I just bought this bag and I have a few thoughts... 1. The lack of a quick access pocket and internal pocket on the bottom of the front flap gives the bag a weird shape.. If the main compartment is not filled up you will see the top half of the bag bulging out while the bottom indenting. I also feel that it's a weird decision to not make use of the empty space there. 2. This is something mentioned by a lot of people including this review, and that is the lack of mesh liner pockets. The folded pockets lack elasticity to fit larger items, and stuff falls out from these pockets whenever you turn the backpack sideways. 3. The inner space, especially the main compartment of the bag is much smaller than what you would expect when seen from the outside and the "20L" designation. The unnecessarily thick front flap, valet pocket and laptop compartment take space away from the main compartment. The main compartment will fit 1 Peak Design Tech Pouch + 2 smaller pouches like the Bellroy Tech Kit or Peak Design small wash pouches at most.
Aer used to ignore functionality for aethetics with their use of aqua guard zippers. They'd put them on the most visible front grab pocket but not on the laptop pocket. Seems like a small thing but it hinted at a larger design philosophy that made me not want to spend what they charge for a bag I couldn't trust to protect my gear, especially in an EDC bag. This change is long overdue.
Thanks for posting this video. I think this backpack may work for me since I usually go swimming before or after work. I like that you can open up the main compartment for swimming/gym stuff. With most backpacks that just open on the top, I always have to remove things out from backpack to reach to the bottom. But with this wide opening I can zip the bag open and everything is in full display. If anyone has other suggestions for bag packs with open wide-access main compartment and padding for laptop please share! Thank you!
Thanks for the great and really quickly released review. This line of Aer bags sure seems like a huge winner in my book, though I might gravitate towards the 24 L variant. Since I am a tall person, I hope the comfort will be good, especially with a heavier loadout.
Hello! I cant seem to find a backpack to fit my needs. I am an engineering consultant, and I travel fairly regularly. Looking for a backpack that I can keep laptop, documents, tablet, small misc. items, and maybe a hoodie. This backpack would be in addition to a small AWAY carry on. I currently have a Nomatic messenger bag, but its actually not pleasant to travel and trek across a large airport with. Any advice?
@@bashfullJ88 I ended up with a Tumi Search, but yours is a good recommendation. I would have looked hard at that one if I hadn't already ordered. Thank you for your reply!
Will a Packit Classic lunch bag fit in the 20 liters main clam shell compartment? Dimensions are 8.25 inches tall standing upright, 10 inches wide from side to side and 4.25 inches front to back/deep. Or can you provide the dimensions of the main clam shell compartment?
I feel like these need to be compared with the Evergoods stuff… They are definitely different styles of carry, but I’m more keen on a comfort compare since I can always adjust my load out.
I agree, I think the pocket situation on the Pro lineup is a bit overkill. I use the original Aer Slim Pack and enjoy its pocket layout better than the Pro Slim.
There's something weird about this bag. The fact that there's so many pockets that only open a very limited amount so you have to reach down into them. Doesn't seem satisfying or ergonomically friendly at all.
I just bought this bag and I have a few thoughts...
1. The lack of a quick access pocket and internal pocket on the bottom of the front flap gives the bag a weird shape.. If the main compartment is not filled up you will see the top half of the bag bulging out while the bottom indenting. I also feel that it's a weird decision to not make use of the empty space there.
2. This is something mentioned by a lot of people including this review, and that is the lack of mesh liner pockets. The folded pockets lack elasticity to fit larger items, and stuff falls out from these pockets whenever you turn the backpack sideways.
3. The inner space, especially the main compartment of the bag is much smaller than what you would expect when seen from the outside and the "20L" designation. The unnecessarily thick front flap, valet pocket and laptop compartment take space away from the main compartment. The main compartment will fit 1 Peak Design Tech Pouch + 2 smaller pouches like the Bellroy Tech Kit or Peak Design small wash pouches at most.
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
Aer used to ignore functionality for aethetics with their use of aqua guard zippers. They'd put them on the most visible front grab pocket but not on the laptop pocket. Seems like a small thing but it hinted at a larger design philosophy that made me not want to spend what they charge for a bag I couldn't trust to protect my gear, especially in an EDC bag. This change is long overdue.
That’s why I love Sympl Bags. They use YKK Aquaguard zippers on all of their exterior zippers. Nothing in my bag is getting wet.
How does it compare to the Bellroy Transit Workpack?
I hate that I’m in between these bags
Thanks for this review. Have you tested to see if it will hold one of the Aer branded or the Peak Design compression cubes?
Can the sternum strap be removed?
yes
Thanks for posting this video. I think this backpack may work for me since I usually go swimming before or after work. I like that you can open up the main compartment for swimming/gym stuff. With most backpacks that just open on the top, I always have to remove things out from backpack to reach to the bottom. But with this wide opening I can zip the bag open and everything is in full display. If anyone has other suggestions for bag packs with open wide-access main compartment and padding for laptop please share! Thank you!
The aer fit pack is made for this
Really on the fence about this or an XPac City Pack Pro, honestly the fact that it can hold Nalgene like the Aer Go Pack 2 makes me want this one...
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
Thanks for the great and really quickly released review. This line of Aer bags sure seems like a huge winner in my book, though I might gravitate towards the 24 L variant. Since I am a tall person, I hope the comfort will be good, especially with a heavier loadout.
Thanks for checking it out! We agree-we dig the style and how they carry!
-Eric
Will this bag fit under the seat in the plane as a personal item? If i do not overpack it?
Seems like a good personal item?
What Would you recommend: getting this or staying with my AER Tech pack 2
What is the best 20L backpack that you could recommend as EDC? 1, 2 and 3
Hello! I cant seem to find a backpack to fit my needs. I am an engineering consultant, and I travel fairly regularly. Looking for a backpack that I can keep laptop, documents, tablet, small misc. items, and maybe a hoodie. This backpack would be in addition to a small AWAY carry on. I currently have a Nomatic messenger bag, but its actually not pleasant to travel and trek across a large airport with. Any advice?
Bellroy transit workpack.
@@bashfullJ88 I ended up with a Tumi Search, but yours is a good recommendation. I would have looked hard at that one if I hadn't already ordered. Thank you for your reply!
@@bashfullJ88I second this
Will a Packit Classic lunch bag fit in the 20 liters main clam shell compartment? Dimensions are 8.25 inches tall standing upright, 10 inches wide from side to side and 4.25 inches front to back/deep. Or can you provide the dimensions of the main clam shell compartment?
Is the sternum strap removable like on the City Pack Pro?
I feel like these need to be compared with the Evergoods stuff… They are definitely different styles of carry, but I’m more keen on a comfort compare since I can always adjust my load out.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along.
-Eric
Are the sternum straps removable?
everything is removable, the question is can it be put back? 😜
Please review the Sympl Travel Pack and Weekender Pack.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along.
-Eric
Good pack but two quick-access pockets is overkill. One would have been enough considering how many internal compartments each has.
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
I agree, I think the pocket situation on the Pro lineup is a bit overkill. I use the original Aer Slim Pack and enjoy its pocket layout better than the Pro Slim.
Nice backpack.
Thanks for watching 🤙
-Eric
Can anyone confirm if Airpods Max fit into the front admin pocket on this bag?
There's something weird about this bag. The fact that there's so many pockets that only open a very limited amount so you have to reach down into them. Doesn't seem satisfying or ergonomically friendly at all.
A coloring book? Are toddlers watching this?