of it that essential as it’s a topless compartment that smaller gadgets may simply fall out of rendering it solely helpful for a water bottle.
My different grievance with the compartment is the general placement.
It’s positioned within the higher center of the bag which a) makes it tougher to achieve when it’s in your again and b) throws off the load distribution.
Heavier gadgets must be saved close to the underside of your pack to permit the load to be distributed in your hips, not your again or shoulders. Water is usually one of many heaviest belongings you carry, so to have it positioned greater up on the pack is lower than perfect.
Fast-Entry Prime Pocket
The short entry high pocket is a good function to have on any backpack, significantly one designed for journey.
All through your lengthy journey days within the airport, you might be consistently transitioning from being on the transfer to lengthy intervals of down time whether or not it’s on an extended flight or a layover.
All through your day there are a number of gadgets that can be going out and in of use and the potential to lose or misplace them comparatively excessive.
All too usually I get able to board or deboard the aircraft whereas doing the “the place’s my shit” dance, grabbing for my again pocket to test for my pockets, feeling my seat for my cellphone, rubbing my hip for my keys, patting down my jacket for my headphones, and bending down low for the rest which will have fallen out whereas I used to be in a daze.
A single pocket to maintain this stuff protected and safe would absolutely assist to remove that fear and the anxious scrambling to collect my belongings.
Detachable Hip Belt (offered individually)
I used to be not capable of check the hip belt however this actually would’ve made a world of distinction. I extremely suggest getting one for elevated consolation and performance irrespective of how a lot you might be carrying.
As I discussed earlier than, the load of your pack must be distributed in your hips, not your again or shoulders. I can’t assist however really feel like I get taken benefit of when backpack corporations are providing hip straps as an add-on choice offered individually, as, to me, they’re a necessity.
Hip strips not solely add comfortability, but in addition versatility. Some might argue {that a} metropolis or journey pack doesn’t want hip straps (although I’d strongly disagree) however a mountaineering pack merely can’t go with out them.
Not solely is it extremely uncomfortable to hike with out hip straps, it’s horrible for the physique.
With the quantity of strolling that may go right into a day of journey, hip straps are a a lot wanted function for those who don’t need a sore again and shoulders the subsequent day.
Aer Journey Pack 3 Dimensions and Specs
The Journey Pack 3 measures in at a peak of 21.5″ (54.5 cm), a width of 13” (33 cm), and a depth of 9” (21.5 cm). By dimensions, it’s a pretty small pack. Most individuals who I confirmed this bag to and instructed them that this was all I used to be bringing, referred to as me loopy.
The compact dimension permits it to move any airline’s carry-on restrictions
Although mild in weight weighing in at 4.2 lbs, it might probably retailer as much as 35 L, permitting loads of room for what you want.
| Dimensions | Size: 21.5″ x 13″ x 9″ |
| Capability | 35 L |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
Aer Journey Pack 3 Options
The Aer Journey Pack 3 gained’t be for everybody however there’s undoubtedly a pack on the market for you. Listed below are a number of extra choices that you could be desire.
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
If the Journey Pack 3’s 35L capability isn’t sufficient, Nomatic’s 40L Travel Bag may be a greater choice. Although 5L isn’t an enormous distinction, it may simply be sufficient house to squeeze in these few further gadgets that you just had been going to have to depart behind.
It’s loaded with 20+ revolutionary options like a laundry bag, shoe compartment, and an underwear and sock pocket.
It’s made with a water-proof materials, not waterproof, so this bag can undoubtedly deal with a bit extra ruggedness if essential.
It measures in at 21″ x 14″ x 9″ so it is rather comparable in dimension to the Journey Pack 3 and capabilities each as a backpack and a duffle bag.
It comes with a waist and sternum strap which is sweet to see as not an add on.
Actually, this pack sounds superior and could also be a possible resolution to the Journey Bag 3’s shortcomings.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L provides a rugged, sturdy and expandable daypack that’s perfect for shorter journey and on a regular basis carry.
It really works seamlessly with Peak Designs digicam cubes so in case you are a digital creator, this may be the pack you want.
It meets worldwide carry-on necessities within the expanded 33L kind and the collapsed 27L kind.
The Journey Backpack 30L comes with expansive aspect pockets for tripods, water bottles and different equipment, a padded laptop computer sleeve, and an enlarged high pocket designed for passports, wallets, and glasses.
Tuck-away shoulder straps and elective hip strap attachments make this pack a winner in my eyes.
Able Carry Max Backpack
The Able Carry Max Backpack is a 30L pack that’s constructed for work, play and journey.
Possibly you’re not trying to make the most of your backpack as a single carry-on merchandise and simply want it for some further belongings. With slightly bit much less room and lots of the identical options because the Journey Pack 3, The Max Backpack may very well be a superb choice for you.
It suits as much as 17” units and is made with a robust and sturdy X-Pac cloth and Cordura 1000D nylon.
It offers a 25L predominant compartment and exterior pockets that enable for peak group and the pliability to “organize your day, your means.”
It comes with thick shoulder help and ventilated pads to maintain your again cool nevertheless it doesn’t include a hip straps, nor do I see an choice so as to add one on.
Aer Journey Pack 3 Last Ideas
There’s loads that goes into touring overseas, most of which might go ignored in preparation. Having the proper backpack and the proper compartments not solely helps you keep organized however lets you keep in mind the gadgets you might be forgetting.
The Aer Journey Pack 3 actually checked plenty of the bins for me. As somebody who’s notoriously disorganized, I felt not solely well-organized but in addition well-prepared to journey with this bag.
For me, what’s extra necessary than performance, group, and luxury, is the reliability of the bag. All of those options grow to be much less necessary and the journey can grow to be way more taxing if a zipper breaks or a strap rips and so on.
I felt protected utilizing the Aer Journey Pack 3. I actually put this bag to the check by packing greater than I most likely ought to have nevertheless it was capable of maintain up exceptionally properly. Shoot, possibly I’m a kind of “extreme,” packers in any case?
Although it wasn’t at all times simple dwelling out of this bag for 2 weeks, that’s simply the sport with one-bag journey! Sacrifices are made to journey minimally and to have the security and safety of carrying all that you just want in a single carry-on merchandise.
Single carry-on journey isn’t for everybody, however for individuals who see themselves as a minimal traveler, I’d completely counsel this bag, hip straps included.
With that being mentioned, the Aer Journey Pack 3 can absolutely be used for greater than only a journey pack. I can see it being an amazing day provider for metropolis or on-campus use.
The value is actually affordable and the excess of options packed right into a minimal and aesthetic bag makes this backpack a winner for me.
On the finish of the day, there isn’t any such factor as an ideal backpack. Although the Aer Journey Pack 3 is not any exception, it actually has loads to supply.
