Air Travel Pack 3 Backpack

4.5 stars! This backpack is almost perfect. The build quality is excellent and there are numerous pockets to help you me stay organised. The bag's internal panel behind the laptop compartment helps the bag stand up on its own.The X-PAC has kept all my electronics dry when I've been caught in the rain. The bag is versatile, from an EDC to a one bag travel. It also fits under the airplane seat in front of you!A couple downsides include the weight (1.7kg on its own, I’ve read it is sort of unavoidable with good padding and build quality) and the straps can be a bit uncomfortable under moderate to heavy loads. Under heavy loads, with the load lifters, backpack and chest strap all tightened up to be most supportive, the straps become uncomfortable over the trapezius ... More4.5 stars! This backpack is almost perfect. The build quality is excellent and there are numerous pockets to help you me stay organised. The bag's internal panel behind the laptop compartment helps the bag stand up on its own.The X-PAC has kept all my electronics dry when I've been caught in the rain. The bag is versatile, from an EDC to a one bag travel. It also fits under the airplane seat in front of you!A couple downsides include the weight (1.7kg on its own, I’ve read it is sort of unavoidable with good padding and build quality) and the straps can be a bit uncomfortable under moderate to heavy loads. Under heavy loads, with the load lifters, backpack and chest strap all tightened up to be most supportive, the straps become uncomfortable over the trapezius muscle and lower neck area. Otherwise there are no issues with comfort. I do wonder if may just be me as I have not read similar feedback online. The heavier loads only occurred recently on an interstate trip. Other interesting points include the magnetic fasteners for the chest and compressions traps. These take some getting used to with the chest strap is minimally easier to clasp/unclasp one handed. The magnetic fasteners for the compressions straps don't provide confidence in hanging things off of them (as would standard buckles) but so far in my experience, I haven't had them detach unexpectedly. Overall I’m very happy with the bag and expect it to last me a long time.

1 Star Shy of 5

I have recently purchased a [Travel Pack 3 Small] and am enjoying it for the most part. As a long time Briggs & Riley customer and airline Million Miler acquiring your bag took some convincing from a close friend of mine. Regarding this bag I have only 2 items of dissatisfaction that I believe you should address. First, your binding clasps, while very nicely designed, they function quite poorly. They "pop" open at the slightest offset contact and if you have anything connected to them it would be lost for good. This makes them useless as hanging utilities which is needed for things like baseball hats, airline pillows, and other such items. The bag only has 1 D ring, which is my second issue - as a frequent traveler I have many tags and accessories that need to be ... MoreI have recently purchased a [Travel Pack 3 Small] and am enjoying it for the most part. As a long time Briggs & Riley customer and airline Million Miler acquiring your bag took some convincing from a close friend of mine. Regarding this bag I have only 2 items of dissatisfaction that I believe you should address. First, your binding clasps, while very nicely designed, they function quite poorly. They "pop" open at the slightest offset contact and if you have anything connected to them it would be lost for good. This makes them useless as hanging utilities which is needed for things like baseball hats, airline pillows, and other such items. The bag only has 1 D ring, which is my second issue - as a frequent traveler I have many tags and accessories that need to be attached to the outside of my bag. An additional D ring on the opposite side would be an easy and valuable add. If these 2 points were addressed you'd get that fifth star.

Duffel Pack 3 to Travel Pack 3 X-Pac

After using Duffel Pack 3 for almost two years, I needed to find a larger bag for my recent & ongoing work travels. I naturally looked at the Travel Pack 3. I happened to be in SF for work last week and made sure to stop by the B&M shop to take a closer look at the item(s). After some consideration I went with the full size TP3. Jared who was working the shop on Sunday informed me that the full size TP does not technically qualify as a personal item as it is too large but that I might get away with it. I took the risk and brought it on the Delta flight as a personal item (+ a carryon) and thankfully faced no problem.The bag fits SO much more than my DP3 and is about the same height & depth. It's not overly large for my 5'10 height and like all Aer products the bag ... MoreAfter using Duffel Pack 3 for almost two years, I needed to find a larger bag for my recent & ongoing work travels. I naturally looked at the Travel Pack 3. I happened to be in SF for work last week and made sure to stop by the B&M shop to take a closer look at the item(s). After some consideration I went with the full size TP3. Jared who was working the shop on Sunday informed me that the full size TP does not technically qualify as a personal item as it is too large but that I might get away with it. I took the risk and brought it on the Delta flight as a personal item (+ a carryon) and thankfully faced no problem.The bag fits SO much more than my DP3 and is about the same height & depth. It's not overly large for my 5'10 height and like all Aer products the bag has the perfect balance of form & function--I chose the X-Pac version and love the smooth surface and the subtle patterns, although the aqua guard zippers are definitely stiffer.The only 1% downside of what would've otherwise been a perfect purchase was that only after I arrived here in LA did I notice the tiniest single thread snag on the top handle. With its slick & smooth surfaces the snag sticks out like a sore thumb, but not enough to do anything about it.Special thanks to Jared @ Aer SF who took his time to chat with me and help me make my decision!

First trip: very impressed.

Just got back from a weekend trip where I used this pack for the first time. As someone who doesn't travel more than a few times a year, I wouldn't normally spend this much money on a pack, but it has been absolutely worth it for me.Materials quality: the bag definitely feels solid. The zippers feel like they should hold up well over timeSize: fit all of the usual things I'd need for a weekend, including: macbook air, ipad, dji mini 3 + case, headphones, a light zip up hoodie, and various bits and bobs in the admin compartment. There was still plenty of room for more! My only complaint here is that the laptop/tablet compartment and top quick access pocket does feel a bit tight.Carry-on capability: this pack fit perfectly under American Airlines main cabin and ... MoreJust got back from a weekend trip where I used this pack for the first time. As someone who doesn't travel more than a few times a year, I wouldn't normally spend this much money on a pack, but it has been absolutely worth it for me.Materials quality: the bag definitely feels solid. The zippers feel like they should hold up well over timeSize: fit all of the usual things I'd need for a weekend, including: macbook air, ipad, dji mini 3 + case, headphones, a light zip up hoodie, and various bits and bobs in the admin compartment. There was still plenty of room for more! My only complaint here is that the laptop/tablet compartment and top quick access pocket does feel a bit tight.Carry-on capability: this pack fit perfectly under American Airlines main cabin and first class seats (domestic flight) as a personal item.Comfort: straps were pretty comfy. Lots of adjustment available, and the chest strap helps distribute the load. I do wish they included the hip belt though.Looks: very minimal, but I like it.Overall: very happy with my purchase. time will tell if the pack holds up, but I feel pretty confident it will.

Hate it

I travel alot and have used a good variety of backpacks for short trips. I saw reviews on this and thought this would be a great replacement for my older one. I regret wasting my hard earned money on it. Theres so many things i can say about it but the ones most frustrating are ….. I often get confused with the zippers for the two front compartments (different colored zippers would solve this). They are of different size but when your in a bind or hurry you dont have time to look at both set of zippers to differentiate them so i often find myself opening the wrong compartment (which gets to be very frustrating very quickly). All of the quick access compartments are all at the top of the backpack. And the major quick access compartments take up space on the most ... MoreI travel alot and have used a good variety of backpacks for short trips. I saw reviews on this and thought this would be a great replacement for my older one. I regret wasting my hard earned money on it. Theres so many things i can say about it but the ones most frustrating are ….. I often get confused with the zippers for the two front compartments (different colored zippers would solve this). They are of different size but when your in a bind or hurry you dont have time to look at both set of zippers to differentiate them so i often find myself opening the wrong compartment (which gets to be very frustrating very quickly). All of the quick access compartments are all at the top of the backpack. And the major quick access compartments take up space on the most vital part of the backpack itself (the inside where you pack your clothes). When i fill the quick access compartments up it takes up a good 15-20% of the inside and when packing often gets in the way and very frustrating. This not only makes the top of the backpack very bulky when you pack it but it also makes it uneven with the bottom and i often have the backpack falling down because its unstable (has more weight at the top of the backpack then at the bottom) so i have to strategically pack things just so the backpack can stay standing upright when setting it down which is incredibly ridiculous. The only positive thing about it is that it is made out of good quality materials. This is the worst purchase i have ever made when it comes to travel and packing and want my money back. The only reason i haven’t returned it is because it comes with a sticker when the backpack is sent out that it has to be unused to be returned.

Perfect pack for traveling with multiple electronic devices

Perfect. I've tried a number of different backpacks for travel over the years and there has always been some kind of compromise. For what it's worth, I'm not a hardcore traveler. But I often like to bring several pieces of bulky electronics with me -- a Steam Deck, an ILC camera + lenses, a tablet, headphones, and various and sundry other bits. It all gets a bit bulky and difficult to pack.Originally, I just had a random Osprey backpack, but I found that it was hard to get at stuff at the bottom of the pack. I also had a Peak Design Everyday Backpack, which had some good aspects -- the side access -- but the dividers always left me feeling like i was wasting space inside, and the straps were insanely uncomfortable with any but the lightest of loads. Then there was ... MorePerfect. I've tried a number of different backpacks for travel over the years and there has always been some kind of compromise. For what it's worth, I'm not a hardcore traveler. But I often like to bring several pieces of bulky electronics with me -- a Steam Deck, an ILC camera + lenses, a tablet, headphones, and various and sundry other bits. It all gets a bit bulky and difficult to pack.Originally, I just had a random Osprey backpack, but I found that it was hard to get at stuff at the bottom of the pack. I also had a Peak Design Everyday Backpack, which had some good aspects -- the side access -- but the dividers always left me feeling like i was wasting space inside, and the straps were insanely uncomfortable with any but the lightest of loads. Then there was my Goruck GR1, which opened my eyes to the glory of a full clamshell main compartment with no dividers! But it's not quite deep enough to easily pack my electronics, and the back panel is extremely sweaty if you load it heavily.Which brings us to the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small. It's just slightly deeper than the GR1, which was perfect for storing my steam deck vertically with respect to the backpack's depth. This alone fixed all my issues with the GR1's main compartment. On top of that, the Travel Pack 3 Small has a bunch of extra compartments which I found useful for storing passport/wallet/keys when out and about. But the TP3 still has very comfortable shoulder straps, and seems to heat my back up less than the GR1 did.Generally, I'm just totally satisfied with this backpack. It's hard to imagine something that could be more suited to my specific needs.

The Cadillac of travel backpacks

I love the size of this pack, its organization, its comfort. Works great for any trip shorter than a week (4-5 days is the sweet spot, depending on the type of trip and what clothing you have to bring) where you are going to be doing a lot of walking/public transport and want to keep your hands free and/or don’t want to deal with a roller bag. The features, style, and comfort make this a great choice for work trips and active vacations alike.This likely goes without saying, but just in case you (like me) came to travel backpacking from years of using a roller bag or duffel bag: backpacks can’t easily pack as much as their brethren due to how they’re constructed. So if you’re looking for the most efficient carry solution for work trips where you have to bring lots ... MoreI love the size of this pack, its organization, its comfort. Works great for any trip shorter than a week (4-5 days is the sweet spot, depending on the type of trip and what clothing you have to bring) where you are going to be doing a lot of walking/public transport and want to keep your hands free and/or don’t want to deal with a roller bag. The features, style, and comfort make this a great choice for work trips and active vacations alike.This likely goes without saying, but just in case you (like me) came to travel backpacking from years of using a roller bag or duffel bag: backpacks can’t easily pack as much as their brethren due to how they’re constructed. So if you’re looking for the most efficient carry solution for work trips where you have to bring lots of clothes, or a suit, or multiple pairs of shoes, etc, you’re potentially going to find this bag a bit less conducive to that sort of thing than a carry-on roller bag. It’s still very much possible to pack this bag for those trips, but you’re going to have to get creative with how you fold your clothes, and asking certain pants/shoes to pull double duty. Moving to a backpack is more about reimagining travel than it is about taking the thing that used to be on the floor/by your side and putting it on your back.That said, if you do want to embrace these changes to how you travel, and are looking for a travel backpack that can do it all and do it all in style, look no further than this. As a bonus, it’s also really well-priced when set next to other higher-end travel backpacks of comparable size and feature set, which is amazing considering what you get with this bag, as well as the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. If you get into backpacks, you might own other bags for other purposes - but this one will always be one I’ll come back to frequently, and a purchase I’ll never regret. I’ve always been vaguely annoyed by every travel bag I’ve ever owned for one reason for another - with this one, I’ve only found things I love and appreciate about its thoughtful design and function.

This pack is incredible

I was on the hunt for a new edc pack that could also be utilized for short trips. After much research, I decided on the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small in X-Pac. I could not be happier with my decision. The build quality is very high, the aesthetic is pleasing and minimalist, and the comfort is by far the most of any edc pack I've had. The organization and pockets are well thought out and plentiful, without being too much. And the laptop sleeve is impressive. Its highly padded and elevated from the bottom, and lined with a soft material. Oh, and that orange interior really does it for me. This pack checked all the boxes for my needs. One thing I kept reading in the reviews was that the aquagaurd zippers were hard to use. I have had zero trouble with any of them. Overall, ... MoreI was on the hunt for a new edc pack that could also be utilized for short trips. After much research, I decided on the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small in X-Pac. I could not be happier with my decision. The build quality is very high, the aesthetic is pleasing and minimalist, and the comfort is by far the most of any edc pack I've had. The organization and pockets are well thought out and plentiful, without being too much. And the laptop sleeve is impressive. Its highly padded and elevated from the bottom, and lined with a soft material. Oh, and that orange interior really does it for me. This pack checked all the boxes for my needs. One thing I kept reading in the reviews was that the aquagaurd zippers were hard to use. I have had zero trouble with any of them. Overall, this is as close to a perfect edc/travel pack (for my needs) as I've come across. If had to replace it for some reason, i.e. theft or loss (hopefully not) I wouldn't think twice. 5/5.

Uncomfortable bag, but great organization

I did a great deal of research before I purchased this bag, as I am sure you, the reader, are doing right now. Unlike many of the people commenting in this section, this bag has NOT exceeded my expectations. The organization, material and thoughtfulness of this bag is excellent, but the first thing I note as a BIG negative is the comfort. In my opinion this bag is not - contrary to what many have proclaimed online - a comfortable bag for carrying around all day. In fact, it is one of the most uncomfortable bags I have ever worn for extended periods. This is a tremendous disappointment as I purchased the TP3S for travel and every day carry (my own "One Bag To Rule Them All type thing). Despite the load lifters, hip straps and sternum strap, this bag when fully loaded ... MoreI did a great deal of research before I purchased this bag, as I am sure you, the reader, are doing right now. Unlike many of the people commenting in this section, this bag has NOT exceeded my expectations. The organization, material and thoughtfulness of this bag is excellent, but the first thing I note as a BIG negative is the comfort. In my opinion this bag is not - contrary to what many have proclaimed online - a comfortable bag for carrying around all day. In fact, it is one of the most uncomfortable bags I have ever worn for extended periods. This is a tremendous disappointment as I purchased the TP3S for travel and every day carry (my own "One Bag To Rule Them All type thing). Despite the load lifters, hip straps and sternum strap, this bag when fully loaded is terribly hard on my back and shoulders. Unlike the military and outdoor packs I am used to carrying, this bag gives me a great deal of back compression and that "pulling" sensation away from my back. I purchased the hip straps for this reason, but I have found the hip straps to be essentially useless and for some reason, whether it is my size/frame, or the bag itself, the bag never sits comfortable under a load greater than around 15lbs for longer than half an hour. This bumps it down by 2 stars for me - a bag should be comfortable, but I do recognize that not all bodies are the same. My last issue with this bag is the "Fidlock buckles." They are unreliable and do not do as good of a job at bag compression as their standard plastic clip counterparts. They are prone to coming undone under the combination of tension and backward movement. Meaning that if you have them under tension (which of course you will since they are designed for that) and something brushes against your bag, pushing the buckle slightly in, up or down, the magnetic locks can come undone. I still like the bag, and maybe I myself need to spend a few months with the bag before it breaks in for me, but I am still disappointed in the overall performance. TLDR:: Bag is uncomfortable for long periods of use when loaded over 15lbs. Hip straps were useless for redistributing weight on a 6'0" 195lb person. Magnetic buckles are a gimmick and not as useful as the regular ones.

You won't find another pack like this!

What can I say--or not say--about this pack? After trying out at least ten high-quality, high-priced backpacks that would be good for both everyday carry and occasional time in the outdoors, this was the one for me. I needed something extremely water resistant, durable, capable of holding around 25L in the main compartment and fitting under an airplane seat, comfortable while lugging heavy loads, and also something that, quite simply, looks nice, stylish, and elegant. This pack offers so much more than others in the same category: the comfort/cushioning is next level, and what sets it beyond the City Pack Pro (X-Pac), which I also tried, are the load lifters, which are great for keeping the pack against your body and "high" rather than "sagging" (something that ... MoreWhat can I say--or not say--about this pack? After trying out at least ten high-quality, high-priced backpacks that would be good for both everyday carry and occasional time in the outdoors, this was the one for me. I needed something extremely water resistant, durable, capable of holding around 25L in the main compartment and fitting under an airplane seat, comfortable while lugging heavy loads, and also something that, quite simply, looks nice, stylish, and elegant. This pack offers so much more than others in the same category: the comfort/cushioning is next level, and what sets it beyond the City Pack Pro (X-Pac), which I also tried, are the load lifters, which are great for keeping the pack against your body and "high" rather than "sagging" (something that happened with the City Pack Pro). The external laptop compartment is the best I've seen: great protection and ease of use for my giant 16" MacBook Pro with an "Armorbox" shell. The compression straps also work well, making the bag look great whether it's maxed out or carrying a small load. And if you like pockets and organization, this pack has more than enough to please you, all with that great bright-orange color to make it easy to see contents. There are two small downsides with this pack, but they're sacrifices that needed to be made so it could have some of those great features above: 1) it's fairly heavy for a bag this size (but without that weight, there goes the cushioning and protective layers for the laptop); abd 2) the water-bolder holder isn't the best I've seen, but it will work well, especially if you can latch the top of your bottle to the D-right right next to where that top will be. The boxy shape is something you either do or don't like, aesthetically, but it certainly maximizes carrying-capacity for a pack with these dimensions. All in all, there's no other pack on the market that does what this one does, and I'm glad I found it. I've only recently acquired it, so I can't speak to durability, but it appears extremely well made, and AER customer service is AMAZING. I have no doubts that they'll take care; they've already gone above and beyond accommodating all of my requests and answering all of my questions.