Aer City Pack Review (2 Weeks of Use)

[@JosellClark]

as a young adult working as an animator/video editor I find it interesting that I grew fond of watching backpack reviews hahahahahahaha something I would never imagine as a teenager.

[@aisboy1]

I have owned this bag for approx. 6 mos. I love it. You are correct about space, but I did my research up front and this bag is perfect for my needs. Very well made, my only minor gripe is I wish AER would have put waterproof zips on the entire bag. My understanding is that they have now done that. Not worth buying another bag, but you won't be disappointed with this bag.

[@3W14]

3:40 For viewers, you're not supposed to pull that thing apart. It is meant to be pushed towards each other. I can unclip it with just one finger.

[@SteezyG]

I really like this bag. AER make some great bags that always have some reason I don't but them. The fit pack is so small I can't believe they think that's suitable for work and gym. The travel pack looks great but it's so big and the top looks really tall. This is the. First one that I'd really consider getting. Also, I'd use that d ring to secure the water bottle. I don't know why but I'm always bending over and it doesn't matter what bag I have (aside from the osprey Radial) the water bottle falls out. My solution is to use a carabineer around the lid and thread a compression strap through. The D ring would serve that purpose in the absence of compression straps.

[@Roamstrong]

Timbuk2 Authority's water bottle pocket tightly holds my 21oz bottle. First backpack that adequately holds my bottle without lashing it to the pack OR jamming it in the compartments.

[@Komplexitet]

I personally love the amount of pockets. You said it yourself, most of them are suggestions :) the amount open up more strategies for different scenarios.

[@ilikepieism]

Could we see a comparison of this and the flight pack? They seem pretty similar in design

[@iampitsi]

They also seem very close to me as well. Which confuses me as the Flight Pack 2 is supposedly 19L, but the City Pack is 14L? What's the deal with that?

[@Thorgal_04]

@@iampitsi that made me confused too... Flight pack is smaller but bigger capacity?

[@kodessa]

i feel like some of those interior pockets should have stronger elastic to pull it back into place. E.g. That laptop sleeve wouldn't secure a laptop in place without packing the bag.

[@cmfall1986]

Just ordered one of these today. It seems like it might be the backpack I’ve been looking for.

[@seanmccomiskey]

Hey @cmfall1986! How are you liking it 2 years later?

[@starvingrtist8714]

I wonder how Flight Pack 2 has 19 liter capacity while City Pack only has 14 liter when City looks so much thicker...

[@ImreVogelezang]

I was comparing these two as well

[@turtlehater2]

Really hoping they come out with a 20-25L version with separate laptop compartment and bigger water bottle holder

[@ajrivera1523]

will the sleeve fit a 32oz hydroflask? (the wider one)

[@senyacinema]

End of september city pack pro

[@senyacinema]

And also 22-24L

[@SebastianMorenoCerrone]

@@senyacinema are you sure about this? can't see it announced anywhere

[@bobtony55]

@@SebastianMorenoCerrone city pack pro

[@RorschachWatch]

Say if I’m carrying around with me devices with me like an iPad, one or two Nintendo Switch systems and a jacket or two to top it all off along with other small things like a notebook and such, would this be a good backpack for my needs? Or would be Travel pack 3 small be better?

[@PeachuAndGoma]

I like Aer’s aesthetic. Very minimal and sleek. I have the Flight Pack 2 and I just might buy this.

[@starvingrtist8714]

Isn't this new one like... 90% similar to Flight Pack 2? I have one too.

[@ImreVogelezang]

@@starvingrtist8714 I was going to say, its like almost the same bag, right?

[@starvingrtist8714]

@@ImreVogelezang to me they are very similar, but City Pack only has 14L, while Flight Pack 2 has 19L. Flight Pack 2 also has briefcase mode... so I'm just gonna ignore City Pack.

[@PeachuAndGoma]

@@starvingrtist8714 Yeah they are similar which I like because I’m planning on getting the X-Pac version.

[@jackshen5093]

I have the flight pack 2, but i hate the ergonomics of that bag. This bags seems to have much better ergonomics, but I miss the handles of flight pack 2

[@Paa375]

I agree with you completely they have almost to many pockets. It’s great for organizing but I like to have my pouches. I have AER fit original bag and I don’t use half the pockets so I bit of a waste for me. You can definitely see how filling these pockets cuts into the other compartments. Thanks for taking the time to really point that out. Definitely something you have to consider. I’m looking for a small bag like this but something with more space inside. I’m looking at the bellroy classic compact since the size is perfect for me 16L. Just not sure how the space inside is set out. Any thoughts on a small 🎒 with better flow inside as you mentioned in this review?

[@PackHacker2]

Hey there! You may want to check out the Tom Bihn Luminary 15. Thanks for the support! packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/the-luminary-15/ - Austin

[@LetsArion]

Just at the right time! Very excited for this review. I am currently looking for a new backpack for university and the aer city pack and aer day pack are among my favorites so far! Do you have a video that solely focuses on university bags? It can be quite tricky to find a decent one that's flexible enough to fit all needs imo EDIT: a direct comparison between the aer models would be interesting!

[@PackHacker2]

Hey OnlyArion! We have a Best Laptop Bag Guide you can check out here: packhacker.com/guide/best-laptop-bag/ - Austin

[@LetsArion]

@@PackHacker2 thanks! Will do so

[@martinpaolotayag6377]

which did you choose between the day and city packs ?

[@ShwagEnt]

I’ve had the version that came out in 2018 I think since then and my zipper pull actually broke this month. I was so upset but this version doesn’t look this bad

[@siemakuba7]

Try reaching out to Aer customer support! I had a seam rip on my original Day Pack and they shot me over the V2 a week later.

[@Paa375]

Life time warranty

[@ShwagEnt]

@@Paa375 I have no idea where my receipt is

[@smigglesmiggles614]

I see that you also have a review on the Able Carry Daily pack. Could you please compare the two? Which would you recommend? (I prioritise comfort > organisation > aesthetic)

[@sluged2326]

I was wondering if this would be good for school and if the main compartment could hold something like a trapper keeper

[@Paa375]

I was wondering this bag looks very similar to the AER flight pack 2 Now I know the flight pack 2 is for traveling but I really like the look and was thinking of using it as an edc. But this AER city pack may be the better bag for edc. I think the AER flight pack 2 is better for space. The city pack looks pretty tight maybe because it’s 5L smaller. Any thoughts anyone

[@Jetty747]

I've just received my City Pack (Xpac version) and there's no way it's 14 Litres, feels more like 18 to me. I have a Day Pack 2, and I can fit more into this City Pack due to it not being so rigid and not tapered at the top. Loving it so far.

[@sais9221]

@@Jetty747 what's the difference between the city xpac and the city pack?

[@mr_red13]

@@Jetty747would you be able to fit a 1” 3-ring binder?

[@n2boston]

Incase Two-Way is very similar and works well as a briefcase too. Would you please do a review of this bag? I can’t find any on KZbin in English. Thank you!

[@PackHacker2]

I've passed your suggestion along to the team. Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@n2boston]

@@PackHacker2 thank you!

[@Jasondranoff]

Thanks for the review I did a ton of research and found this is perfect for my needs as opposed to the pro that came out after, it's just too big. Since this review have you confirmed that every zipper is now waterproof and not just the front one?

[@bill8125]

Hi Pack Hacker! I’m divided between this Aer bag and the incase icon slim. Can you help me?

[@andrewfernando9326]

This seems like an extra small Travel Pack 2. It's also not much different than the Day Pack 2.

[@thisistotallyfine]

They should have released it earlier so I didn't have to buy the Black Ember Shadow 22L.

[@WaLeEd007]

I love your reviews! Looking for a North face surge 2021 review if that’s also a bag that interests you

[@PackHacker2]

I passes your suggestion along to the team. Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@Secretweapondoze]

Love this new bag!!!! It’s like a smaller version of the Travelpack! Instant buy!

[@marwan80]

keep upright when set it down?

[@retrovelcro]

Doesn't seem like there's much of a difference between this and their Flight Pack..?

[@SteezyG]

I believe that's the thought that they did with this. They just made it smaller so you can use it daily. Some airlines won't allow a travel pack 2 as carry on either as it's too tall.

[@PingHousehold13]

It’s also not convertible to brief/messenger. If I didn’t need that feature, I’d have preferred this as a true backpack!

[@starvingrtist8714]

@@SteezyG Live Light is talking about the small pack named Flight Pack, not the big Travel Pack. City Pack is very similar to Flight Pack 2 in every aspect.

[@simpsonbergman2185]

the weight of this one is quite a bit less (looking at the info on their web page)

[@hannahklar2158]

Do you have a video on the "Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20l daypack"

[@PackHacker2]

Hi Hannah! We haven't reviewed that pack, but I've passed it along to the team for consideration. Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@rasnabedi]

Please make videos on checked luggage too. Thanks.

[@conspickerous]

City Pack or Day Pack?

[@GearJason]

Can you fit a 12.9 iPad pro in front of the laptop sleeve? (Book sleeve)

[@GearJason]

Still waiting for a reply…

[@stevekingswell9143]

Did you actually review the bag, say compared to other, with pros & cons, or did I miss the point?

[@PackHacker2]

Hi Steve! I'll drop a link so you can learn more about our review process and rating system. Thanks for the comment! - Austin packhacker.com/about/rating-system/

[@stevekingswell9143]

@@PackHacker2 thanks, your web reviews are very good.

[@PareWorks]

Same story for every aer bag, anything bulky will disrupt the whole bag. Aer really needs to consider reducing admin pockets. Their quality though is top notch and I love their laptop and tablet compartments. I hope they will make a similar sized bag with 1/3 for laptop compartment and 2/3 open, or I can just start modifying my aer day pack 2 xpac.

[@nreza94]

any recs on how to mod it? I have the same bag and it's too constrained

[@PareWorks]

@@nreza94 I'm going to try removing the admin panel to make it into a semi clamshell design. I've already removed the plastic between the two compartments and it still stands up. This will only work if you use other smaller bags inside your bag, like the aer slim pouch or cable kit.

[@nreza94]

@@PareWorks I did the same exact thing. Ordered the city pack to compare. I think because of the unhinged top and the additional sleeve in the second compartment the city pack may utilize space better than the day pack.. let’s see

[@beast_clips_9f]

Depends on use case. The proportions you describe are roughly what is used for the Travel Pack 2 or the small version. If you’re looking for something of a similar size with more open design, just get an Arc’teryx Granville. Probably like it even more than the Aer. To your point though, most Aer bags have the same front pocket/org pocket/main compartment layout though. Hard to believe each is really their best design thinking vs simply recycling what worked for the Travel Pack.

[@PareWorks]

@@beast_clips_9f Thanks for the suggestion, but I prefer the overall look and finish of aer, just wish they weren't so tight.

[@jessezwas2710]

Can you review the new Belroy Classic Backpack Plus?

[@PackHacker2]

I've passed along your suggestion to the team. Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@1paolo]

is the sternum strap removable?

[@1paolo]

and also can you fit a almost 1 inch gaming laptop? specifically dell g15

[@davidrp6361]

What do you think about doing short 3 day trips with this bag?

[@PackHacker2]

Hey David! I think there are better options out there for this use case-especially since there's no "big bucket" for clothing or packing cubes. This pack is really geared towards everyday carry. - Tom

[@asianrice02]

Magnetic sternum strap be hard for people with pacemakers?

[@jacecha2210]

These magnets are nowhere near strong enough

[@haziqehsan]

14 liter is absurd

[@ernemtz9064]

every item feature in this channel is so expensive lol, great review vids though

[@PackHacker2]

Hey Erne! It just so happens that we released a video on our main channel today which includes more budget friendly options. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haWlgZilpJxgoMU - Austin

[@BasedHyperborean]

Over eight minutes in and you still haven't even opened it lmao. WHY?! Put time codes in the description or something. This is silliness.

[@PaulHo]

Aer bags are so ugly, and they really don't take the hint after all this time. It's so unimaginative and lazy, and that center zip really doesn't do any favors. No organization and very limiting in size of what you can put in there. We get it, Cordura and ballistic nylon. So tacticool... 🤡

[@bingbing2515]

So what bag would you recommend then that is less ugly and has more organization??

[@PaulHo]

@@bingbing2515 I can't get enough of the Topo Core Pack, and even the Topo Travel Bag, either size. Big fan of Timbuk2 Wingman too. Even Fjallraven SplitPack in a pinch.

[@donald2940]

Get a load of this guy

[@carlojuarez1589]

@@PaulHo I checked all of them and mostly are for travel and the one that is EDC looks like is suitable for my lil sister. I will recommend The Brown Buffalo Conceal or some Evergoods CPC