Aer Travel Pack 3 Vs Able Carry Max Comparison

[@yannrahm1962]

That is precisely the opposite reason I went with Able Carry Max I have organization taken care of - I wanted something that didn’t get in my way and just gave me space. To each their own!

[@tuckertech]

I have both of these. AER is what I use for actual travel and I use my Able Carry I use for tech conferences when I know I’m going to get a lot of corporate swag.

[@gerardomerino6418]

Thanks for the video. Just wanted to mention that you missed the quick access pocket hiden on top of the Max Backpack. Cheers!

[@retrovelcro]

These are the two I've been deciding between for months🙌🏽

[@PackHacker2]

Which are you going to go with? 🧐 -Eric

[@Goalier95]

I have the Able Carry Max and love the look and feel of the X-Pac Black material and the Travel Pack 3 (Small, regular version). The Aer is a lot more comfy in the shoulder straps and I like to use the load lifters since the Max does not come with any. The zippers on the Max are a lot easier (smoother) to use since they don't come with those long, jangly zipper pulls on Travel Pack 3 as it gets caught on the rounded corners every time which is a pain to use. I wish the Able Carry Max had the option to have a waist strap like the Aer since hiking or traveling with heavy tech gear can wear down on your shoulders after some time. The Aer Travel Pack 3 has great pockets and organization whereas the Max has some "interesting" pockets that I got used to but wasn't a deal breaker. Both great packs with some minimal compromises.

[@xnakeg]

between aer tp3 small and carry max which one would you choose for a small travel

[@leftyflip26]

7:19 Able Carry Max also has a big quick access pocket on the top.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the insight, Sean! 😃 -Eric

[@HisGraceHisGlory]

@@PackHacker2 Yep, you missed it, it is kind of hidden away, just awesome!

[@gamerjc3877]

I think Able Carry "Max" needs to be at least 35L to be a good travel bag. I usually travel for a week and that 5 extra liters Aer has I think makes a big difference. Would have been cool if you would have packed for a week trip to see if everything you fit in an Aer would fit in the max. Thanks for your reviews. Great videos.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching and the insights 😃 We’ll see you in the next one. -Eric

[@SilatShooter]

I have both of these. Each is excellent. I prefer the Able Carry Max, as an EDC pack,, carry-on pack when I have a roller. I use the Aer Travel Pack 3 for long weekend trips when I'm not taking another luggage. I think the build and comfort of the Able Carry Max is superior as well but the extra room of the Travel Pack 3 is nice to have. So each has there place for me.

[@shaungriffith19]

I have both and the able carry max wins for me, its a much more comfortable pack for, it looks so much better and packs out much nicer for me. I am actually going to sell my travel pack 3 as it gets zero usage. Great Review

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃 -Eric

[@ems9097]

did you find you could fit more in the able carry max compared to the aer travel pack? im tossing between the two bags!

[@FungusUSMC]

Great comparison! I have the Able Carry Max and was looking into maybe getting the Aer. One thing i think you missed is the top access pouch on the Able Max, it's hidden right above the straps, behind the laptop compartment.

[@stuartschwartz5341]

You read my mind! Those are the two finalists I’m down to.

[@PackHacker2]

Which are you going to go with, Stuart? -Eric

[@chrisguevara]

An excellent choice in comparable options. I've been wanting a comparison since I'm considering both

[@PackHacker2]

Which do you think you’ll go with, Christian? -Eric

[@bikemmm6167]

Great video! Thanks, I think hip belts are under appreciated.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for checking it out! 😃 -Eric

[@ems9097]

just the review i needed! you guys are crushing it

[@guillemsolersuetta5924]

How those two would compare to the Evergoods CIVIC Travel Bag 35L ?

[@dough9752]

CTB35 holds way more. TP3 feels like a "small" 35L. I don't have them in my possession anymore to test it out, but I wouldn't be surprised if the TP3 holds the same amount as the 30L Able Carry Max. The CTB35 on the other hand, feels like a "big" 35L. You can really stuff it. Probably closer to 40L. This is possibly due to the CTB35 being just one big compartment compared to two compartments of the TP3/ACM. Also, the CTB35 material can stretch a bit. The pocket volume independence of the CTB35 is also the best in the business. Most bags are notorious for lack of independent volume, including TP3/ACB, but especially the GoRuck bags. If you put something in one pocket, it eats into space from a different pocket which makes that pocket unusable. Evergoods designed the CTB35 so that you can use every pocket to its true potential and it won't eat up space of other pockets. With that said, I liked the straps better on the TP3/ACM compared to the CBT35.

[@Crenshawzfinest]

The CTB35 costs $100 more than these two. That’s a big deal.

[@__entiendo]

I have all three of these bags. The CTB35 is a beast and holds way more. I like it more for travel but it's way too big for me to EDC for college committing.

[@Crenshawzfinest]

The TP3 seems a bit more refined. Compression straps, load lifters, hidden AirTag pocket, padded sunglasses pocket, 4 corner handles, passport pocket, D ring on the harness, optional hip strap AND $11 cheaper if you opt for the Cordura version.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing 😃 -Eric

[@daramon64]

It's probably not recommended to put Hot Pockets in the top pockets.

[@CB-vg1wq]

LOL !

[@fredhudson59]

Hey guys, can you do a review of the new Patagonia MLC 45? It has a new design!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@beaublack1407]

Does either of these stand up on its own? I am considering these to replace a Thule bag, and I love that it stands up. It’s NOT comfortable to carry, though.

[@call_me_lazarus]

I think this is such a critical feature to have on bags... my understanding is that the AER bag doesn't stand up on its own (unless you really pack it in a particular way). The Ablecarry max does stand up on its own

[@noahkessler9209]

Is the travel pack 3 good for an edc?

[@jayc451]

I think the TP3 small works well for this

[@HamdenOrchidDad]

Why oh why don't the TP3 shoulder straps stow away?!?! This would literally be the perfect travel pack for me if they did. I just like the option to stow the shoulder straps when boarding a plane. So i have to make a list of all decent 35L+ travel packs with stowable shoulders straps. With that, back to watching all the vid reviews!

[@michaelhunt6664]

Hi Tom As usual, a very exhaustive and detailed review. I have both bags and share you view about almost everything. Just an observation - I think you should express your opinion more firmly. If you think that one product is clearly superior or differentiated from another then don't be afraid to say so

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@TravelForFoods]

Aer 3 for the win!

[@seechangenyc280]

Great review, as always! In lieu of watching every video again, what bags do you think have the most comfy harness system (shoulder straps, back panel). Sadly, Evergoods is not an option, but I love the aesthetic. Never owned an Aer or Able. I have been wearing a TB Synapse 19 forever but it’s a little tight. I carry too much because I am out all day and take the bag on and off a lot. I have been finding the shoulder straps are not able to get as high and tight as I would like. And maybe the lack of a framesheet is taking a toll (the Synapse 22 has one but it’s not working for everyday either. Can’t get it high enough in my back). Some restrictions beyond harness: 19-21L, not longer than 18,” some admin, separate laptop compartment. Using it for EDC. 5”6” female. Believe it or not, the GR1 21L fits me my body type very well (high and tight. I have it in every version) but the shoulder straps aren’t broken in and I’m in healing mode from a shoulder/neck injury that needs some love. I wish you had a list on your site that listed “best by feature” (granted, it’s all personal preference. But there are some bags that are def a cut above in certain features). Many thanks if you have time to respond. My shoulder and neck thank you.

[@wgthn5103]

Wold like to see these compared to the CTB35 if possible

[@Crenshawzfinest]

$100 difference in price though

[@call_me_lazarus]

Aer not standing up nicely while packed is a deal breaker for me... seems like a great pack otherwise

[@CubicleJ0ckey]

I wish Pack Hacker would stop using those heimplanet packing cubes in all of their videos. I feel like they aren't very representative of MOST packing cubes on the market.

[@SpiderDice]

No Admin panel or secondary pocket on Able Carry? Gross...no thank you. I need my pockets and organization.

[@FungusUSMC]

I think he missed it, the Able Carry Max's top quick access pouch is hidden above the straps, behind the laptop compartment. Fairly deep pocket, i can fit my entire hand inside, and i wear US Large size gloves for context.

[@_krakra_]

Both to heavy

[@PackHacker2]

What would you go with instead? 🧐 -Eric

[@_krakra_]

@@PackHacker2 tom bihn T30, ULA dragonfly, north st. Weekender, Rofmia backpack v2,….

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the insight 😃 -Eric

[@LvUhcX]

I wish they make a bigger able carry