My wife and I aren’t really international travelers, but we decided somewhat last-minute to do a Europe trip and try to one-bag it. After reading a ton on this sub and watching way too many YouTube videos, we landed on the Aer Travel Pack 3s — and then the 4s came out. We thought they looked a little better (despite the discounts being offered on the 3s), so we went that route instead. So with that said, here’s my quick review after two weeks in Europe.

First, some mostly positive feedback on Aer’s customer service. We ordered the bags about 12 days before the trip, and I chose the free shipping since the site said 4–6 business days. The next day I got a UPS notification that the label had been created... and then nothing. One day, two days, three days — no movement.

I emailed Aer, since apparently talking to an actual human on the phone is not a thing there, and they said this sometimes happens with UPS. Another day passed, still nothing. I followed up again, and at that point I was starting to sweat because I was running out of runway before the trip. A few days later they admitted UPS had probably lost the shipment and sent out replacement bags overnight via FedEx.

So it ended well. We got the bags in time. I still wish there had been phone support, but to their credit, they communicated pretty promptly over email and made it right.

As for the bags themselves: visually, I love them. We got the 35L in black and the 28L in navy. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten both in navy, but both look sharp and minimalist, which is exactly what I wanted. Honestly, this was one of those rare cases where the bags looked even better in person than they did on YouTube or on the website.

This was our first time one-bagging anything longer than a weekend, and our first time traveling with bags this size. I was kind of amazed by how much stuff they could hold while also somehow feeling like they filled up instantly. I know that sounds contradictory, but that’s exactly how it felt. Still, we got everything we needed into them. My wife used Peak Design packing cubes in the 28L, and I used Amazon Basics cubes in the 35L, and both worked fine.

What impressed me even more was the trip home. We somehow had a few extra things, and both bags still swallowed more junk than I thought they would. Even when they looked like stuffed ticks, the overall construction, materials, and zippers gave me a lot of confidence.

The organization also worked really well. The pockets and quick-access storage felt like just the right amount without getting overcomplicated. Everything I thought I’d want easy access to had a place. I initially thought I wanted the extra organization from the Aer 3, but I think the reduced organizer compartment on the 4 actually worked better for my pack-rat tendencies.

I was also skeptical about the new stretchy water bottle holders. I assumed they’d be flimsy, awkward, or easy to tear, but that wasn’t the case at all. They held water bottles really well, and they were also great for quickly stuffing things away when going through airport security. They felt much sturdier and better-made than I expected.

We flew several airlines in the U.S. and Europe, including some pretty packed flights where they were really pushing people to check bags. We were always able to carry these on without an issue, and we stowed the 28L under the seat a few times with no problem.

For walking around during the day, we used the 28L as a day bag. It worked fine, but in hindsight I would have preferred something smaller for daily use instead of carrying the 28L around. It was right on the border between totally fine and looking a little ridiculous.

Finally, comfort was excellent. Fully packed, both bags were definitely heavy, but they carried really well. We walked 13–19 miles a day on this trip, and even when the bags were loaded up, neither of us had any discomfort.

Anyway, that was our experience. Hope this helps anyone considering the Aer 4s for a similar trip.

Hey folks! I need some advice on travel “technique.” I recently did a 4 ‘ground day’ SCUBA trip to Cozumel. I brought an Osprey 45L backpack because I thought I would give it a try in this situation. I brought more stuff than I needed — mostly because this was a new destination and activity for me and I didn’t know what I needed — packing lessons learned.

Turns out I really ended up finally liking the osprey straight jacket system. I know how to travel to Cozumel time. But it gave me some topics to seek advice on from the community. There aren’t questions about what to bring.

- Because I had to get from an airport to a bus to a ferry to a hostel more than a mile from the dock - I ended up wishing I had wheels. They wouldn’t even need to be high end wheels. Just any wheels. I flew direct, but If I had a connection in one of the world’s biggest airports, I would have wanted wheels even more.
>!(And yes, I would bring less tech and clothing next time, but I would substitute some of that for the running shoes and sports gear I left behind this time. This really isn’t a weight thing. This is a ”lugging this on my back for a mile or more gets old” thing. A backpack is great for getting on and off a bus or ferry, but for the long hauls, it gets old.)!<
I don’t want the lugging to discourage me from anything ever. Should I try something like the Sojourn Shuttle? A wheeled black hole? Do I just suck it up? Is there a dolly that folds up into the size of those micro tripods that fit in a water bottle holder that I would just take along?

- I bought my “turns inside out into a pocket“ thin backpack for my day activity bag. I need a new one, not because mine is “bad” but because mine is falling apart. Should I just get another packable, structureless backpack, or do you guys have better ideas? I bought and returned the packable Eddy Bower backpacks (didn’t like the extra padding or the pocket designs). This thin backpack has become one of my travel secret weapons. So versatile.

- We’ve all discussed chargers before. I think I want a retracting charger to help combat charger spaghetti. But most online reviews say they break pretty quickly. What are your findings?

- I usually won’t travel with less than two sets of sports (running) clothing because I get I can get it pretty gross pretty quickly. Is that too much? For me that is 2-inch shorts, sports bra, long sleeve shirt.

- what do you guys do about fragile things. Like if I had to travel with circuit boards for work. In bulkier lugged I use a hard case for it, but what do you guys do for tighter packing?

I try to buy the lightest stuff and even have a tiny Gaan charger, all my shorts, shirts, are dri fit type. Granted my bag is Synik 30 it's middle of road for weight.

Granted I have a electric shaver which weights a decent amount, honestly think packing cubes weigh more than they are worth.

Saving 10-20g, doesn't seem much but if you have 20 things that are 15g less it adds up

Hi guys!

I have been looking into buying LTT Backpack for a few months now and thankfully I found out about TP3 X-PAC today and I almost fell in love. However I could not find enough info on TP3 internal pockets, in which the LTT backpack is God. So far I only found a picture of the (I think) admin panel having a few pockets on the product page. I would need pockets for easy access of different (laptop and phone) chargers and smaller gadgets so that I wouldn't have to make a mess whenever I reach in for something. I would need like 5-6 inner pockets for that cause excluding the admin panel. The size itself I love so I wouldn't go to a smaller backpack like CPP2, as I need to fit a 17.3 ROG.

Bonus question if it doesn't have that many pockets, is it a viable path to sew new sleeves into the main compartment? I of course don't want to ruin it and have no experience in this matter, I am just curious to what extent would a customization like this work.

Thanks in advance guys!

I've been having trouble with my airport outfit. I plan on wearing my tennis shoes and possibly lightweight joggers or linen pants with a tank top, but I have been absolutely struggling with finding a jacket to bring along with me. I dont want it to be too bulky but I also get extremely cold on flights and don't want to risk being uncomfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions on what jacket or hoodie to bring with?

Thanks!

Does anyone have experience using the Allpa 26L del día backpack as their personal item, specifically on British Airways? I’ve been thinking about getting it for an upcoming trip but it seems like the dimensions exceed the BA dimension limits (40 x 30 x 15cm) for their personal items by a bit.

I’m curious if anyone has had any issues with using it as a personal item on this airline and generally how strict they are on sizing. I’ll be flying in premium economy but idk if that makes any difference. I would also like to hear about any experience using the Allpa 28L travel pack as a personal item as I’m also interested in that bag but it’s even bigger than the del día bag.

Thank you:))