One of the things this pack does differently from some of the other travel backpacks out there is that it’s only a backpack the straps don’t store away anywhere, and there’s no shoulder bag option. Weight is definitely going to be one of the drawbacks to this pack, as it’s one of the heaviest I’ve seen (just behind the GoRucks), but because it has more built-in organization than just about anything out there, you might carry (and buy) fewer items like packing cubes as a result. It was a little heavier on my scale at home than the listed weight, but it was fairly close. It’s packed with features, but let’s start with the numbers. Here it is: It also comes in grey, but it sure looks great in black. If you’re organizationally obsessed, you’ll definitely want to give this a look.Īer sent me a free test sample to try out, and I’ve had it for a couple months now. Here’s what I think. It has more organizational options than just about anything else I’ve seen, along with the conveniences of laptop storage, panel-loading access, and carry-on dimensions. The latest offering I’ve had the chance to try is the Aer Travel Pack, from a small company that got its start in workout bags, and have entered the travel backpack market with quite a strong offering. Back several years ago I was going crazy with just one or two options, and then a perfect storm of a bunch of pissed-off travelers with enough free time to deal with this problem all seemed to hit the market at the same time, and more and more people have realized how much better everything could be ever since. We chose packs designed for the elements and carefully studied their additional weatherproofing features, such as laminated linings, taped seams, and waterproof zippers.The wonderful world of travel backpacks is getting better and better every day. At a minimum, a pack should provide enough protection to keep you and your gear dry through at least a few minutes of wet weather. Weather resistance: Although a few bags we liked, such as the Matador Freerain24 and the Triple Aught Azimuth, come extremely close, total waterproofing is a lot to ask of any lightweight bag.It’s enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, along with some rain protection, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, and whatever else you might need for a day about town. 20- to 25-liter capacity: This seems to be the ideal range for a pack that can hold a full day’s worth of stuff while remaining reasonably lightweight and portable.Durable construction methods: The better packs often feature more careful construction, visible in details such as tighter stitching, bar tacking at the seams, YKK zippers, and reinforced bottoms.The fabrics and composite materials used in higher-quality bags are both light and durable while also remaining nearly invulnerable to water. High-quality materials: Because a packable daypack needs to be able to carry at least some weight when in use but still fold up for storage, materials make the difference between a lightweight pack that feels cheap and flimsy versus one that you feel confident filling to the max and carrying into a rainstorm.The drawback of adding more organization is that it decreases the packability of a bag and often contributes to weight. Beyond those, internal dividers to organize cargo and external pockets that can keep small, frequent-use items (such as water bottles) in reach are both useful. Organization: Most packable daypacks come with at least two compartments-the largest, or main, compartment and the (usually attached) pouch into which the whole pack stows away.If these features are missing it’s fine, if the price is right (less than $30), but they do add a lot of versatility. The best daypacks add features like sternum straps and ventilated back panels. The wearability of a bag usually comes down to its load distribution and support system. Ergonomic features: Stowable daypacks can look and feel like stuff sacks with straps, or they can be full, ergonomically shaped backpacks.Carrying capacity generally correlates to the weight and size of a bag, except in more explicitly technical packs, which may cut down on weight by using lighter, but more expensive, materials. Weight, size, and capacity: The whole point of a packable daypack is that it packs well, so weight and compressed size are important factors.
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