We at Family Circle Travel are self-confessed travel backpack enthusiasts. The more features a backpack has, the more excited we get to explore and share our findings with you. However, we also understand that bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes, you need a pack that’s just right – and that’s where the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small comes into play.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Outdoor Back
The Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is essentially the Travel Pack 3, but in a more compact form. It offers a slightly smaller capacity, making it an excellent choice for travelers with smaller frames – especially those seeking a comfortable and functional travel backpack for women. More importantly, its size is perfectly optimized for carry-on compliance, easing your airport experience.
Despite its smaller stature, the Travel Pack 3 Small retains all the beloved features of its larger sibling. Load lifters, a discreet smart tracker pocket, and a spacious bucket-style main compartment are all present. If you’ve considered the Travel Pack 3 but found it slightly too bulky, the Travel Pack 3 Small might just be the ideal “Goldilocks” fit you’ve been searching for. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this backpack a standout option for discerning travelers.
Condensed Design, Premium Materials
Calling the Travel Pack 3 Small “slightly” miniaturized is apt, as at 28 liters, it’s by no means tiny. “Condensed” is perhaps a more accurate descriptor. It appears to have inherited all the premium features and thoughtful design elements of the original Travel Pack 3, just in a more streamlined package.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Brand
The aesthetic is unmistakably Aer: a rounded rectangular silhouette with the signature zippered front opening. Strategically placed straps, seams, and zippers maintain the brand’s renowned minimalist and sleek all-black styling. This understated design seamlessly blends into any travel scenario, from business trips to weekend getaways.
Compared to its predecessor, the Travel Pack 2 Small, the Travel Pack 3 Small exhibits a cleaner aesthetic while incorporating enhanced features. Aer’s consistent design philosophy ensures a cohesive visual language across their backpack line. Unless you point it out, most observers wouldn’t notice you’ve upgraded or switched bags within the Aer family.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Zipper 2
Aer continues its commitment to durability with the Travel Pack 3 Small’s material choices. The primary fabric is the robust 1680-denier CORDURA Ballistic Nylon, celebrated for its exceptional abrasion resistance and resilience to daily wear and tear. This heavy-duty nylon is a hallmark of quality travel gear.
For those seeking a touch of color, the Olive variant offers the same 1680D CORDURA Ballistic Nylon construction, ensuring identical durability to the black version while adding a subtle style element.
The Gray colorway presents a material variation, utilizing a lighter 700-denier CORDURA fabric. Our experience with Aer’s lighter denier fabrics, such as on the Aer Duffel Pack 2, has been overwhelmingly positive. While perhaps not as rugged as the 1680D in extreme conditions, the 700D CORDURA provides ample durability for urban exploration and typical travel use.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Buckle Top
The premium material selection extends beyond fabrics. YKK zippers, the industry gold standard, are used throughout the Travel Pack 3 Small. The metal zipper pulls, while appearing shorter than previous iterations, are wider, minimizing metal-on-metal contact and enhancing longevity. Cord pulls further reduce any potential jingling sounds.
Duraflex strap adjusters and Woojin magnetic buckles complete the hardware ensemble. These brands are synonymous with quality and reliability, frequently seen in high-end backpacks. The introduction of magnetic buckles on the Travel Pack 3 Small is a notable update, which we’ll explore in more detail.
Harness System and External Features
Aer has spared no expense in equipping the Travel Pack 3 Small with a top-tier harness system. It mirrors the features found on the larger Travel Pack 3, encompassing everything from well-padded shoulder straps to magnetic compression straps. This commitment to feature parity in the “small” version sets it apart from budget-oriented counterparts.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Side By Side
The shoulder straps are generously padded and wide enough to comfortably distribute the potential weight of a fully loaded 28-liter pack. Slightly wider than the Travel Pack 2 Small’s straps, the most significant enhancement comes from the inclusion of load lifters. These straps, a welcome return from the Travel Pack 3, noticeably improve carrying comfort.
Load lifters work by pulling the top of the backpack closer to your shoulders, effectively counteracting any sagging or pulling-back sensation. Tightening the load lifters on the Travel Pack 3 Small effectively centers the weight and enhances balance, resulting in a more comfortable carry, especially during extended wear. For those who prefer a clean, dangle-free aesthetic, integrated strap keepers near the top of the shoulder straps neatly manage any excess load lifter webbing.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Strap
Beyond load lifters, the shoulder straps offer standard length adjustability and elastic strap keepers for a tidy appearance. A D-ring on the right strap provides attachment points for accessories, while a Hypalon tab with a subtle Aer logo adorns the left strap for branding.
The removable sternum strap adds another layer of support, essential for a backpack of this capacity. The sliding rail adjustment system allows for precise positioning. However, the magnetic buckle on the sternum strap is a feature we find somewhat debatable.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Adjust Buckle
While the Woojin magnetic hardware is undoubtedly high-quality, magnetic buckles on sternum straps feel somewhat superfluous. Traditional side-release buckles are inherently easy to use. Magnetic buckles, conversely, require a deliberate push-together motion to unfasten. This can be slightly less convenient, particularly when the sternum strap is snugly fitted, and can be challenging to operate single-handedly, like when you’re juggling a beverage and need to quickly remove the bag.
This is a minor critique, as the magnetic buckle functions effectively and offers the satisfying tactile feedback unique to magnets. However, it feels more like a lateral move rather than a significant upgrade in practicality.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Sternum Strap
For scenarios demanding maximum weight distribution, hip belt attachment loops are included. Aer offers a dedicated hip belt, but the simple nylon loop design allows for compatibility with many third-party accessory straps. The necessity of a hip belt depends on your packing habits. During our travels in Thailand, a fully loaded Travel Pack 3 Small benefited from hip belt support to alleviate shoulder strain, especially when packed with denser items. However, for lighter loads, the built-in straps proved sufficient.
The back panel features comfortable foam padding that may feel initially firm but softens with use. The dual foam panels create a central air channel, where a luggage pass-through is seamlessly integrated. The horizontal orientation of the pass-through is less ideal for loosely packed items, which could shift during rolling. However, the use of packing cubes mitigates this issue entirely.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Detail
A noteworthy design detail is the subtle wedge shape of the back panel’s top section. This contour, combined with the load lifters, allows the back panel to ergonomically wrap around the shoulder area, enhancing comfort and weight distribution. This thoughtful design element, also present in the Travel Pack 3, showcases Aer’s attention to detail.
The Travel Pack 3 Small boasts a comprehensive set of grab handles – top, bottom, and side handles, plus the luggage pass-through can serve as a makeshift handle if needed.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Carry Handle
The top handle is noticeably slimmer than the Travel Pack 2 Small’s, a welcome refinement. The previous version’s handle felt disproportionately bulky. A minor wish is for Aer to include a small loop between the shoulder straps for easier hanging on shallow hooks, as the top handle’s inland placement makes it unsuitable for this purpose.
The side handles, with their seatbelt-like texture and slight padding, are comfortable to grip. However, their protrusion from the sides makes them somewhat prone to catching on objects, as we experienced with a doorknob incident (no harm, no foul!).
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Carry Handle Studio
Compression straps, absent on the Travel Pack 2 Small, are a valuable addition to the Travel Pack 3 Small. While the load lifters effectively manage weight distribution, the compression straps excel at cinching down the bag for a slimmer profile, especially when carrying lighter loads or using it as an everyday carry backpack. At 28 liters, it’s considerably more EDC-friendly than its larger counterpart.
We observed that the magnetic buckle on the lower right compression strap can occasionally disengage unintentionally, likely due to momentary slack and sudden movement. Interestingly, this occurred more frequently on the larger Travel Pack 3 than on the Small.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Side Handle
Finally, a fold-flat water bottle pocket resides on the right side. Unzipping the central zipper reveals a stretchy mesh pocket capable of accommodating an 18-ounce bottle like the YETI Rambler. Larger bottles may be a tight fit. The elastic lacks robust grip, so utilizing the D-ring or upper compression strap to secure your bottle’s handle is advisable.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Water Bottle
Internal Organization and Compartments
On the opposite side of the bag is a quick-access pocket, ideal for frequently needed small items like wireless earbuds, wallets, or compact packable bags. Note that “packable bag” refers to smaller options like the Matador Droplet Packable Dry Bag or BAGGU Standard Baggu Tote, not bulkier backpacks like the WaterField Designs Packable Backpack.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Side Pocket
The top of the pack features Aer’s signature soft-lined pocket, perfect for protecting scratch-sensitive items like sunglasses or smartphones. While we typically use a separate sunglasses case, this pocket is a welcome feature for those who prefer a more minimalist approach. The pocket’s all-black interior contrasts with the gray liner used in other compartments. Be mindful that small, dark accessories like memory cards can easily blend into this black fabric.
The front pocket appears to be a split design, but the usable space is concentrated in the lower half, creating a large dump pocket. Despite ample space, there are no internal dividers within this pocket. It’s well-suited for items like compressible jackets. A built-in key strap with a sturdy clip – a noticeable improvement over flimsier plastic clips on older Aer gear – is included.
The reduced size of the Travel Pack 3 Small compared to the standard version is most apparent in pocket dimensions, particularly the front pocket. While the regular Travel Pack 3’s front pocket easily accommodated a compressible jacket, the Travel Pack 3 Small’s version feels more restrictive. Overfilling this pocket can also hinder access to the admin panel pockets below.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Keys
A notable omission for upgraders from the Travel Pack 2 Small is the dedicated shoe compartment. However, this feature consumed significant space, even when stowed away. Its removal is not a major drawback for us, and dedicated shoe pouches from brands like WANDRD or Peak Design offer a space-saving alternative.
The front compartment houses the Travel Pack 3 Small’s extensive organization panel. Starting from the top: a tablet sleeve, a zippered pocket reaching halfway down, two liner pockets with a pen silo, a mini stretchy mesh pocket, and two additional liner pockets. This comprehensive layout efficiently organizes tech accessories, including travel mice, chargers, keyboards, memory cards, cables, and even laptop stands. The compartment’s generous volume also accommodates pouches in front of the pockets, provided they are strategically packed.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small 1 Compartment
Compared side-by-side with the Travel Pack 2 Small, the Travel Pack 3 Small exhibits a cleaner internal design. Reduced stitching and seams minimize visual clutter. The liner fabric is also smoother and appears slightly bluer.
The main compartment, located behind the front compartment, offers quick and easy access thanks to the zipper placement, unobstructed by compression straps (a carryover from the Travel Pack 2 Small, which also lacked compression straps).
However, the proximity of the front and main compartment zippers can sometimes lead to interference. When the bag is lying on its back, the front compartment zipper pulls can occasionally fall into the main compartment opening, slightly hindering quick access.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Zipper
Despite this minor inconvenience, the close positioning of the compartment openings maximizes the main compartment’s volume by allowing for taller outer walls, simplifying packing. The Travel Pack 3 Small’s main compartment fully utilizes its 28-liter capacity, accommodating two large packing cubes and a toiletry bag (depending on your packing cube dimensions). Packing cubes are essential for clothing organization, as the main compartment lacks internal tie-down straps, potentially leading to clothing shifting. Aer’s own packing cubes and Slim Pouch are unsurprisingly a perfect fit, but the compartment’s dimensions are standard enough for compatibility with other organizers. With strategic packing and organizers, the Travel Pack 3 Small is easily capable of accommodating gear for a week-long trip.
The Travel Pack 3 Small is also viable as a daypack. We’ve successfully used the technically larger Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L as a daypack, and the Travel Pack 3 Small is equally well-suited, provided you avoid maximizing its capacity to maintain comfortable carry without a hip belt.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Main Compartment
A discreet smart tracker pocket is integrated behind the top pocket’s liner, a modern touch that enhances the Travel Pack 3 Small’s appeal.
The main compartment lid features organizational elements, including a wide zippered mesh pocket. This serves as a catch-all for semi-quick-access items like extra toiletries needed during transit. The stretchy mesh expands to accommodate bulkier items like socks or gloves.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small AirTag
Behind the mesh pocket is a concealed zippered compartment spanning almost the lid’s entire area. Its limited depth makes it less suitable for bulky items like jackets or towels. We utilize it as a hidden pocket for extra straps, accessories, and items we prefer to keep out of sight during travels – those “just in case” items we all carry.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Interior Pocket
The final compartment is the dedicated laptop compartment, accommodating laptops up to 16 inches. Our 16-inch MacBook Pro fits comfortably, while a 13-inch MacBook is almost lost within. A sleeve with a false bottom and padding on both sides provides excellent protection. A zippered pocket at the top is ideal for a laptop charger or, in our case, a packable hat, offering top-side access.
Aer Travel Pack 3 Small Laptop
Final Verdict: The Uncompromising Smaller Travel Backpack
Our key takeaway from the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is its unwavering commitment to functionality despite its reduced size. It retains all the desirable features of the Travel Pack 3 (and some of the less favored ones) while offering a more manageable size for users with smaller frames and stricter carry-on requirements. If you appreciate the design and features of the Travel Pack 3 but desire a more wieldy and carry-on friendly option, the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is an exceptional choice that doesn’t compromise on quality or features.
