Aer Travel Pack 3 Review: One of the 10 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Urban Travel
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is the latest iteration of Aer's popular travel backpack, designed for modern travelers who need a balance of organization, durability, and sleek aesthetics. Known for their minimalist and functional approach, Aer has made notable improvements in this third version, making it one of the most compelling options for one-bag travel. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios?
Let’s dive in.
Design & Build: A Sleek, Durable Urban Travel Backpack
Right out of the box, the Aer Travel Pack 3 impresses with its premium build quality. Constructed from 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, this pack is built to withstand rough handling while maintaining a polished, urban look. The YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware add to the durability, ensuring the bag lasts through years of travel.
The sleek, professional design makes it suitable for both business and leisure travelers. Unlike some travel backpacks that look overly technical, the Aer Travel Pack 3 blends well in city environments while still being rugged enough for adventure.
Comfort & Fit: A Good Travel Backpack for Long Days
Comfort is a crucial factor in travel backpacks, and Aer has addressed this well. The padded shoulder straps are comfortable even when carrying a fully loaded bag, and the breathable back panel prevents excessive sweating. The bag also features a removable sternum strap and a hip belt (sold separately) for better weight distribution, which is a nice touch for longer travel days.
However, due to the pack's rigid structure, some users may find it slightly stiff when new. Over time, it does break in, but if you prefer a softer, more flexible feel, this might be a consideration.
Storage & Organization in This 35L Travel Pack
One of the standout features of the Travel Pack 3 is its excellent organization. The 35L capacity is well-utilized with multiple compartments that cater to different packing styles:
Main Compartment: Clamshell opening with ample space for packing cubes and clothing.
Laptop Compartment: Padded and separate from the main compartment, fitting up to a 16” laptop.
Quick-Access Pockets: Multiple smaller compartments for easy access to essentials like passports, keys, and cables.
Expandable Water Bottle Pocket: A much-requested feature, now included.
Hidden Security Pocket: Ideal for storing valuables discreetly.
The internal organization is intuitive, and frequent travelers will appreciate the well-placed compartments that prevent clutter.
A Carry-On Travel Backpack That Works for International Travel
The Aer Travel Pack 3 excels in versatility, making it suitable for:
Business Travel: The sleek design and laptop compartment make it a great carry-on for work trips.
Weekend Getaways: The 35L capacity allows you to pack efficiently for short trips.
One-Bag Travel: Ideal for those who prefer to travel light without sacrificing essentials.
Commuting: The compact form factor makes it usable as an everyday carry (EDC) backpack.
Aer vs the Best: Tortuga Travel Backpack, Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, and Osprey Farpoint
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is often compared with other leading names in the travel gear space:
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L: Known for its structured layout and front-loading design, ideal for digital nomads.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: Offers expandability and camera gear compatibility, but is bulkier.
Osprey Farpoint: Great for comfort and outdoor travel, though less suited to urban settings.
Aer holds its own by offering a minimalist yet durable solution that appeals to urban travelers and business users alike.
Versatility: One Bag, Small Travel, and Urban Travel Ready
The Aer Travel Pack 3 excels in versatility, making it suitable for:
Business Travel: The sleek design and laptop compartment make it a great carry-on for work trips.
Weekend Getaways: The 35L capacity allows you to pack efficiently for short trips.
One-Bag Travel: Ideal for those who prefer to travel light without sacrificing essentials.
Commuting: The compact form factor makes it usable as an everyday carry (EDC) backpack.
Is This a Better Choice Than a Travel Duffel or Best Small Backpack?
If you're choosing between a travel backpack and a travel duffel, the Aer Travel Pack 3 provides better structure, easier organization, and more comfort during extended carry. It’s a solid pick among the best small backpacks for city breaks and short international trips.
Final Verdict: One of the Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks on the Market
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is an exceptional choice for travelers who value functionality, durability, and style. While it might not be the cheapest option on the market, its quality construction and well-designed compartments make it a worthy investment for frequent travelers. Whether you’re heading on a weekend trip, commuting, or embarking on a longer journey, this backpack offers the perfect blend of practicality and aesthetics. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern travel backpack that performs in multiple scenarios, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is definitely worth considering.