Aer Journey Pack 3 Evaluate [TESTED in 2023]

For the minimalist vacationers trying to minimize 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 best pack could be a problem, although. You want one thing that’s sufficiently big to hold all the things in 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 manage all your journey gear in a single practical backpack. It’s robust, compact, and has loads of options to maintain you organized in your journey.

But it surely’s undoubtedly not for everybody. Gentle packers will adore it, however those that are inclined to overpack may battle with this smaller journey bag.

I put this bag to the take a look at and convey 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 digital camera gear) for 2 weeks and—to my shock—I made it work!

However is that this the best bag for you? On this assessment of the Aer Journey Pack 3, I’ll dive into my expertise with this bag, what it excels at, and the issues I wanted have been totally different.

Aer Journey Pack 3 Abstract

The Aer Journey Pack is streamlined for carry-on journey. Dwelling 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.”

Dwelling out of this bag for per week or extra gained’t be for everybody. I’m a textbook minimalist traveler so should you’re the kind of traveler who likes “choices,” there isn’t a probability this pack will be capable to match all your excessiveness (I imply that within the kindest method doable).

If the concept of packing much less and carrying much less will get you excited, you’ll in all probability love this bag. It’s for mild packers or quick journeys, not for individuals who wish to deliver all the things however the kitchen sink.

To provide you an thought of the capability of this bag, right here’s what I packed:

The garments I packed have been primarily fabricated from artificial supplies, in a position to be rolled up and compacted right down to a smaller measurement. In the event you plan on packing denims and massive sweatshirts, don’t anticipate to have the ability to match per week’s price 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 vital to handle what this bag is and who it’s for.

The Aer Journey Pack 3 is admittedly too massive for use as a day by day carry, and it isn’t actually well-suited for climbing. Because the title 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 once I journey overseas, I usually carry a bigger pack as my carry merchandise. This pack is a bit smaller than ones I’ve used previously, nevertheless it works nicely as a carry-on bag should you’re a light-weight packer. It has its limits, although.

Right here’s a brief record of a few of the different professionals and cons of the Aer Journey Pack 3.

Who’s Aer?

Aer is run by a small group based mostly in San Francisco, California. Based in 2014, Aer started as a crowdfunded challenge whose aim 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 prospects journey higher.

Their merchandise are impressed by the town and attempt to combine sensible options and minimalist model with an emphasis on simplicity, utility, and sturdiness.

Aer Journey Pack 3 Evaluate

Now that you’ve got a common thought of what the Journey Pack 3 has to supply, let’s take a extra thorough take a look at the design and performance.

Supplies

The Aer Journey Pack 3 is made with 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior (bluesign authorised), YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic {hardware}.

As I discussed, this pack is supposed for journey, not for rugged adventures, although if coupled with the non-obligatory hip straps, it could possibly 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 nicely all through your travels.

That being stated, I like the general felt power of this pack. Aer undoubtedly didn’t low-cost out on the supplies and it reveals. 

I think the supplies on this pack will maintain up for a few years to return.

Score: 4/5

Aesthetic

One could suspect a bag with as many options because the Journey Pack 3 to look a bit extreme, however Aer was in a position to pull off each performance and clear aesthetics.

The pack lives as much as Aer’s minimalist pursuit, providing a glossy look that could be a excellent match for on-the-go journey.

Its low-profile look offers it the flexibility of a journey bag, a climbing 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 may get black, gray, olive inexperienced, or black X-Pack (a lighter, fully-waterproof material).

I personally love black, however for anybody who likes a splash of shade 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?) might turn out to be useful.

Score: 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 should you don’t have the upgraded detachable hip belt (I didn’t).

With no hip straps, I had an incredible quantity of weight on my shoulders which may make a 20-minute wait in line for customs fairly arduous. Strolling from terminal to terminal, much more so.

In the event you 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 greater than a small daypack. 

I don’t care if it’s two weeks of things or a laptop computer and a jacket. In the event you’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 fluctuate from individual to individual, so experiment with what feels finest for you and discover out what your physique can and can’t deal with. 

The excellent news is that you could get a padded hipbelt to connect to this bag. The unhealthy information is that it is going to be an additional value.

Score: 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 offer you a spot for all the things 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 secure and safe, and the skin mesh pocket made accessing gadgets on the go, fast and because the title implies, “simple”.

Score: 5/5

Sturdiness

The Aer Journey 3 is actually a sturdy pack. Even earlier than testing it out, I seen how sturdy this pack felt. That is undoubtedly not the case with all packs. 

There was by no means some extent in my journey that I felt like my bag was prone to damage. 

The zippers on the again get probably the most put on in my view, 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 have been about to fail. 

I might be cautious of placing it to the take a look at in opposition to something too rugged however the 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior feels sturdy and water resistant sufficient to carry up in opposition to an surprising rainstorm or some mild abrasion.

Score: 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 things—and nothing extra—which provides to the convenience of day by day use.

Lay-Flat Major Compartment

In my view, the lay-flat predominant compartment is a must have characteristic 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 understand how I match two week’s price of garments in there however I did! The power to unzip the pack absolutely and thoroughly place your gadgets undoubtedly will increase the performance of the accessible house.

I saved a packing dice on this compartment that helped preserve my garments organized. My digital camera 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 have been inner compression straps to maintain all the things 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 are not any aspect partitions holding them in.

Some compression straps to safe my garments and different gadgets would have been a useful characteristic 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 a lot extra room for different digital equipment or paperwork within the divided compartment. 

With an ample quantity of house, padding, and a smooth material lining, I by no means felt like my laptop computer was prone to harm.

A lay-flat zipper on this compartment would make it simpler to entry my cables and onerous drives that I saved in there.

Additionally, just a few added compartments again right here for onerous 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 may be 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 have been a pleasant characteristic to see on a journey pack, as they’re commonest on backpacking baggage. It undoubtedly helped with adjusting the load for a extra snug 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 larger consolation and stabilization by reducing the sway of the pack. 

Load lifters will not be a necessity for everybody however they’re undoubtedly a pleasant characteristic for added consolation, particularly in case you are touring with a completely loaded single-carry backpack. 

Compression Design

The compression straps on the aspect can turn out to be useful in case your pack is crammed 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 might’ve appreciated to see these straps develop just a bit bit extra as they turned fairly tight once I tried to safe my tripod.

Sure, I understand these straps should not particularly designed to hold issues, however I can’t think about I’m the primary and solely individual 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 principle zippers could be a massive deal for some. In the event you’re carrying precious gadgets like a laptop computer, digital camera, or different electronics, it will possibly add plenty of peace of thoughts figuring out you’ll be able to safe your bag from undesirable intrusion.

Remember that it’s nonetheless doable for thieves to tear by means of 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 characteristic on journey baggage. This pocket is accessed from the underside of the bag, extending into the principle compartment. 

The pocket is comparatively spacious as I used to be in a position to 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 affordable match.

In regular suitcases, sneakers are sometimes positioned in with all the things else which can be okay in the beginning of the journey when your sneakers are clear, however after hikes and sandy walks on the seaside it will not be so very best.

The power to separate your soiled sneakers out of your clear garments is an superior characteristic to have and considerably of an surprising luxurious in a bag of this measurement. 

What must be famous is that not all sneakers will be capable 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 climbing boots would make it a decent squeeze.

Straightforward 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 day by day journey requirements is essential to staying organized and protecting your gadgets secure. 

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 day by day gadgets available. 

There are numerous totally different pockets and compartments inside this entrance entry pocket which might be appropriate for all the things from a pen and journal, to a toothbrush and toiletries. 

The zipper folds three-quarters of the way in which down to supply that easy accessibility so that you don’t should blindly dig round to search out a few of the smaller gadgets you could 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 develop and provides you extra space for bigger bottles. 

At first sight, I didn’t suppose my wide-mouthed water bottle would slot in there however to my shock, it did with ease. 

Although the expandable possibility provides the minimalist look, I don’t discover all of it that vital as it’s a topless compartment that smaller gadgets might 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 succeed in 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 stuff you carry, so to have it positioned larger up on the pack is lower than very best. 

Fast-Entry High Pocket

The short entry prime pocket is a superb characteristic to have on any backpack, notably 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 durations of down time whether or not or not it’s on a protracted 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 telephone, rubbing my hip for my keys, patting down my jacket for my headphones, and bending down low for anything that will have fallen out whereas I used to be in a daze.

A single pocket to maintain these things secure and safe would absolutely assist to get rid of that fear and the anxious scrambling to assemble my belongings.

Detachable Hip Belt (offered individually)

I used to be not in a position to take a look at the hip belt however this really would’ve made a world of distinction. I extremely advocate getting one for elevated consolation and performance regardless 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 possibility offered individually, as, to me, they’re a necessity.

Hip strips not solely add comfortability, but in addition versatility. Some could argue {that a} metropolis or journey pack doesn’t want hip straps (although I might strongly disagree) however a climbing 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 characteristic should you 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 informed them that this was all I used to be bringing, referred to as me loopy. 

The compact measurement permits it to move any airline’s carry-on restrictions 

Although mild in weight weighing in at 4.2 lbs, it will possibly 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 Alternate 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 just a few extra choices that you could be favor.

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

If the Journey Pack 3’s 35L capability isn’t sufficient, Nomatic’s 40L Travel Bag may be a greater possibility. Although 5L isn’t an enormous distinction, it might simply be sufficient house to squeeze in these few further gadgets that you simply have been going to have to depart behind. 

It’s loaded with 20+ progressive options like a laundry bag, shoe compartment, and an underwear and sock pocket. 

It’s made with a water-proof materials, not water-proof, so this bag can undoubtedly deal with a bit extra ruggedness if vital. 

It measures in at 21″ x 14″ x 9″ so it is rather comparable in measurement 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 presents a rugged, sturdy and expandable daypack that’s very best for shorter journey and on a regular basis carry.

It really works seamlessly with Peak Designs digital camera 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 prime pocket designed for passports, wallets, and glasses. 

Tuck-away shoulder straps and non-obligatory 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 a little bit bit much less room and lots of the similar options because the Journey Pack 3, The Max Backpack could possibly be possibility for you.

It suits as much as 17” gadgets and is made with a robust and sturdy X-Pac material and Cordura 1000D nylon.

It supplies a 25L predominant compartment and exterior pockets that permit for peak group and the flexibleness to “organize your day, your method.”

It comes with thick shoulder assist and ventilated pads to maintain your again cool nevertheless it doesn’t include a hip straps, nor do I see an possibility so as to add one on.

Aer Journey Pack 3 Closing Ideas

There’s lots that goes into touring overseas, most of which may go missed in preparation. Having the best backpack and the best compartments not solely helps you keep organized however lets you keep in mind the gadgets chances are you’ll be forgetting.

The Aer Journey Pack 3 actually checked plenty of the containers 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 vital than performance, group, and luxury, is the reliability of the bag. All of those options change into much less vital and the journey can change into rather more taxing if a zipper breaks or a strap rips and so forth.

I felt secure utilizing the Aer Journey Pack 3. I actually put this bag to the take a look at by packing greater than I in all probability ought to have nevertheless it was in a position to maintain up exceptionally nicely. Shoot, perhaps I’m a type 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 protection and safety of carrying all that you simply want in a single carry-on merchandise.

Single carry-on journey isn’t for everybody, however for many who see themselves as a minimal traveler, I might completely counsel this bag, hip straps included.

With that being stated, the Aer Journey Pack 3 can absolutely be used for greater than only a journey pack. I can see it being an ideal day service for metropolis or on-campus use. 

The value is actually cheap 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 a such factor as an ideal backpack. Although the Aer Journey Pack 3 isn’t any exception, it actually has lots to supply.