Aer Travel Pack 2 Review (One Bag Update)
After intensive testing of the original Aer Travel Pack, the Travel Gear Collective team couldn’t wait to examine this refined iteration. Through months of testing, we’ve found Aer’s attention to detail delivers impressive performance for carrying a bunch of gear.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Slick system with great attention to detail
- Durable and high quality materials used
- Great features
Cons
- No load lifter straps
- Laptop Compartment lacks a false bottom
- Compression straps can get in the way of the main compartment
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 91/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 33l
- Weight (lb): 3.7 lb (1.7 kg) 4lbs with hip belt (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 21.5 in x 13.5 in x 8.5 in (54.6 x 34.3 x 21.6 cm)
- Notable Materials: EVA Foam, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware, EPE Foam, Sponge Foam, CORDURA® Ballistic Nylon
- Manufacturing Country: China
- Laptop Compartment Size: 15"
- Warranty Information: Aer Lifetime Warranty
Full Review
Our six months of testing across multiple team members confirmed our initial impressions – this pack continues its predecessor’s legacy while incorporating meaningful improvements.
Materials & Aesthetic
The 1680D CORDURA ballistic nylon exterior proved its durability during our extensive testing. After six months of continuous use across various team members, we’ve encountered virtually zero durability issues.
The black-on-black aesthetic carries forward the original’s sleek design. During testing, we found the Duraflex buckles and YKK zippers performed consistently. The exterior zippers feature both Aquaguard coating and storm flaps, delivering reliable weather resistance.
Our Instagram audience delivered a 60/40 verdict favoring the aesthetic. Multiple foam types – EVA, EPE, and sponge – provide targeted cushioning across the mesh back panel, straps, and side handles.
The refined design eliminates strap dangle, maintaining the professional aesthetic we’ve come to expect from Aer.
Exterior Components
Our testing revealed thoughtful exterior features that enhance function while maintaining clean aesthetics. The Travel Gear Collective team found Aer’s attention to detail impressive throughout our evaluation.
The reinforced top handle delivers substantial grip strength, complemented by a streamlined side handle for quick grabs. During testing, these proved invaluable for overhead bin retrieval and taxi transitions. The updated design eliminates the original’s clunky velcro loop system, though Aer developed an improved roller bag solution we’ll explore later.
We noticed refined construction in the side handle – maintaining foam density while introducing a finer weave casing that enhances grip comfort over the previous version.
The stealth water bottle pocket impressed our team with its discrete integration. What appears as a subtle seam reveals a zippered compartment that securely holds bottles and umbrellas while maintaining flush aesthetics when empty – no loose mesh in sight.
A D-ring sits above the water bottle pocket. When we asked Aer about its purpose, they explained:
We added it so you can attach your keys or other small items like a luggage tag, etc. The original purpose was actually for a detachable shoulder strap which we had in earlier versions of the bag, but it wasn’t a feature people were really asking for.
Smart move dropping the shoulder strap, we’d say!
Dual compression straps serve multiple functions – securing items like a yoga mat while enabling significant profile reduction. This versatility transforms the pack from travel mode to daypack, helping avoid that tourist-with-massive-backpack look at the beach.
Though effective for compression, we found these straps complicate main compartment access, requiring unbuckling for full clamshell opening. While not ideal, it’s a common challenge among travel packs, and the Matador DL16 offers an alternative daypack solution.
The enhanced harness system addresses our previous criticisms of the original pack’s foam density and strap thickness. These beefier straps demonstrate Aer’s commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement.
A securely-mounted adjustable sternum strap prevents the detachment issues we’ve encountered on packs with fancier systems. We also noted an unused D-ring attachment point – its purpose remains a mystery through our testing.
Two significant harness changes caught our attention:
- Optional hip belt compatibility (sold separately)
- Removal of the original’s load lifters
Intrigued by this tradeoff, we asked Aer about dropping the load lifters. Their response:
In terms of the load lifters, one of our goals was to clean up the design and reduce dangling straps and weight. We found that the load lifters weren’t as effective as can be on a bag this size, so we removed them.
Well, we can’t argue with Aer’s logic here. Though the original pack’s load lifters enhanced carry comfort, their impact wasn’t revolutionary – really only noticeable with a fully loaded pack. And they definitely interfered with that clean aesthetic we’ve come to expect.
The new hip belt impressed our testing team – perfectly sized for a 33L pack. The padding strikes an ideal balance, offering support without bulk. Our only minor gripe? Initial stiffness can cause some side poking until broken in.
While some travelers prefer stowable harness systems, we found this fixed design perfectly functional for our testing needs. Your preferences may differ.
The back panel features padded mesh and an integrated grab handle – though the grip angle feels slightly awkward. This section doubles as a luggage pass-through for roller compatibility.
As committed one-bag travelers, our team rarely uses pass-through features. However, if you’re looking to minimize packed clothing and maximize carry efficiency, check out our merino wool guide for game-changing fabric insights.
Inside The Pack
The internal organization mirrors the original’s effectiveness with some notable refinements.
The quick-grab top pocket now accommodates larger phones with ease – a thoughtful upgrade from the original’s tighter dimensions.
In the laptop compartment, we found mixed results. The YKK AquaGuard zipper significantly improves weather resistance – addressing water seepage issues we encountered when testing the original in rain. However, the absence of a false bottom surprised our team, considering its minimal impact on capacity.
The front panel features a substantial YKK #10 AquaGuard zipper that, while possibly overkill, reinforces Aer’s signature aesthetic. New zipper garages enhance weather protection, while integrated pull tabs significantly improve operation.
The bottom section provides substantial storage, and we appreciate that the upper area isn’t a separate pocket – this prevents interference with the organization system.
Opening the organizer reveals dual six-inch bottom pockets, an elastic mesh pocket with corresponding liner pockets behind, and two pen slots. A YKK #5RC zippered compartment sits up top, along with a plastic key ring – not our preferred choice over metal, but hardly a deal-breaker.
We found this organization layout particularly versatile – functional when needed but laying flat when using packing cubes or pouches, similar to the Tortuga Setout.
Behind the zippered pocket, a divider section perfectly swallows bulky MacBook chargers and various cables. The Germans call this inevitable cable tangle “Kabelsalat” – cable salad. Accurate.
The dedicated shoe compartment shows thoughtful refinement – Aer removed the ventilation holes present in version one. During testing, we found this improved weather resistance when setting the pack down outweighed any ventilation benefits.
The main clamshell compartment requires unbuckling those compression straps for full access – slightly inconvenient but typical for this style. The cavernous interior functions best with packing cubes (we’d say they’re essential). Worth noting that the shoe compartment and quick-access pocket will impact main compartment capacity.
We’ve found the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes work particularly well in organizing this space.
The clamshell’s front features a low-profile mesh pocket with YKK zipper – ideal for flat items without adding bulk. Below sits what we consider the pack’s most secure storage – a generous zippered compartment perfect for valuables you want to keep away from exterior access points.
Durability & Testing
The Travel Gear Collective team has put the Aer Travel Pack 2 through two and a half weeks of rigorous testing in Detroit. While this represents a shorter test period than our usual protocol, we wanted to share our initial findings at launch.
Our extensive experience with the original pack provides valuable context. Through our team’s travels across Minneapolis, Detroit, Nashville, California, and even Russia during the World Cup, the original demonstrated exceptional durability. The 1680D ballistic nylon showed remarkable resilience – just one minor blemish after six months of constant use.
Early testing suggests the Travel Pack 2 maintains this durability standard. We anticipate similar long-term performance based on material quality and construction.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
First impressions highlight sleek design and robust construction. Hip belt performance exceeds expectations.
Condition: Excellent
Feature set and material durability continue to impress through daily testing.
Condition: Excellent
Month-long evaluation in Porto, Portugal confirmed versatility – excelling both as primary travel pack during transit and compressed daypack at destination.
Condition: Excellent
Maintains structural integrity and performance.
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 Travel Pack 2 Review (One Bag Update)
After intensive testing of the original Aer Travel Pack, the Travel Gear Collective team couldn’t wait to examine this refined iteration. Through months of testing, we’ve found Aer’s attention to detail delivers impressive performance for carrying a bunch of gear.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Slick system with great attention to detail
- Durable and high quality materials used
- Great features
Cons
- No load lifter straps
- Laptop Compartment lacks a false bottom
- Compression straps can get in the way of the main compartment
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 91/145 Airlines
Like the Look
Polled on Instagram
- Capacity: 33l
- Weight (lb): 3.7 lb (1.7 kg) 4lbs with hip belt (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 21.5 in x 13.5 in x 8.5 in (54.6 x 34.3 x 21.6 cm)
- Notable Materials: EVA Foam, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware, EPE Foam, Sponge Foam, CORDURA® Ballistic Nylon
- Manufacturing Country: China
- Laptop Compartment Size: 15"
- Warranty Information: Aer Lifetime Warranty
Full Review
Our six months of testing across multiple team members confirmed our initial impressions – this pack continues its predecessor’s legacy while incorporating meaningful improvements.
Materials & Aesthetic
The 1680D CORDURA ballistic nylon exterior proved its durability during our extensive testing. After six months of continuous use across various team members, we’ve encountered virtually zero durability issues.
The black-on-black aesthetic carries forward the original’s sleek design. During testing, we found the Duraflex buckles and YKK zippers performed consistently. The exterior zippers feature both Aquaguard coating and storm flaps, delivering reliable weather resistance.
Our Instagram audience delivered a 60/40 verdict favoring the aesthetic. Multiple foam types – EVA, EPE, and sponge – provide targeted cushioning across the mesh back panel, straps, and side handles.
The refined design eliminates strap dangle, maintaining the professional aesthetic we’ve come to expect from Aer.
Exterior Components
Our testing revealed thoughtful exterior features that enhance function while maintaining clean aesthetics. The Travel Gear Collective team found Aer’s attention to detail impressive throughout our evaluation.
The reinforced top handle delivers substantial grip strength, complemented by a streamlined side handle for quick grabs. During testing, these proved invaluable for overhead bin retrieval and taxi transitions. The updated design eliminates the original’s clunky velcro loop system, though Aer developed an improved roller bag solution we’ll explore later.
We noticed refined construction in the side handle – maintaining foam density while introducing a finer weave casing that enhances grip comfort over the previous version.
The stealth water bottle pocket impressed our team with its discrete integration. What appears as a subtle seam reveals a zippered compartment that securely holds bottles and umbrellas while maintaining flush aesthetics when empty – no loose mesh in sight.
A D-ring sits above the water bottle pocket. When we asked Aer about its purpose, they explained:
We added it so you can attach your keys or other small items like a luggage tag, etc. The original purpose was actually for a detachable shoulder strap which we had in earlier versions of the bag, but it wasn’t a feature people were really asking for.
Smart move dropping the shoulder strap, we’d say!
Dual compression straps serve multiple functions – securing items like a yoga mat while enabling significant profile reduction. This versatility transforms the pack from travel mode to daypack, helping avoid that tourist-with-massive-backpack look at the beach.
Though effective for compression, we found these straps complicate main compartment access, requiring unbuckling for full clamshell opening. While not ideal, it’s a common challenge among travel packs, and the Matador DL16 offers an alternative daypack solution.
The enhanced harness system addresses our previous criticisms of the original pack’s foam density and strap thickness. These beefier straps demonstrate Aer’s commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement.
A securely-mounted adjustable sternum strap prevents the detachment issues we’ve encountered on packs with fancier systems. We also noted an unused D-ring attachment point – its purpose remains a mystery through our testing.
Two significant harness changes caught our attention:
- Optional hip belt compatibility (sold separately)
- Removal of the original’s load lifters
Intrigued by this tradeoff, we asked Aer about dropping the load lifters. Their response:
In terms of the load lifters, one of our goals was to clean up the design and reduce dangling straps and weight. We found that the load lifters weren’t as effective as can be on a bag this size, so we removed them.
Well, we can’t argue with Aer’s logic here. Though the original pack’s load lifters enhanced carry comfort, their impact wasn’t revolutionary – really only noticeable with a fully loaded pack. And they definitely interfered with that clean aesthetic we’ve come to expect.
The new hip belt impressed our testing team – perfectly sized for a 33L pack. The padding strikes an ideal balance, offering support without bulk. Our only minor gripe? Initial stiffness can cause some side poking until broken in.
While some travelers prefer stowable harness systems, we found this fixed design perfectly functional for our testing needs. Your preferences may differ.
The back panel features padded mesh and an integrated grab handle – though the grip angle feels slightly awkward. This section doubles as a luggage pass-through for roller compatibility.
As committed one-bag travelers, our team rarely uses pass-through features. However, if you’re looking to minimize packed clothing and maximize carry efficiency, check out our merino wool guide for game-changing fabric insights.
Inside The Pack
The internal organization mirrors the original’s effectiveness with some notable refinements.
The quick-grab top pocket now accommodates larger phones with ease – a thoughtful upgrade from the original’s tighter dimensions.
In the laptop compartment, we found mixed results. The YKK AquaGuard zipper significantly improves weather resistance – addressing water seepage issues we encountered when testing the original in rain. However, the absence of a false bottom surprised our team, considering its minimal impact on capacity.
The front panel features a substantial YKK #10 AquaGuard zipper that, while possibly overkill, reinforces Aer’s signature aesthetic. New zipper garages enhance weather protection, while integrated pull tabs significantly improve operation.
The bottom section provides substantial storage, and we appreciate that the upper area isn’t a separate pocket – this prevents interference with the organization system.
Opening the organizer reveals dual six-inch bottom pockets, an elastic mesh pocket with corresponding liner pockets behind, and two pen slots. A YKK #5RC zippered compartment sits up top, along with a plastic key ring – not our preferred choice over metal, but hardly a deal-breaker.
We found this organization layout particularly versatile – functional when needed but laying flat when using packing cubes or pouches, similar to the Tortuga Setout.
Behind the zippered pocket, a divider section perfectly swallows bulky MacBook chargers and various cables. The Germans call this inevitable cable tangle “Kabelsalat” – cable salad. Accurate.
The dedicated shoe compartment shows thoughtful refinement – Aer removed the ventilation holes present in version one. During testing, we found this improved weather resistance when setting the pack down outweighed any ventilation benefits.
The main clamshell compartment requires unbuckling those compression straps for full access – slightly inconvenient but typical for this style. The cavernous interior functions best with packing cubes (we’d say they’re essential). Worth noting that the shoe compartment and quick-access pocket will impact main compartment capacity.
We’ve found the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes work particularly well in organizing this space.
The clamshell’s front features a low-profile mesh pocket with YKK zipper – ideal for flat items without adding bulk. Below sits what we consider the pack’s most secure storage – a generous zippered compartment perfect for valuables you want to keep away from exterior access points.
Durability & Testing
The Travel Gear Collective team has put the Aer Travel Pack 2 through two and a half weeks of rigorous testing in Detroit. While this represents a shorter test period than our usual protocol, we wanted to share our initial findings at launch.
Our extensive experience with the original pack provides valuable context. Through our team’s travels across Minneapolis, Detroit, Nashville, California, and even Russia during the World Cup, the original demonstrated exceptional durability. The 1680D ballistic nylon showed remarkable resilience – just one minor blemish after six months of constant use.
Early testing suggests the Travel Pack 2 maintains this durability standard. We anticipate similar long-term performance based on material quality and construction.
Usage Timeline
Initial Usage
Condition: Excellent
First impressions highlight sleek design and robust construction. Hip belt performance exceeds expectations.
Condition: Excellent
Feature set and material durability continue to impress through daily testing.
Condition: Excellent
Month-long evaluation in Porto, Portugal confirmed versatility – excelling both as primary travel pack during transit and compressed daypack at destination.
Condition: Excellent
Maintains structural integrity and performance.
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.