Aer Fit Pack 3 Review
After subjecting the Aer Travel Pack 3 to intensive field testing across multiple continents, we’ve discovered significant improvements in this latest iteration’s harness system, accessibility, and overall construction quality.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Well-balanced features for work and gym use
- Lots of organization at a compact size
- Shoe compartment can be compressed if not in use
Cons
- Not the most spacious bag for gym use
- Quick grab pocket’s black interior fabric can be hard to see into
- Balancing space between the shoe and clothes compartment can be tricky
Technical Details
Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline’s interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn’t mean that the airline will interpret it that way.
Carry-on Compliance
View 129/145 AirlinesView 91/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 18.7l
- Weight (lb): 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)
- Denier: 1680D
- Dimensions: 17.5 in x 12.5 in x 8 in (44.5 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm)
- Notable Materials: CORDURA® Ballistic Nylon, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
- Manufacturing Country: China
- Laptop Compartment Size:16"
- Warranty Information: Aer Lifetime Warranty
Full Review
After a demanding workday, many of us seek the endorphin rush of a good workout session. The challenge? Transitioning seamlessly from office to gym without hauling multiple bags. Enter the Aer Fit Pack 3, designed to bridge this daily transition.
While carrying separate work and gym bags might seem logical, Aer offers a more elegant solution with the Fit Pack 3. This hybrid design combines daypack and duffle functionality, featuring dedicated compartments for shoes and workout gear. Though not without size limitations, it improves upon its predecessor with the addition of water bottle pockets. Let’s examine how this integration performs in daily use.
Editor’s note: check out our detailed comparison video on the Aer Fit Pack 3 and the Aer Fit Pack 2.
Materials & Aesthetic
The Fit Pack 3 maintains Aer’s signature minimalist black aesthetic, closely resembling its predecessor. A side-by-side comparison requires careful attention to spot the differences, with the external water bottle pockets being the most notable update.
Beyond the classic black, Aer expands the palette with Olive and Gray options. While the selection remains curated, each colorway maintains Aer’s crisp, modern design language. The gray variant particularly impressed us during testing, featuring an engaging speckled pattern and enhanced logo visibility on both the shoulder strap and body panel.
Material selection demonstrates Aer’s commitment to durability, combining 1680D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon, Duraflex hardware, and YKK zippers. Our testing revealed a notable improvement in zipper pull noise – the Fit Pack 3’s pulls operate significantly quieter than its predecessor, addressing a minor but appreciated refinement.
External Components
Left: Randiah Green, Height, 5’4″ (162 cm), Torso: 19″ (48 cm) | Right: Tom Wahlin, Height, 6’2″ (188 cm), Torso: 19.25″ (49 cm)
The Fit Pack 3’s carrying comfort benefits from a refined harness system. Compared to its predecessor, the shoulder straps feature slightly increased width while maintaining thickness, resulting in improved weight distribution – a subtle but noticeable upgrade for users transitioning from the Fit Pack 2.
Former Fit Pack 2 users will notice the D-ring’s migration to the right shoulder strap. While this repositioning primarily affects muscle memory for previous users, it represents Aer’s attention to continual refinement.
A removable sternum strap enhances stability during active commutes. The side-release buckle design offers precise adjustment, though some users may prefer to remove it entirely for a cleaner look.
The back panel combines ventilated mesh and strategic padding, incorporating a thoughtfully designed luggage pass-through. This nylon strap accommodates most rolling luggage handles, supporting those who maintain their fitness routine during travel.
The top handle receives a subtle but effective update, featuring wider stitching that enhances grip comfort and weight distribution.
Inside The Pack
The quick-grab pocket at the top accommodates daily essentials like earphones, power banks, and charging cables. A locking YKK zipper maintains position when lowered, contributing to the pack’s clean aesthetic.
The pocket’s internal volume impresses, with padding suitable for delicate items like sunglasses or camera accessories. However, the black interior fabric compromises visibility – we recommend small pouches for better organization.
At the pack’s base, the dedicated shoe compartment integrates seamlessly with other Aer designs like the Gym Duffel 3, Duffel Pack 3, and Sling Bag 3. While it shares space with the clothes compartment, thoughtful packing – shoes first, followed by clothing – maximizes capacity. Our testing confirmed comfortable accommodation of men’s size 10 sneakers.
The ventilation holes, though smaller than the Fit Pack 2’s, offer a new compression feature. The compartment now stows into an integrated pocket when empty, doubling as auxiliary storage.
The clothes compartment’s full-length zipper ensures excellent accessibility, easily accommodating bulky workout wear. A partition pocket provides separation for used gear, though we recommend moisture-proof containers for wet items.
When laid flat, the pack functions like a compact duffel. Space varies with shoe compartment usage – two small packing cubes fit comfortably with shoes, expanding to three cubes when the shoe compartment is compressed.
The main compartment features a horseshoe opening with water-resistant YKK zippers, protecting work essentials. Organization options include dual sleeves accommodating laptops (tested with 16-inch MacBook Pro) and tablets, with enhanced back padding improving both protection and structure compared to the Fit Pack 2.
A stretchier front mesh pocket offers improved flexibility over its predecessor, complemented by a document slip pocket, dual pen holders, and accessory pockets sized for chargers and peripherals. The main cavity accommodates slim items like textbooks while maintaining a compact profile.
Wrap Up
At 18.7 liters, the Fit Pack 3 strikes a calculated balance between work and workout functionality, though space constraints may challenge heavy packers in either category. While dedicated athletes or office workers might prefer specialized duffle bags or daypacks, this hybrid design effectively serves the work-to-gym transition with thoughtfully separated compartments and manageable proportions.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
- Maintains comfort under full work and gym loadout
- Suspended laptop compartment provides superior protection
- Integrated ventilation system mirrors Gym Duffel 3’s shoe storage design
Condition: Excellent
Our extended testing confirms the Fit Pack 3 meaningfully evolves the Fit Pack 2 platform. The hybrid gym-tech design benefits from thoughtful refinements including dampened zipper operation, collapsible shoe storage, and enhanced mesh materials. For its compact size, the organization and padding exceed expectations, while the spacious main compartment accommodates varied loadouts efficiently. The design successfully serves the office-to-gym transition with robust construction and practical functionality.
Author: The Travel Gear Collective Team
The Travel Gear Collective team combines expertise from gear designers, professional photographers, adventure guides, and sustainable travel specialists. Our rigorous testing protocols and real-world experience inform every review, ensuring practical insights for travelers worldwide.
Other Bags & Pouch Reviews
Table of Contents
Aer Fit Pack 3 Review
After subjecting the Aer Travel Pack 3 to intensive field testing across multiple continents, we’ve discovered significant improvements in this latest iteration’s harness system, accessibility, and overall construction quality.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Well-balanced features for work and gym use
- Lots of organization at a compact size
- Shoe compartment can be compressed if not in use
Cons
- Not the most spacious bag for gym use
- Quick grab pocket’s black interior fabric can be hard to see into
- Balancing space between the shoe and clothes compartment can be tricky
Technical Details
Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline’s interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn’t mean that the airline will interpret it that way.
Carry-on Compliance
View 129/145 AirlinesView 91/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 18.7l
- Weight (lb): 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)
- Denier: 1680D
- Dimensions: 17.5 in x 12.5 in x 8 in (44.5 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm)
- Notable Materials: CORDURA® Ballistic Nylon, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware
- Manufacturing Country: China
- Laptop Compartment Size:16"
- Warranty Information: Aer Lifetime Warranty
Full Review
After a demanding workday, many of us seek the endorphin rush of a good workout session. The challenge? Transitioning seamlessly from office to gym without hauling multiple bags. Enter the Aer Fit Pack 3, designed to bridge this daily transition.
While carrying separate work and gym bags might seem logical, Aer offers a more elegant solution with the Fit Pack 3. This hybrid design combines daypack and duffle functionality, featuring dedicated compartments for shoes and workout gear. Though not without size limitations, it improves upon its predecessor with the addition of water bottle pockets. Let’s examine how this integration performs in daily use.
Editor’s note: check out our detailed comparison video on the Aer Fit Pack 3 and the Aer Fit Pack 2.
Materials & Aesthetic
The Fit Pack 3 maintains Aer’s signature minimalist black aesthetic, closely resembling its predecessor. A side-by-side comparison requires careful attention to spot the differences, with the external water bottle pockets being the most notable update.
Beyond the classic black, Aer expands the palette with Olive and Gray options. While the selection remains curated, each colorway maintains Aer’s crisp, modern design language. The gray variant particularly impressed us during testing, featuring an engaging speckled pattern and enhanced logo visibility on both the shoulder strap and body panel.
Material selection demonstrates Aer’s commitment to durability, combining 1680D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon, Duraflex hardware, and YKK zippers. Our testing revealed a notable improvement in zipper pull noise – the Fit Pack 3’s pulls operate significantly quieter than its predecessor, addressing a minor but appreciated refinement.
External Components
Left: Randiah Green, Height, 5’4″ (162 cm), Torso: 19″ (48 cm) | Right: Tom Wahlin, Height, 6’2″ (188 cm), Torso: 19.25″ (49 cm)
The Fit Pack 3’s carrying comfort benefits from a refined harness system. Compared to its predecessor, the shoulder straps feature slightly increased width while maintaining thickness, resulting in improved weight distribution – a subtle but noticeable upgrade for users transitioning from the Fit Pack 2.
Former Fit Pack 2 users will notice the D-ring’s migration to the right shoulder strap. While this repositioning primarily affects muscle memory for previous users, it represents Aer’s attention to continual refinement.
A removable sternum strap enhances stability during active commutes. The side-release buckle design offers precise adjustment, though some users may prefer to remove it entirely for a cleaner look.
The back panel combines ventilated mesh and strategic padding, incorporating a thoughtfully designed luggage pass-through. This nylon strap accommodates most rolling luggage handles, supporting those who maintain their fitness routine during travel.
The top handle receives a subtle but effective update, featuring wider stitching that enhances grip comfort and weight distribution.
Inside The Pack
The quick-grab pocket at the top accommodates daily essentials like earphones, power banks, and charging cables. A locking YKK zipper maintains position when lowered, contributing to the pack’s clean aesthetic.
The pocket’s internal volume impresses, with padding suitable for delicate items like sunglasses or camera accessories. However, the black interior fabric compromises visibility – we recommend small pouches for better organization.
At the pack’s base, the dedicated shoe compartment integrates seamlessly with other Aer designs like the Gym Duffel 3, Duffel Pack 3, and Sling Bag 3. While it shares space with the clothes compartment, thoughtful packing – shoes first, followed by clothing – maximizes capacity. Our testing confirmed comfortable accommodation of men’s size 10 sneakers.
The ventilation holes, though smaller than the Fit Pack 2’s, offer a new compression feature. The compartment now stows into an integrated pocket when empty, doubling as auxiliary storage.
The clothes compartment’s full-length zipper ensures excellent accessibility, easily accommodating bulky workout wear. A partition pocket provides separation for used gear, though we recommend moisture-proof containers for wet items.
When laid flat, the pack functions like a compact duffel. Space varies with shoe compartment usage – two small packing cubes fit comfortably with shoes, expanding to three cubes when the shoe compartment is compressed.
The main compartment features a horseshoe opening with water-resistant YKK zippers, protecting work essentials. Organization options include dual sleeves accommodating laptops (tested with 16-inch MacBook Pro) and tablets, with enhanced back padding improving both protection and structure compared to the Fit Pack 2.
A stretchier front mesh pocket offers improved flexibility over its predecessor, complemented by a document slip pocket, dual pen holders, and accessory pockets sized for chargers and peripherals. The main cavity accommodates slim items like textbooks while maintaining a compact profile.
Wrap Up
At 18.7 liters, the Fit Pack 3 strikes a calculated balance between work and workout functionality, though space constraints may challenge heavy packers in either category. While dedicated athletes or office workers might prefer specialized duffle bags or daypacks, this hybrid design effectively serves the work-to-gym transition with thoughtfully separated compartments and manageable proportions.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
- Maintains comfort under full work and gym loadout
- Suspended laptop compartment provides superior protection
- Integrated ventilation system mirrors Gym Duffel 3’s shoe storage design
Condition: Excellent
Our extended testing confirms the Fit Pack 3 meaningfully evolves the Fit Pack 2 platform. The hybrid gym-tech design benefits from thoughtful refinements including dampened zipper operation, collapsible shoe storage, and enhanced mesh materials. For its compact size, the organization and padding exceed expectations, while the spacious main compartment accommodates varied loadouts efficiently. The design successfully serves the office-to-gym transition with robust construction and practical functionality.
Author: The Travel Gear Collective Team
The Travel Gear Collective team combines expertise from gear designers, professional photographers, adventure guides, and sustainable travel specialists. Our rigorous testing protocols and real-world experience inform every review, ensuring practical insights for travelers worldwide.
Other Bags & Pouch Reviews
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Contact Info
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- 020-7946-0855
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