Minaal Carry On 3.0 Travel Backpack Review | Does it Hold Up?

[@michaelhunt6664]

Hi Danny. Thanks for a detailed and thoughtful review. I'm really impressed by how you really test these packs. I have both the Minaal Carry-on 3.0 and the Are TP3. Why? Because I couldn't' decide between them, and I thought I'd try both and sell the one I liked least! Problem is, I like them both a lot - so I decided to keep them both. The Are definitely has more structure, and I absolutely love the organisation (admin) compartment and the laptop sleeve. The Minaal has a cool, minimalist aesthetic, but you do absolutely need packing cubes. I think the laptop compartment is the best of any bag out there. Trouble is, I saw your review of the Able Carry Max, and was so impressed that I bought that too!

[@keithbacon]

After 1 year which do you like more? Minaal Carry-on 3.0 or AER TP3? Both having load lifters, compression and waist belts.

[@copper7187]

Good detail video Danny. Awesome review 👏.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@cool_pal9369]

first one here, great review kinda everyday/daily bag

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support!:)

[@julesbarcelonarules]

I like that you really tested the limit on capacity by filling up the main compartment with all that stuff. Showed what the bag is capable of. If cost wasn't a concern and both had hip belts, what's your take on Minaal vs Aer's TP3? I travel with minimal tech and almost never with a laptop, so use of space for packing, quality of materials and features and of course comfort with the carry is more important. I have the Patagonia Mini MLC, which I like, but I am looking for a slightly bigger bag for when more carrying capacity is needed.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Both the minaal and aer are great overall and can hold a similar amount, for me I prefer the harness and the additional organization provided on the aer travel pack 3, but if you prefer a simpler layout or want to save a bit on weight the minaal may be the way to go

[@julesbarcelonarules]

@@dannypacks thanks - seems about right!

[@angadnagwan6057]

Great review on the Minaal! Awesome comparisons as well It’s a tough one vs. the CTB 35. I’m currently using the CPL 28 which has been amazing, but looking for something slightly bigger in the near future

[@diredesire]

I've got both, and the CTB35 is IMO an overall better bag. The bottle holder(s) are better and feel less janky, the back panel hiding... thing is something I generally never want or try to use, so it's just extra weight and bulk on the Minaal. The harness (for me) is more comfortable on the CTB, although the Minaal is A-OK. The cinch down straps are great AND annoying at the same time. I prefer the loading mechanics of the CTB, having the bucket face down is annoying to me, especially if you load anything into the built-in pockets. When very packed in the main compartment, the smaller front-face pockets are WAY less usable than this video makes them seem. I don't think they have independent volume when very fully packed, and it's just annoying to use both at the same time. OTOH, the CTB35 somehow manages to make all of the exterior organization pockets usable even when the inner/main compartments are packed out, AND the affordances/organization that is built into those pockets are exceedingly useful/thoughtful. Some of the interior pockets in the Minaal really aren't useful during the main leg of travel, so I never use them. The CTB has a good balance of having a useful (yoke) pocket for jamming crap that came out of my pockets at the airport, vs. built-in organizers for stuff i actually want ready access to, and want to know precisely where it is (also less likely to fall out when grabbing other stuff from the same pockets). I feel like without additional smaller pouches, it's really easy to misplace or drop stuff out of the Minaal's larger, cavernous (but shared volume) pockets. It's subtle, but makes a big difference to me in the pleasure of using the bag.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Definitely some tough choices with all the great options on the market. Like the other comment said I do prefer the organizational layout and harness on the CTB35, I do however think this one still has a slight edge in the laptop / tablet protection and i like that it looks less wide than the CTB

[@roadrunner793]

When you store the shoulder straps and zip up the back it would be nice to have an additional layer of cloth (slip thru) if you want to piggy back it on to your rolling luggage.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree that would have been a nice addition!

[@danielcorry4136]

Could you use one of the side handles for a luggage pass through?

[@panda1412.]

You need to take a look at the vsgo 20l backpack. It looks seriously awesome

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion!

[@filipinophreak]

How many Liters is that bag? Would u say around 24-28L? Im trying to find a bag in that range..

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! This one is around 35l so a little bigger than what you’re looking for maybe, some in that range that are good are the aer travel pack 3 small, evergoods CTB26, Fjallraven raven 28 and bellroy transit backpack

[@slickslabmcknabful]

nice looking bag

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree I really like the subdued look of the bag!

[@alphadream953]

man i thought u misspelled 'minimal' lol

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I definitely had to check myself a few times haha.

[@fredbooth3412]

Never trust a bag that comes with a rain cover