The Aer Travel Pack series has consistently impressed us, and the original Travel Pack set a high bar as a stellar one-bag travel solution. Its successor, the Travel Pack 2, became our go-to choice for our Digital Nomad Packing List. Now, Aer has released the Travel Pack 3, tasked with surpassing its already exceptional predecessor. With a comprehensive list of upgrades, both subtle and significant, we delve into whether the Travel Pack 3 has what it takes to become your next essential travel companion. Spoiler alert: it very well might.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Outdoor
Aer Travel Pack 3: Chapter three in Aer’s travel backpack evolution introduces a wealth of enhancements.
This iteration marks a substantial evolution, bringing back beloved features from the original Travel Pack, such as load lifters, and introducing new elements like magnetic buckles. While we have mixed feelings about the latter, we’re also bidding farewell to the shoe compartment present in the previous two versions. Furthermore, the compression straps and compartment access points have been refined to enhance packing efficiency and ease of use. For a detailed visual guide on packing this bag, our Pack Hacker Pro members can access an exclusive video demonstrating optimal packing techniques.
However, these upgrades come with certain trade-offs. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore the nuances of the Aer Travel Pack 3.
Materials & Aesthetic: Refined Minimalism
As the “3” in its name suggests, the Travel Pack 3 is not Aer’s first foray into the travel backpack arena. By this point, they have solidified their signature aesthetic, one that resonates deeply with the Pack Hacker team.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Brand
Aer Travel Pack 3: The brand’s minimalist aesthetic is consistent across their product line, even reflected in their store signage.
Beyond the ubiquitous black-on-black color scheme that defines Aer’s line, the Travel Pack 3 maintains a sleek profile despite its increased 35-liter capacity. It retains the brand’s hallmark features: durable black ballistic nylon, a structured, squared-off silhouette, and the distinctive bisecting zippered front opening. This design language permeates Aer’s product range, from compact pouches like the Split Kit to larger travel backpacks like the Travel Pack 3, creating a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. While design elements may vary across products, Aer has successfully carved out a unique space in the travel gear market.
While the Travel Pack 3’s aesthetic is undeniably familiar, echoing the Travel Pack 2, this is not necessarily a drawback. Unless placed side-by-side with its predecessor, discerning the nuanced visual differences can be challenging. For those upgrading from the Travel Pack 2, the visual transition is seamless. However, this subtle evolution doesn’t imply a lack of innovation; rather, it reflects Aer’s commitment to minimalist design principles. In essence, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to be the guiding philosophy.
Aer Travel Pack 3 and Travel Pack 2 B
Aer Travel Pack 3: The subtle design evolution from the Travel Pack 2 highlights Aer’s minimalist approach. Can you distinguish them at a glance?
Mirroring the Travel Pack 2, the Travel Pack 3 utilizes 1680D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon. This time, however, it boasts bluesign certification, underscoring a commitment to both safety and environmental responsibility in its production. This certification provides an added layer of assurance, knowing the materials are manufactured with consideration for both people and planet. The fabric retains the robust abrasion resistance expected from a high-denier material, ensuring durability for the rigors of travel.
For those seeking a departure from the all-black aesthetic, the Olive colorway offers a touch of sophistication and individuality. Alternatively, the Gray option, constructed from 700D CORDURA, presents a lighter-denier fabric while remaining sufficiently durable for urban environments. Our positive experience with the Duffel Pack 2 in Gray, despite its shorter stint, suggests the 700D CORDURA is more than capable for city travel.
Unsurprisingly, the Aer Travel Pack 3 upholds Aer’s reputation for exceptional build quality. Attention to detail is evident throughout the bag. High-quality YKK zippers, some featuring Hypalon pulls, contribute to a premium feel. Addressing a minor critique from previous Aer iterations, the jingle of metal zipper pulls is significantly reduced. Paracord complements the metal pulls, thoughtfully threaded to minimize noise from metal-on-metal contact. The metal pulls themselves are also smaller, further contributing to a quieter and more refined user experience.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Zipper
Aer Travel Pack 3: Premium YKK zippers with Hypalon pulls and paracord dampeners minimize noise and enhance usability.
A notable addition to the Travel Pack 3 is the incorporation of magnetic Woojin buckles. The tactile satisfaction of magnetic engagement and disengagement is undeniable, making them enjoyable to use. However, their specific implementation on the Travel Pack 3 warrants closer examination, which we will address in the subsequent section.
External Components: Comfort and Accessibility Redefined
Given the Travel Pack 3’s slightly larger dimensions compared to the Travel Pack 2, enhancements to the harness system are a welcome development. While the Travel Pack 2 was by no means uncomfortable, the transition from the Travel Pack 1 to the Travel Pack 2 felt like a partial trade-off in terms of harness features. Specifically, the addition of an optional hip belt coincided with the removal of load lifters.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Side By Side
Aer Travel Pack 3: The Travel Pack 3, modeled for scale, showcases its 35-liter capacity.
This trade-off is effectively resolved in the Travel Pack 3. Load lifters make a comeback, coexisting with the option to attach a hip belt. Aer has also ingeniously addressed the dangling strap issue that led to the initial omission of load lifters in the Travel Pack 2. The solution is simple yet effective: strap keepers. Located just below the load lifters, flat loops on the shoulder straps allow excess slack to be neatly threaded and secured.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Strap
Aer Travel Pack 3: Load lifters are back, enhanced with strap keepers to manage excess webbing.
For those unfamiliar, load lifters are straps connecting the upper portion of the shoulder straps to the top of the backpack’s frame. Their primary function is to pull the bag closer to your back, effectively lifting weight off your shoulders and preventing the sensation of being pulled backward, especially with heavier loads. While not strictly essential for a 35-liter pack like the Travel Pack 3, they contribute noticeably to carrying comfort, particularly when the bag is fully packed.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Strap 2
Aer Travel Pack 3: The optional hip belt, attachable via gatekeeper clips, further enhances weight distribution.
On the lower portion of the bag, two nylon loops provide attachment points for the optional hip belt (sold separately) via gatekeeper clips. Similar to load lifters, a hip belt redistributes the pack’s weight, transferring it to your waist, which can bear weight more comfortably than your shoulders. The hip belt itself is generously wide and thickly padded, featuring a robust side-release buckle at the center.
Like load lifters, the hip belt is not indispensable for everyday use unless the Travel Pack 3 is loaded to maximum capacity. A minor drawback: when not in use, the hip belt can sometimes poke into your sides if not properly folded. Fortunately, its removability allows you to pack it away or leave it behind when not needed.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Strap
Aer Travel Pack 3: Despite the increased capacity, the Travel Pack 3 maintains excellent carrying comfort.
Beyond these supportive features, the fundamental comfort of any backpack hinges on its shoulder straps. The Travel Pack 3’s shoulder straps are as comfortable as we recall from the Travel Pack 2, if not more so. Side-by-side comparison suggests the Travel Pack 3’s straps are slightly wider and perhaps a touch thicker, although the latter could be attributed to the broken-in nature of our Travel Pack 2’s straps.
Regardless, they are exceptionally comfortable, especially when used in conjunction with the load lifters and hip belt, even with the Travel Pack 3’s additional two liters of capacity. However, comfort is subjective, and individual experiences may vary based on body type. Users with smaller frames might find the wider shoulder straps less comfortable.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Sternum Strap
Aer Travel Pack 3: While functional, the magnetic sternum strap buckle feels somewhat unnecessary compared to simpler side-release buckles.
A D-ring is positioned at the top of one of the shoulder straps, now on the right side, having shifted from the left side in the Travel Pack 2. The reason for this change is unclear, but its functionality remains consistent on either side.
The sternum strap also features a vertical sliding adjustment, our preferred mechanism. However, the magnetic buckle on the sternum strap is less enthusiastically received. While it functions as intended, it feels somewhat superfluous for a sternum strap compared to a simpler side-release buckle. Side-release buckles offer straightforward plug-and-click operation, whereas magnetic buckles require an inward pull to unfasten, which can be slightly awkward when the strap is tightly tensioned. This is a minor detail, but noticeable in daily use.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Back Pad
Aer Travel Pack 3: The back panel design is largely unchanged, featuring a luggage pass-through strap.
The back panel design remains largely consistent with the Travel Pack 2. Two foam panels with a central vertical air channel provide structure and ventilation. The foam is covered in breathable mesh fabric to minimize heat buildup. The cushioning effectively mitigates the boxy feel of the Travel Pack 3, enhancing comfort against the back. A luggage pass-through strap is integrated into the air channel, allowing the bag to be secured to rolling luggage.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Carry Handle
Aer Travel Pack 3: Multiple handles, including a heavily padded top handle, offer versatile carry options.
In addition to shoulder straps, handles are located along the edges—top, bottom, and both sides. The top handle is the most generously padded. However, its central placement makes it challenging to hang the bag on shallow restroom hooks. Notably, there is no loop between the shoulder straps for hanging.
The side handles, constructed from smooth, seatbelt-like material, offer a degree of padding. Their positioning towards the sides of the back panel causes the bag to lean and feel unbalanced when carried briefcase-style. A simple nylon strap at the bottom serves primarily for pulling the bag from overhead bins.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Bottom Handle
Aer Travel Pack 3: The bottom handle aids in retrieving the bag from overhead compartments.
Despite minor criticisms regarding handle placement, they effectively serve their purpose for short-distance maneuvering of the relatively heavy Travel Pack 3. This includes moving within airport terminals, hotel rooms, or passing the bag among travel companions. However, none of the handles are ideally suited for hanging the bag on narrow hooks, such as those found in restroom stalls.
The right side of the Travel Pack 3 features a zippered water bottle pocket that lies flush against the bag when not in use, a carryover feature from the previous version. Unzipping it reveals stretchy mesh fabric that expands to accommodate water bottles. Our slender 21-ounce Hydro Flask does not sit fully on the base and is not tightly secured by the elastic. Conversely, our wider 32-ounce Nalgene Wide-Mouth fits more snugly.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Water Bottle
Aer Travel Pack 3: The zippered water bottle pocket expands to accommodate various bottle sizes and zips closed when not needed.
Above the water bottle pocket is a D-ring, a feature dating back to the original Travel Pack, initially intended for a detachable shoulder strap that was never implemented. Despite its original purpose remaining unrealized, the D-ring persists and can be used to secure water bottle handles or attach accessories like luggage tags and keychains.
Significant revisions have been made to the four compression straps, a change particularly exciting due to its impact on accessibility and packing convenience – crucial aspects for any travel bag. In the Travel Pack 2, compression straps overlaid the zippered openings; this is no longer the case in the Travel Pack 3.
Aer Travel Pack 3 and Travel Pack 2 Side
Aer Travel Pack 3: Realigned compression straps no longer obstruct compartment access.
While the Travel Pack 3 retains four compression straps, two on each side, the compartment openings have been shifted forward, ensuring the straps no longer impede access. Another change is the adoption of magnetic buckles instead of side-release buckles for the compression straps. Similar to the sternum strap, we have reservations about this choice. There are instances where these magnetic buckles disengage unintentionally. However, with four straps and sufficient tightening, this issue is a minor inconvenience rather than a critical flaw. Exercise caution when attaching gear to these straps, as items could detach if the buckles come undone. Interestingly, the Travel Pack 3 Small seems less prone to this issue, possibly due to its denser packing compared to the roomier Travel Pack 3.
Compression straps are valuable for transforming larger travel backpacks into more daypack-like forms. In this regard, the Travel Pack 2’s simpler, more secure compression straps, despite their zipper overlap, are arguably more effective. The Travel Pack 3, with its larger size and less secure buckles, straddles the line between a dedicated daypack and a travel pack. If daypack versatility is a priority, considering the more compact Travel Pack 3 Small or the Tortuga Travel Backpack 30, both smaller than the Travel Pack 3, might be worthwhile.
Inside The Backpack: Organization and Capacity in Abundance
The 35-liter capacity of the Travel Pack 3 is thoughtfully utilized, offering a plethora of compartments and pockets. Beyond the previously mentioned water bottle pocket, a zippered pocket is situated on the opposite side.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Pocket 1
Aer Travel Pack 3: The stealthy side pocket is ideal for quick-access items like passports and wallets.
This pocket is discreet and well-suited for quick-grab essentials like passports and wallets. The pocket opening is partially concealed by fabric, making it inconspicuous. The fabric overhang provides sufficient space to tuck the zipper pull, further enhancing its hidden nature.
Next is the top quick-grab pocket, designed for delicate items prone to scratching, such as smartphones or sunglasses. The interior is lined with a soft, thick fabric that is gentler than standard polyester linings. However, the all-black interior can make locating small, dark accessories like black memory cards challenging.
Aer Travel Pack 3 In Use
Aer Travel Pack 3: The top quick-grab pocket’s soft lining protects easily scratched items.
The self-locking YKK zipper allows for secure storage of items like mid-sized power banks with cable routing. A small opening can be left for the cable, and the metal zipper pull can be folded down to maintain closure.
If the top and side pockets are insufficient, the front pocket provides substantial additional storage. Extending across the lower half of the Travel Pack 3’s front panel, it is deep enough to accommodate a folded jacket, depending on the main compartment’s contents. Its depth, however, necessitates the use of pouches to organize smaller items and prevent them from getting lost. Keys are an exception, thanks to an integrated key clip. This key clip is a noticeable improvement over flimsier plastic clips used in previous Aer designs.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Pocket 3
Aer Travel Pack 3: The spacious front pocket offers ample storage and easy access.
Despite its depth, access to the front pocket remains convenient. The water-resistant YKK AquaGuard zipper, a visually distinctive feature, provides protection against the elements. Nylon tabs flanking the zipper enhance grip, facilitating smooth zipping and unzipping, even when the bag is tightly packed.
At the rear, the Travel Pack 3 features a dedicated tech compartment for laptops and accessories. The laptop sleeve comfortably accommodates our 16-inch MacBook Pro with room to spare. A false bottom, also present in a later iteration of the Travel Pack 2, provides some impact protection. However, the laptop sleeve is raised only about an inch from the bag’s base, and we feel this could be improved. Given the Travel Pack 3’s overall size, raising the sleeve slightly higher would offer enhanced laptop protection.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Laptop
Aer Travel Pack 3: The tech compartment features a padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom and accessory pocket.
The tech compartment also offers central space for carrying documents or folders. A zippered pocket near the top is designed for tech accessories, ideal for larger laptop chargers or small tech pouches. Alternatively, it can be used for easily accessible items like packable hats. The abundance of pockets in the Travel Pack 3 allows for flexible organization and personalized use.
A thoughtful design element in the Travel Pack 3 is the wedge-shaped upper portion of the tech compartment. This allows the back panel to better contour around the upper back and shoulders, particularly when load lifters are engaged. It also creates more volume for the zippered pocket within the tech compartment and the top quick-grab pocket, minimizing pressure between them.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Side Close Up
Aer Travel Pack 3: The wedge-shaped upper tech compartment enhances comfort and maximizes internal volume.
This subtle design detail exemplifies the meticulous thought process behind the Travel Pack 3.
The Travel Pack 3’s organizational prowess extends to the admin panel, acting as a secondary main compartment and housing the majority of the bag’s organizational features. While the pocket layout largely mirrors the Travel Pack 2, refinements are evident.
Firstly, the horseshoe-style opening extends approximately an inch lower than in the previous version, improving accessibility to pouches and organizers placed in the lower section of the compartment. Secondly, the compartment’s material, stitching, and seams exhibit a cleaner, more refined aesthetic. Notably, piping around the edges, while still present for reinforcement, is now more seamlessly integrated and less visually prominent.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Front Compartment
Aer Travel Pack 3: The admin panel offers extensive organization, with subtle improvements over the Travel Pack 2.
Two liner pockets accommodate items like MacBook Pro chargers and Magic Keyboards. Above these, a row features a small mesh pocket in front of two liner pockets flanking a pen/stylus slot. This row is better suited for smaller, frequently accessed items like AirPods, Magic Mouse 2, and notebooks. The topmost zippered pocket is ideal for smaller documents like tickets, receipts, and travel guides. Behind this, a tablet sleeve can hold up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro or similarly sized documents.
The admin panel offers substantial space beyond its numerous pockets. Despite the abundance of organization, it doesn’t feel overwhelming, and the pocket placement is intuitive and non-conflicting. Unlike some bags, like CODEOFBELL’s X-CASE, where pocket accessibility can be compromised by design, the Travel Pack 3’s organization is well-executed, offering both ample options and practical usability.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Empty Main Compartment
Aer Travel Pack 3: The main compartment’s higher sidewalls facilitate easier packing and maximize usable space.
Finally, the main compartment. As previously mentioned, the repositioned compression straps no longer obstruct the opening, and the sidewalls are noticeably taller than those of the Travel Pack 2. This translates to easier packing due to the increased bucket-like space.
The clamshell-style opening is typical of travel backpacks in this category, and the Travel Pack 3’s boxy design is well-suited to packing cubes. While we generally recommend packing cubes, they are almost essential for the Travel Pack 3. The main compartment lacks built-in tie-down straps or attachment points for adding them. Without packing cubes, loosely packed clothing is likely to shift during transit. Aer offers its own line of packing cubes and pouches, with the Aer Packing Cubes V2 and Aer Slim Pouch being excellent choices that fit seamlessly within the Travel Pack 3’s compartments. However, no proprietary features restrict you from using equally well-fitting alternatives.
Aer Travel Pack 3 AirTag Pocket
Aer Travel Pack 3: A discreetly hidden smart tracker pocket adds a modern touch.
A small, well-concealed pocket for a smart tracker is located behind the top pocket’s liner. Easily overlooked unless intentionally sought, this hidden placement enhances security. Our Apple AirTag fits snugly, and the pocket opening is positioned against the bag’s upper edge, minimizing the risk of accidental detachment. This smart tracker pocket is a welcome modern addition to the Travel Pack 3.
A side pocket along the right interior panel provides a secure location for essential travel documents like IDs, membership cards, passports, and transit cards. With the compression straps no longer obstructing access, this pocket is more easily accessible than in the Travel Pack 2.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Stuffed
Aer Travel Pack 3: The 35-liter capacity effectively manages a substantial amount of gear.
The lid of the main compartment features a zippered mesh pocket, large enough for clothing items like socks or gloves. It can also serve as a makeshift toiletry pouch, although dedicated toiletry bags are highly recommended. Behind the mesh pocket, a hidden compartment spans the entire lid area. While not bulky, it is gusseted and suitable for flat items like towels or souvenir t-shirts.
The most significant feature absent from the Travel Pack 3 compared to the Travel Pack 2 is the shoe compartment. There is no built-in alternative, such as underslung straps, for carrying shoes externally. However, the increased capacity of the Travel Pack 3 means space is available within the main compartment for shoes, albeit requiring a shoe pouch like those from WANDRD or Peak Design. Be mindful that any shoe odor may permeate the main compartment.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Interior Pocket
Aer Travel Pack 3: The main compartment lid includes a zippered mesh pocket and a hidden compartment behind it.
If the shoe compartment was a key feature for you in the Travel Pack 2, its absence is the primary step down in the Travel Pack 3. Otherwise, the Travel Pack 3 represents an upgrade in terms of capacity, organization, and overall build quality. The experience is more refined, and Aer has raised its own benchmark for travel backpacks.
To see a detailed packing demonstration of the Travel Pack 3, you can watch our exclusive video. Unlock access to our complete library of Pro Exclusive Videos by signing up for Pro.
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Aer Travel Pack 3 Pro Only Video
