Aer SF City Pack vs City Pack Pro Backpack Comparison

[@MPat-v4f]

I’ve been using the city pack for the last 1.5 months as a student going to and from school and various coffee shops. I pack the city pack with all of my tech gear including a pair of over the ear headphones and a light rain jacket. Aer recently had a Black Friday sale and I thought why not try the city pack pro. I like the idea of more room and possibly using it as a weekend bag. Just got the pro in today and I’m going to return it. You NAILED it with the grab handles and the front organization pocket. I didn’t know I would miss it until it’s gone. TBH, I got the city pack originally because of your review. I should have just stuck with that in the first place aha.

[@n2boston]

Thank you! I have my City Pack Pro, and I want to love it, but I feel like it’s a big huge on my back for what I carry. I didn’t want to go to the non-pro version as I through it’d be the same size as my 14L Everki Studio Slim. Your video made it obvious the non-pro would actually still give me the width and height of the pro, but just less depth. I really wanted a work pack that I can travel with, but now I’m thinking I’d just pair it with a small duffle or something on those rare occasions I need a bit more space instead of lugging a big backpack around. Just ordered the non-pro in X-PAC and will decide once it gets here. Thanks again!

[@ThePerfectBag]

You’ll love it

[@UzairAnsar]

What are your thoughts on the city pack vs pro? Also nylon vs xpac?

[@gary-gt-tsang]

Awesome review of both the City Pack and City Pack Pro. I ended getting both bags as you mentioned for their different use cases. I use the regular City Pack for normal light EDC that only requires things that don't bulge (I.E. laptop, notebook, chargers, cables and a few small pouches). The City Pack Pro is perfect for the winter time in the event I need to use the bag to travel to work and gym afterwards - the extra space is perfect for shoes and additional workout cloths. I have two kids and the City Pack Pro is perfect to hold diapers, cloths and other smaller kid items. If I ever need to, I will look into the Aer Travel Pack 3 (35 liter) in the future to add to my Aer ecosystem.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Aer makes such amazing bags! My only problem is I want more colorways!

[@gary-gt-tsang]

@@ThePerfectBag 1000% agreed! Would have been nice if they offered both City Packs in navy color way in addition to the black, olive (both same material) and grey (different material).

[@wilsonlamlyt7138]

@@ThePerfectBag might be curious about how would you think over aer city pack pro or the vanquest addax 25, they seem in the similar liter, similar rectangle, similar layouts. I’ve seen multiple aer reviews but very little vanquest, may I know why do you love the vanquest that much, like some details that help a lot, where aer doesn’t have.

[@dansaenz1825]

I prefer the pro. That added space in the main compartment is perfect for exta clothes or gear in general.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Yes I think most people would 100% agree with you!!

[@Aza-nb9de]

Hi did you know if the pro version has a waterproof material?

[@dstutz]

@@Aza-nb9de The X-PAC version is waterproof

[@DanteCoding]

You got it right at the end, these bags are for different purposes. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but this is a good breakdown.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thanks a bunch Dante. I hope these videos are helpful for folks making decisions.

[@ikongfu]

That front admin panel has to be halfway down for me for plane travels, b/c my use case is grabbing gum, a charger, a cable, etc. out of it while it's under the airplane seat in front of me. Having it go all the way down is no good b/c then I'm reaching and reaching to find the stuff. Prefer the Pro for this reason as well as the size. Great review!

[@eeymanjones]

Very solid review! Trying to find a bag that fits the demotions for budget US airlines and the city pack pro seems to be pretty solid of a choice.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drewboox]

I see that the video is 2 years old but right now they have changed the names of these backpacks. I have the city pack pro and they’re not like this. I do like this version of the backpack and how the top unzips a little more instead of a small opening

[@GOMAROMA]

Thank you for a really good informed comparison. I have found it extremely helpful in making my mind up! 👍

[@ThePerfectBag]

Oh yay! I’m stoked to hear that.

[@kozmo7]

Thank you so much! Glad I found your comparison and your channel. Subbed!

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thanks for the sub!

[@andrewfernando9326]

If you get the AER Travel Pack 3 Small, it's both of these packs combined. Full admin panel, clamshell opening and laptop compartment.

[@rdd25]

Will the travel pack 3 small fit under airplane seat as personal item? If not which aer backpack would you recommend thanks!!

[@AmnesiaTanner]

@@rdd25 I have used the Travel Pack 3 Small in XPac as my EDC/travel bag for almost 2 years now. I love it but I am considering buying the City Pack in XPac because it offers the features I love about the travel pack but in a more streamlined package. The older I get and more gear I buy, the more I realize it is better to buy for specific needs rather than to get “the one that does it all”. Because now I wish I had bought the Travel Pack in the regular size for travel and the City Pack for edc. To be clear though, I still absolutely love the travel pack! It works great for an edc but there’s a reason it wasn’t designed as such.

[@Qjemuse]

@@AmnesiaTanner I'm arriving at the same conclusion, although I havent purchased any of the aer packs yet, have only been gathering information on them. I already have a travel backpack and there are another one I'm eyeing so essentially I'm just looking for a light carry edc that perhaps doubles as a grocery pack from time to time. I have an edc backpack I'm using but it lacks internal organization which led me into the city pack pro. However, the cpp has a really weak front admin panel imo. Wth were they thinking? And I hate the useless half mesh with a passion. I then looked into the day pack 2, the flight pack 3, tech pack 2, and even the duffel and the fit pack 3 I believe... Yes almost everything in their roster. And I was so close in pulling the trigger to buy the tp3 as an edc! (I prefer longer packs with my 6ft height, it wasn't a huge jump in price from the tp3s, and arguably with the waist straps it'd be much more comfortable in heavier loads for my build, to use as another travel pack.... Right. Luckily I didn't in the end.) Eventually I think I've arrived with this city pack. A front admin pocket that I'm happy with, light weight and a small form factor as an edc. With the same length and width as the cpp so it should look decent and not too short for my build. I have always ignore on backpacks under 20L, this will be a first, with good reasons. Thanks for your random comment again. It helped a lot in finalizing my decision.

[@brunowong]

Thanks for the review. I'm lucky to be able to go into the Aer store in San Francisco ;) After watching your video, I'm leaning towards the City Pack in X-Pac. I already have the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L for travel and big outings. The City Pack seems like it's perfect for carrying laptop, headphones, a lunch, and a sweater.

[@ThePerfectBag]

It’s a great bag! You’ll love it - and wow, yeah you get to go check them out in person, can’t go wrong.

[@georgewmitchell]

Do you use the Peak Design 45L and the City pack while traveling? Can the city pack fit into the 45L.

[@AhmedDada]

Solid comparison! I agree that it comes down to use case. City Pack for light EDC and the Pro for EDC / travel combo (one bag for many use cases).

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@axxxxman]

after watching this I changed to the regular city pack with x-pak as it was more what I was looking for.

[@ginoderango2516]

Thank you. Can you fit a small tech carry cube in the middle of the city pack back. Organizer for cords etc. thanks again.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Depends on size. It's tight in there but you can carry something slim for sure - but with the amount of organization in the bag - you might not need a separate tech solution.

[@JAMES-n5h5u]

the pro is more of a travel bag. the regular has more pockets / slots, which is what I need

[@henryhomes]

The separate laptop compartment for the pro seems to mean less angling a laptop in.

[@zdnice]

Dude this is a fantastic review

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thx so much!

[@ethanbennett3557]

@@zdnice dude this is a fantastic comment on a fantastic review

[@zypfx_]

Thanks man very helpful!

[@tap42al]

Try the pro pack 24l yet or Able carry?

[@simpsonbergman2185]

I have the regular city pack. I wouldn't change to the pro because I like the slimmer profile and lighter weight of the regular. I like the clamshell opening of the pro, though. I only wish I opted for the xpac version of the city pack!

[@tonyalvaro5016]

Great review as usual, love the bags ,prefer my AER Flight Pack 2 as its got the same front organiser as the city pack but is bigger at 21 L instead of 14 L.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Awesome!

[@bg_16_12]

Can the City Pack fit a slim lunch box? 4"x10"x11"? In addition to laptop, chargers, etc...

[@ThePerfectBag]

I think it would fit but be tight

[@harryhidalgo6517]

If only the pack pro has similar front pocket organization, upto the bottom. It'll be an easy choice for me

[@JevonBower]

Does anyone have experience with the City Pack Pro as a personal Item on BA Flights? I know the dimensions are bigger than BA's guidelines, but curious if I under pack a little if it'll work...

[@iskalar1382]

thank you, interesting backpacks, perhaps the aer city pack is my option?

[@ThePerfectBag]

A great option!

[@redwingrob40]

Wow thank you for a great comparison video! Right now I am looking for a new backpack for school. Currently I using my mystery ranch 2 day assault pack for carrying my laptop, tablet and small stuff for class. Really like the city pack because I am looking for something less bulky. Your video definitely has me seriously considering the city pack not the pro, just wondering if there are any others in the same price point I should consider? Thanks again for an outstanding video 😊

[@ThePerfectBag]

Hey thanks!

[@ThePerfectBag]

Consider alpha one Niner packs - and also take a little peek at the vanquest addax 25 and the mystery ranch catalyst

[@redwingrob40]

Thank you so much for the response will definitely take a look at those!!

[@jeffrow316]

Thanks, you just helped me decide on this issue.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Hey that’s great to hear! Welcome to the channel!

[@dimavak]

Some helpful points made. Worth pointing out that this comparison is also x-pac vs cordura, the x-pacs are all orange lined with aqua guard throughout, non x-pacs vary with zips (laptop zip and trademark front zips are AG).

[@AttomOshima-o1w]

thank you for the review!

[@ThePerfectBag]

You’re very welcome

[@7_v610]

Thank you Sir. If possible, any possible suggestions for an appropriate and efficient top-opening bag that (on the top of others) can be used to carry several books and notebooks when attending a University class?

[@ThePerfectBag]

A top loader? That's a tough bag to find these days. Cotopaxi Torre comes to mind

[@7_v610]

@@ThePerfectBag ohhh! Thanks so much for this “instant” reply! Was definitely not expecting one would answer so fast! Yes - I am after a backpack as such. I will go and see your suggestion, Klint!

[@7_v610]

@@ThePerfectBag checked it. With all due respect, of course, it does not look very practical for my needs. However, many thanks for offering to help. I appreciate it, klint. As mentioned, I think in another video, the aer city pack (not the Pro version of it, though), looks good even for carrying some books, but it has two main disadvantages: it has small volume capacity, and also cannot carry a 32 oz water bottle at its side pocket. That would be my reservations for purchasing it for University class settings.

[@TLhike]

Peak Design has top loaders. Great stuff

[@TLhike]

@@ThePerfectBagPeak Design

[@jackolantern7342]

The Pro looks like a proper multi-use bag -good for work, personal item for travel, or a weekender. In contract, the regular city pack just looks a low-profile laptop bag with backpack straps.

[@aisboy1]

Good comparison, agree 100%. I own the regular City Pack in Olive. Love it, been using for approx. 6 mos. Don't need the extra space of the Pro. AER really makes a great pack. My only complaint is that my edition only has the one waterproof pocket, not all 3. Still a great pack.

[@ryztofu]

Hi does the xpac on the regular city pac come with all weatherproof pockets?

[@kirso]

Is it me or PRO front shape on the top is a bit slimmer? CP seems a bit more flat as a shape. Thanks for this review, it was super valuable, but still so torn between the two :) Would both pass as a personal item on the flight together with carry-on roller? Seems like PRO can squish if not fully packed and looks kind of the same. Planning to have Macbook 14', Documents, chargers, keyboard, headphones, switch, external HDD and mouse in there so seems like CP would be enough.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Either would work for personal item with no problem. With what you listed - CP would be fine

[@kirso]

@@ThePerfectBag Great, thank you so much. Just a suggestion, it really helps when you also show the backpack on yourself :) Not nitpicking, so feel free to disregard, but sometimes it helps to visualise the size compared to the body!

[@RebirthBeyond]

What are your thoughts on cordura vs x-pac? One observation I have is that x-pac appears to wrinkle easier than cordura based on your video. The Pro is the perfect bag for me. Large enough to carry a laptop and a lunch for work.

[@ThePerfectBag]

The X-Pac is a little wrinkly by nature, but it retains its shape well. I prefer the XPac as a lighter material...but honestly I would prioritize the interior color you prefer. I like the Orange.

[@RebirthBeyond]

@@ThePerfectBag I have the travel pack 3 in cordura black and I started disliking the grey interior since it was difficult to see my stuff. Thank you for your help and I plan to pick up the City Pack Pro in x-pac! It's the only Aer bag that can fit my work laptop and a packed lunch.

[@TheNewnan3]

What do you prefer in the x-pac vs cordura? I feel like x-pac zippers are a bit stiff and the cordura's are much smoother....

[@ThePerfectBag]

Three main things: first, the orange interior; second, it’s a little lighter; third, I have two dogs and the cordura collects hair easier

[@nickperez915]

Not to be a stickler but you referred to the city pack og as the pro at about 4:15

[@RamGlez]

Hi! Just stumbled across your channel. Is the laptop compartment in the city pack padded enough? The orange fabric seems rather thin with no padding

[@ThePerfectBag]

It is padded enough for sure. BUT, it’s a very thin bag (tight spaces) so be sure you’re ok with that. One other bag that’s similar that I like is the Alpha One Niner Whitley. There is a preorder going on now for a fresh run of those.

[@RamGlez]

@@ThePerfectBag thanks and thanks for the suggestion! Subbed!

[@tap42al]

Able carry daily plus?

[@ThePerfectBag]

Don’t have it yet!!!

[@eric-u]

What's with the 2 Malaysian flag on the 2 bags behind?

[@ThePerfectBag]

Those bags are from Greenroom136, a bag company based in Malaysia.

[@eric-u]

@@ThePerfectBag that's cool!

[@iskalar1382]

I am looking for a daypack like the pro but smaller. I do not need 24 liters. Any idea?

[@ThePerfectBag]

Which features from the pro are most critical to you?

[@cheetahlip]

Great vid, just what I needed to see.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Glad to hear it! Glad it helped, and welcome to the channel!

[@ekiny]

I am planning to get the CPP to use as my daily since I sometimes need to bring books with me alongside laptop and tablet and I figured since it's so versatile it's a safer bet. I'm looking for a backpack that can do it all for me (I don't travel much). I was wondering if the CPP is that much heavier than the CP when you put it on your back? Obviously I can find the weight number but how do the two really feel when similarly packed? Very noticeable? Let's say when CPP is 2/3 full and CP entirely full and another situation where both are near empty? Does the one feel better than the other in such situations or really similar with comfort? I don't mind a bit more weight, I'll be bringing my laptop and tablet daily with me anyway. Thanks a lot for the comparison!

[@ThePerfectBag]

Totally not noticeable. Get the one that better fits your storage need.

[@ekiny]

@@ThePerfectBag Thanks! Do you also recommend a rain cover and if so which one? I'm not totally convinced the X-PAC edition will keep my electronics safe during heavy rain especially if I'm in rain for a longer time. AER shipping is pricey for me in Europe so if there are good rain covers out there people tend to get, please let me know!

[@iskalar1382]

High quality, several small bags for wallet, handy and co, some daily things

[@ThePerfectBag]

Here’s a couple of options that I like that are SMALLER than the pro but still have those features: (LINKS BELOW)

[@ThePerfectBag]

VANQUEST ADDAX-18 Backpack (Solid Black) a.co/d/cSslxsO

[@ThePerfectBag]

bellroy.com/products/classic-backpack-compact

[@ThePerfectBag]

wexley.com/products/stem-daypack-cordura%c2%ae-nylon-carbonate-2

[@ThePerfectBag]

incase.com/products/city-compact-backpack

[@edwardmendez2393]

Was contemplating on upgrading to the Pro. After watching this video, I think the regular city pro is more suited for me and like others have said on here, just pair it up with a small travel duffel bag if I ever need to travel for the weekend. Although I might get the X-pac version, currently have the cordura version.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@kurumi-f7t]

Can you fit a 16-inch laptop in Aer city pack?

[@ThePerfectBag]

• Padded, suspended laptop pocket with soft lining (fits up to 16" laptop)

[@matthewfairley4101]

You promised a comparison video but I thought we would have to wait a while. No here it is only a few days later. Great comparison by a guy that clearly knows his stuff and his own use requirements. This is where we diverge however. The pro pack really speaks to me. I am quite sturdy and a large heavy bag is no problem. I like everything safe and secure in one bag. I don’t want to be carrying any extra hand items that I can easily put down then just as easily not pick up. My paranoid nature likes one secure point that I can defend an protect and not have to worry about ancillaries. With the extra pack though costly it looks like a solid investment for the future. I would like to say keep up the speed, quantity and quality of your output but I seriously doubt if there is any way of slowing you down. Do you have the bags delivered somewhere else then sneak them in the house so no one realises how many bags are actually being delivered.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Haha! Yes lots of bags arrive at the homestead regularly. The pro I think is the bag for most people - and most people would agree with you here

[@GuillaumeKlein]

Thanks! Since I already have the travel pack 3 I guess I should get the non pro (the pro might be redundant with the travel pack). What do you guys think? Also, can someone educate me about x-pac? What’s so great about it, is it worth the extra $$$ ?

[@ThePerfectBag]

I love XPAC - it’s water resistant, light, has no pet hair issues, and is fairly puncture and tear resistant. My favorite material for bags. I think the city regular is better than the pro - thanks for watching!

[@GuillaumeKlein]

@@ThePerfectBag thanks! I read somewhere than xpac versions are « stiffer » and the zippers harder to manipulate, is this true? As for the pro, I agree with you, I’ll go,with the non pro

[@ThePerfectBag]

Honestly, that depends on the bag. It also depends on whether the zipper is a straight line zipper or clamshell. I haven’t had any issues with the zippers on Aer products regardless of materials.

[@GuillaumeKlein]

@@ThePerfectBag Thanks!

[@Raybird2792]

Can you fit two laptops in the city bag?

[@ThePerfectBag]

Yes I think so if one is smaller like a 13” - but it’s best for one laptop and a tablet

[@Raybird2792]

@@ThePerfectBag thanks for the reply. I have two software jobs and need to carry two 15 inch laptops. I was debating whether to get this one or the pro. Thanks for the feed back!

[@ThePerfectBag]

You bet - def the pro for that setup

[@ThePerfectBag]

By the way - check out the vanquest addax 25 too before you buy…and the Greenroom 136 rainmaker :)

[@STRaphelCatholicChurch]

Great Video Thanks ... You have a New Subscriber ... ? for you the City Pack is PLENTY for me for MOST - day to day (even like the side handle) - but on the WEEKEND occasionally (kids sporting events etc.) I could prob use the larger capacity... I Checked the L & W dimensions and they are identical and weight is negligible. Would you stick with the City (and perhaps have a packable bag/a lite duffel for example or does the Pro NOT feel that MUCH bigger that it is not that big of deal (I try to be a minimalist :) THANKS

[@ThePerfectBag]

Well, I have an alternate idea for you. Take a peek at the travel pack three small version. I haven’t done my review yet, but that bag combines the best of these other two into one tight package. It also has some compression straps that can scrunch down to a really small size when it’s not overly loaded up.

[@ThePerfectBag]

And also, thank you so much for watching and subscribing!

[@LimWJ2023]

Nice comparison review 👍🏻. The city version more for daily commuting carrying (office work) and casual outings to cafe, holding sufficient clothing for swimming, or gym after work. The pro definitely can be use as a short buisness trip given the extra room in the main compartment with the laptop in another compartment. Like the easy side access pocket with key attachment loop ideal for keys, wallet and phones and the separate laptop compartment of the pro.. The city pack I only like it's front tech organization compartment... Wonder whether the 8th big pocket at the very back of the front compartment can fit a laptop instead of at the middle main compartment with clothings. 😂

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thx for watching!!!!!

[@ThePerfectBag]

That 8th big pocket I think isn’t deep enough for most laptops

[@LimWJ2023]

@@ThePerfectBag I think to get the best of the 2.. I go for Aer travel backpack 3 small 😂

[@jsjxyz]

Thanks

[@ThePerfectBag]

No problem!

[@stuartlee7201]

Australia 🇦🇺 watching.😎

[@ThePerfectBag]

Thx mate!

[@stuartlee7201]

@@ThePerfectBag I enjoy your site.. thank.you.😎

[@mrtarun2567]

Hello

[@ThePerfectBag]

Hello