Most of the Aer brand packs all pretty much look alike - I have the City Pack Pro, which is 24 liters, but looks almost the same (minus the load lifters and compression straps). Not a perfect bag, but I agree with all your points. It is very durable, and water resistant (not water proof - they do sell versions of their bags made with waterproof fabrics. Problem is, those fabrics are very crinkly and crunchy and stiff). I keep considering getting this bag, more for a weekend trip. I only travel a couple times a year, not always flying. BTW, you can buy different zipper pulls - I've seen another review where they replaced each set of pulls with shorter ones of different colors, to make it easier to see at a glance which pull belongs to which zipper.
Good to know about the zippers! IT's funny you mention almost wanting to buy it - we ended up getting busy and haven't traveled as much as we were a year ago and the bag has sat for a lot of trips because either we took a small normal backpack or a real suitcase. It serve a nice niche, but definitely not an every-trip bag. Still, it's a great bag!
I have the same bag but in the Xpac version. Call me superficial, but I liked the orange interiors better. I'm a very short woman. only 5 ft. and found this backpack very comfortable while wearing it. But when it is fully packed, it can get a bit heavier than I like when you're putting it on or off. however, the excellent harness system takes a lot of that load off and doesn't feel heavy once it's on my back. During my flight, a flight attendant told me my bag might be too large to fit under the seat, but at the moment I had it standing vertically because I was taking out my headphones and iPad. Once he saw it DID fit under the seat, he gave the o.k. The zippers issue is solved by simply closing the bag's three compartments on a different side each. That way they don't get tangled or look too clustered.
Hi I'm also interested in purchasing the xpac 35l version. Can you let me know how the xpac has held up over time? Any signs of wear on the material and the aquaguard zipper lining? Thanks
Most of the Aer brand packs all pretty much look alike - I have the City Pack Pro, which is 24 liters, but looks almost the same (minus the load lifters and compression straps). Not a perfect bag, but I agree with all your points. It is very durable, and water resistant (not water proof - they do sell versions of their bags made with waterproof fabrics. Problem is, those fabrics are very crinkly and crunchy and stiff). I keep considering getting this bag, more for a weekend trip. I only travel a couple times a year, not always flying.
BTW, you can buy different zipper pulls - I've seen another review where they replaced each set of pulls with shorter ones of different colors, to make it easier to see at a glance which pull belongs to which zipper.
Good to know about the zippers! IT's funny you mention almost wanting to buy it - we ended up getting busy and haven't traveled as much as we were a year ago and the bag has sat for a lot of trips because either we took a small normal backpack or a real suitcase. It serve a nice niche, but definitely not an every-trip bag. Still, it's a great bag!
I have the same bag but in the Xpac version. Call me superficial, but I liked the orange interiors better. I'm a very short woman. only 5 ft. and found this backpack very comfortable while wearing it. But when it is fully packed, it can get a bit heavier than I like when you're putting it on or off. however, the excellent harness system takes a lot of that load off and doesn't feel heavy once it's on my back. During my flight, a flight attendant told me my bag might be too large to fit under the seat, but at the moment I had it standing vertically because I was taking out my headphones and iPad. Once he saw it DID fit under the seat, he gave the o.k. The zippers issue is solved by simply closing the bag's three compartments on a different side each. That way they don't get tangled or look too clustered.
Hi I'm also interested in purchasing the xpac 35l version. Can you let me know how the xpac has held up over time? Any signs of wear on the material and the aquaguard zipper lining? Thanks
The "shoulder pulls" are usually called "load lifters". "Chest strap" is usually called "sternum strap". The "side straps" are "compression straps".
Thanks! You taught me something today!