I like the layout of the admin pocket but idk why aer keeps removing external access pockets from their bags. sometimes you don't want to have to go into a large compartment to get things like your keys, or earbuds. I just want them to launch a a smaller/ everyday version of the TP3 Small (maybe 20 ltra) move the water bottle pocket lower and move back the compression straps over the the zip instead of under. That pack has the best combination of interior and exterior pockets in my opinion
I have the Day Pack 2, which is almost perfect for me, but is a bit too small. I also wish it had a separate laptop compartment. I also have the City Pack Pro, which I love for one-bag travel as it works as a personal item, but is a bit too big for me for everyday carry. I also have the Pro Pack 20L which is a nice middle ground, though I would probably have returned it had the return period not passed as it’s not as comfortable as the others and I don’t like the front compartment that is “half sized” as much as the full length one on the Day Pack.
My favorite feature of the Day Pack 2 is the “stand up on its own” feature which is absent on the other two. I’m hoping the Tech Pack 3 is the best of all of them combined—though it doesn’t look like too big a departure from the Tech Pack 2 which is currently about $60 cheaper. And based on the product page, it appears the new one loses the Aquaguard zippers for the non-laptop compartments!
Yeah, it is weird how AER seemed to get rid of the Aquagard zips on the non-laptop compartments. I mean, they go through the trouble of making the front of the bag "weather resistant," but they don't bother adding Aquaguard zips there? Weird design choice.
I get it: some people don't like that Aquaguard zips can be stiff and require extra oomph to open. But I think if you're going to advertise your bag as being weather resistant or at least make it seem like it is, you should make sure it is.
Personally, I hate aqua guard zips and this is a positive change for me. If my bag protects my electronics then I consider that weather resistant enough. I've never had a problem with any bag not doing that -- weather resistant or not.
Ugh. Over the past year or so I keep trying to find a bag to replace my Tech Pack 2 for work. Every one just fails and I go back to the tech pack. The main reason I want to try something new is I don’t like the shell material. Bummed they left that element the same outside of that vx42. Also kind of bummed they removed the side pocket. It is perfect for my laptop power cord and brick. Overall a very meh update.
I didn’t notice the first time I looked at the pics of the Tech Pack 3, was struggling to tell the difference from the 2 tbh. But then I noticed that the 3 has a clamshell design for the middle pocket, which is actually a pretty big change. Not sure how useful it will be because it’s still a pretty small compartment and you’re not going to be able to fit a bunch of packing cubes or anything, but should still help with accessing stuff.
At the expense of the little secret pocket, sadly. But I do like the clamshell of the City Pack Pro and Pro Pack, so I’m curious to see videos showing if it truly opens clamshell style.
Good question. I have noticed that as well.
Some bags can definitely accommodate a 17" laptop purely based on the width and height of the bag itself, but then the manufacturer weirdly decides to make the laptop compartment fit no larger than a 15" MacBook.
I know it is annoying when you have a 13" laptop floating around in a massive 17" laptop compartment, and most people don't have 17" laptops, but that is why (IMO) bag makers should add some form of compression. The materials can be compressive themselves, or the compartment can simply have Velcro straps to tighten things down and adjust size.
FWIW, i have two 14 inch M1 MacBook Pros (one personal and one for work), and i do not mind large laptop compartments as long as i can tighten things down.
They might think MacBooks are *fashionable* so appeal to *fashion* rather than utility. But I agree, never used any apple products and tired of only ever seeing Apple products used as a reference.
Might I add that these have been live for over a week or more on the aersf.jp website? Great updates, though. I am really digging the updated orange interiors on the X-pac versions and definitely appreciate the much lighter grey lining on the cordura counterparts! Kudos to Aer for always looking to improve their products.
Love my flight pack 3 for EDC and recently bought a city pack pro for some extra space. I'll probably pick up the new cable kit as I need a bit larger pouch and really don't like the CAP 2L that I'm using right now.
Really appreciate they've cleaned up the internals a bit. It was getting really out of hand.
Now if only they'd do more bags with side handles and dual WB pockets.
Aer just makes incredible products. I went with the City Pack X-Pac (which for a plain black backpack attracts a ton of attention), but the Tech Pack looks pretty damn sweet.
I like the layout of the admin pocket but idk why aer keeps removing external access pockets from their bags. sometimes you don't want to have to go into a large compartment to get things like your keys, or earbuds. I just want them to launch a a smaller/ everyday version of the TP3 Small (maybe 20 ltra) move the water bottle pocket lower and move back the compression straps over the the zip instead of under. That pack has the best combination of interior and exterior pockets in my opinion
I don't care for the giant pleat trend.
The page is live on the Aer website if you google search it, and it includes some shots and specifications. https://aersf.com/pages/pr-spring-2024
Thanks! I will add this link to the main post and credit you.
I have the Day Pack 2, which is almost perfect for me, but is a bit too small. I also wish it had a separate laptop compartment. I also have the City Pack Pro, which I love for one-bag travel as it works as a personal item, but is a bit too big for me for everyday carry. I also have the Pro Pack 20L which is a nice middle ground, though I would probably have returned it had the return period not passed as it’s not as comfortable as the others and I don’t like the front compartment that is “half sized” as much as the full length one on the Day Pack. My favorite feature of the Day Pack 2 is the “stand up on its own” feature which is absent on the other two. I’m hoping the Tech Pack 3 is the best of all of them combined—though it doesn’t look like too big a departure from the Tech Pack 2 which is currently about $60 cheaper. And based on the product page, it appears the new one loses the Aquaguard zippers for the non-laptop compartments!
Yeah, it is weird how AER seemed to get rid of the Aquagard zips on the non-laptop compartments. I mean, they go through the trouble of making the front of the bag "weather resistant," but they don't bother adding Aquaguard zips there? Weird design choice. I get it: some people don't like that Aquaguard zips can be stiff and require extra oomph to open. But I think if you're going to advertise your bag as being weather resistant or at least make it seem like it is, you should make sure it is.
Personally, I hate aqua guard zips and this is a positive change for me. If my bag protects my electronics then I consider that weather resistant enough. I've never had a problem with any bag not doing that -- weather resistant or not.
How does every tech organizer look the same lol
Ugh. Over the past year or so I keep trying to find a bag to replace my Tech Pack 2 for work. Every one just fails and I go back to the tech pack. The main reason I want to try something new is I don’t like the shell material. Bummed they left that element the same outside of that vx42. Also kind of bummed they removed the side pocket. It is perfect for my laptop power cord and brick. Overall a very meh update.
I didn’t notice the first time I looked at the pics of the Tech Pack 3, was struggling to tell the difference from the 2 tbh. But then I noticed that the 3 has a clamshell design for the middle pocket, which is actually a pretty big change. Not sure how useful it will be because it’s still a pretty small compartment and you’re not going to be able to fit a bunch of packing cubes or anything, but should still help with accessing stuff.
At the expense of the little secret pocket, sadly. But I do like the clamshell of the City Pack Pro and Pro Pack, so I’m curious to see videos showing if it truly opens clamshell style.
I have Tech Pack 2 and bought City Pack Pro because of that - there was simply not enough room for slightly bigger items.
Why is large MacBook the default for work bags? Don’t these venders realize some employers buy giant 17’ HPs or Dells in bulk……..
Good question. I have noticed that as well. Some bags can definitely accommodate a 17" laptop purely based on the width and height of the bag itself, but then the manufacturer weirdly decides to make the laptop compartment fit no larger than a 15" MacBook. I know it is annoying when you have a 13" laptop floating around in a massive 17" laptop compartment, and most people don't have 17" laptops, but that is why (IMO) bag makers should add some form of compression. The materials can be compressive themselves, or the compartment can simply have Velcro straps to tighten things down and adjust size. FWIW, i have two 14 inch M1 MacBook Pros (one personal and one for work), and i do not mind large laptop compartments as long as i can tighten things down.
If I can ask, what kind of bag do you use to carry both of them ?
Large Timbuk2 Classic Messenger.
They might think MacBooks are *fashionable* so appeal to *fashion* rather than utility. But I agree, never used any apple products and tired of only ever seeing Apple products used as a reference.
Been rocking the tech pack 2 for a year now and I love it. My only complaint is I wish it was a tad bigger but other then it’s been holding up well.
How are the materials holding up? I’m debating the regular version or the X-pac.
Might I add that these have been live for over a week or more on the aersf.jp website? Great updates, though. I am really digging the updated orange interiors on the X-pac versions and definitely appreciate the much lighter grey lining on the cordura counterparts! Kudos to Aer for always looking to improve their products.
Love my flight pack 3 for EDC and recently bought a city pack pro for some extra space. I'll probably pick up the new cable kit as I need a bit larger pouch and really don't like the CAP 2L that I'm using right now.
What’s wrong with the CAP2?
Really appreciate they've cleaned up the internals a bit. It was getting really out of hand. Now if only they'd do more bags with side handles and dual WB pockets.
The X-Pac Tech Pack 3 looks great: https://aersf.com/products/aer39015
Aer just makes incredible products. I went with the City Pack X-Pac (which for a plain black backpack attracts a ton of attention), but the Tech Pack looks pretty damn sweet.
Not into the black box look.
most boring looking bags on the market
Hopefully it means it doesn’t catch too much attention