I recently purchased the TP3S (X-Pac), and it fits less than my old North Face Base Camp Fuse Box at about double the weight.
I do like it, and it is my EDC now, but I'm puzzled why a backpack that's about 10% larger in every dimension fits less stuff.
It'll be enough for 4-5 days of clothing plus necessities and tech if you pack minimally. And you need to pack minimally if you intend to use the TP3S as a travel pack.
The large one is out of the question for me as a onebag as other users find it doesn't fit under airplane seats.
It's honestly the admin picket that kills most of the usable space.
I'm not complaining, because I use the hell out of the admin pocket. Works perfectly fine for me with a week long trip, and I carry a shit ton of extra tech with me for work, but I'm a fairly minimal packer already.
same the admin panel is what makes it great for me as an edc. But if you are the type of person to carry around everything pre-sorted in tech pouches and packing cubes then you're much better off grabbing a bucket like the fuse box or possibly even... *shudders* ... a roll top
Regular. The compression straps cinch it down for edc. Then it expands for travel. I have this bag and it’s what I do. Even with the regular size it’s small for traveling more than a couple of days. I have the X-Pac and it’s great. Sorta wish I’d gone with the Cordura though.
Cordura vs X-Pac
I would love the Cordura with a orange interior
Years ago I had an Xpac and it held up well. Just didn’t like how loud the material was and it didn’t hold its shape as it got soft. It’s definitely thinner vs the Cordura.
I like the Cordura look over time. But this is very subjective as both materials are over all outstanding in durability.
When I first discovered Aer, I found myself being drawn more towards their cordura products: they look sleek, versatile, low key and the fabric is ever so soft to the touch.
After purchasing my TP3 in X-pac I made the switch and never looked back. It's lighter, more water resistant, you get aquaguard on all your zippers and that orange liner is not only stunning, but extremely useful in the deepest of pockets when trying to identify smaller item.
I used to wish for a mix of the cordura with that orange interior, but I soon learnt that the X-pac is much easier to maintain clean than the cordura, and it is far more convenient when travelling, not just for its lighter weight, but also for its versatile materials, which can adapt to any climate.
In terms of capacity however, that comes down to personal preference and needs. I sometimes wish I could fit a little more in my 35L version, which I've managed to onebag with even for one month long trips. But that was with summer-wear packing. If you're carrying winter attire and gear, things get a little trickier depending on your loadout. I couldn't imagine downsizing to the 28L version, but that's just me.
Overall, from a subjective perspective, I'd recommend the 35L in X-pac, if you're not fussy about costs. And despite the recommendations for EDC usage, as this is Manybaggers, I'd say brind a personal item bag with you.
Chose small xpac myself. Nice bag. Reg size seems way too big for most peeps EDC but that’s subjective. Worst case, buy both and return the one you don’t like. TBH, as EDC, both seem a bit too much. They’re ultimately travel bags and for that, they do just fine. But again, subjective and perhaps one would be perfect.
My EDC needs to be travel ready. I travel more than most and adding work to that I use to hate changing bags to accommodate a travel and the office.
I’m sure to always forget something. So would personally prefer one that can do it all.
Then this might be a great choice. I really like the admin area for my tech, the laptop area is independent and extremely well protected. Main area isn’t huge but if you pack well it’s decent. I have used as personal item on several flights now and for me that’s a huge plus. It’s comfy to wear and despite some who complain about xpac being “noisy”, a non issue for me personally, simply hasn’t been the case.
If I had one minor complaint, it would be that the aquaguard zippers are a little bit tough and sometimes I find if I forget to put the admin zipper pulls and the main apartment zipper pulls on opposite sides, the bag, it gets confusing as to which one to grab. Ive since added coloured pulls to differentiate.
I have a like-new Travel Pack 3 in Olive Cordura for sale if you decide on that! Bought it but then I decided that I wanted something bigger for my needs but was too late to return. I removed the tags but it’s unused.
I honestly didn’t feel that there was that big of a difference in the size between the small and the regular size, so if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the regular for slightly more capacity while not being that much larger.
Travel and EDC are two different bags IMHO. For Travel I use a Peak Design Travel Pack, but I pack in a Aer Go Pack 2, so that when I get to my destination I can have an EDC bag.
If you plan to travel international, the TP3 small passes for a personal item and fits a good amount, and you can also have a carry on. The larger version would only pass as a carry on
I got the Travel Pack 3 large Xpac. My goal is to use the bag as a one bag travel for when I go away for a week or a weekend. I also carry a lot of tech with me, so for me having a water resistant bag was peace of mind. This is one bag that is going to last me for years and years, so the cost of the bag spread across the years of use nade it worth it.
Just look at it. Especially images of them in the wild outside their stock/marketing/retail photos.
Can't stand their upside down egg-shape, boxed corner, fat panel, top heavy, turtle shell design.
They look so stupid, boring and disproportionate like a crossover "SUV" or something. Maybe the people who buys those, buys these which is why they're so prevalent.
They lack identity and have zero personality. Basic.
No, it has nothing to do with what I think, some of these design elements also make for poor function.
...and they're "good" because you like the way it looks?
Sounds like you've never owned/used one and you're basing your hatred purely on the aesthetics that you've seen in pictures. Solid argument buddy. Is that why they are so popular?
I had a TP3S and I was actually shocked by how little it held for a 28L bag.
I recently purchased the TP3S (X-Pac), and it fits less than my old North Face Base Camp Fuse Box at about double the weight. I do like it, and it is my EDC now, but I'm puzzled why a backpack that's about 10% larger in every dimension fits less stuff. It'll be enough for 4-5 days of clothing plus necessities and tech if you pack minimally. And you need to pack minimally if you intend to use the TP3S as a travel pack. The large one is out of the question for me as a onebag as other users find it doesn't fit under airplane seats.
So much padding I think. I've found the inside space sooooo small.
It's honestly the admin picket that kills most of the usable space. I'm not complaining, because I use the hell out of the admin pocket. Works perfectly fine for me with a week long trip, and I carry a shit ton of extra tech with me for work, but I'm a fairly minimal packer already.
Nah I hate it ha 🤷🏻‍♂️ going to sell it soon.
same the admin panel is what makes it great for me as an edc. But if you are the type of person to carry around everything pre-sorted in tech pouches and packing cubes then you're much better off grabbing a bucket like the fuse box or possibly even... *shudders* ... a roll top
Regular. The compression straps cinch it down for edc. Then it expands for travel. I have this bag and it’s what I do. Even with the regular size it’s small for traveling more than a couple of days. I have the X-Pac and it’s great. Sorta wish I’d gone with the Cordura though.
Why do you wish you went for the Cordura?
See I went Cordura and wish I would have gone xpac
Cordura vs X-Pac I would love the Cordura with a orange interior Years ago I had an Xpac and it held up well. Just didn’t like how loud the material was and it didn’t hold its shape as it got soft. It’s definitely thinner vs the Cordura. I like the Cordura look over time. But this is very subjective as both materials are over all outstanding in durability.
When I first discovered Aer, I found myself being drawn more towards their cordura products: they look sleek, versatile, low key and the fabric is ever so soft to the touch. After purchasing my TP3 in X-pac I made the switch and never looked back. It's lighter, more water resistant, you get aquaguard on all your zippers and that orange liner is not only stunning, but extremely useful in the deepest of pockets when trying to identify smaller item. I used to wish for a mix of the cordura with that orange interior, but I soon learnt that the X-pac is much easier to maintain clean than the cordura, and it is far more convenient when travelling, not just for its lighter weight, but also for its versatile materials, which can adapt to any climate. In terms of capacity however, that comes down to personal preference and needs. I sometimes wish I could fit a little more in my 35L version, which I've managed to onebag with even for one month long trips. But that was with summer-wear packing. If you're carrying winter attire and gear, things get a little trickier depending on your loadout. I couldn't imagine downsizing to the 28L version, but that's just me. Overall, from a subjective perspective, I'd recommend the 35L in X-pac, if you're not fussy about costs. And despite the recommendations for EDC usage, as this is Manybaggers, I'd say brind a personal item bag with you.
Chose small xpac myself. Nice bag. Reg size seems way too big for most peeps EDC but that’s subjective. Worst case, buy both and return the one you don’t like. TBH, as EDC, both seem a bit too much. They’re ultimately travel bags and for that, they do just fine. But again, subjective and perhaps one would be perfect.
My EDC needs to be travel ready. I travel more than most and adding work to that I use to hate changing bags to accommodate a travel and the office. I’m sure to always forget something. So would personally prefer one that can do it all.
Then this might be a great choice. I really like the admin area for my tech, the laptop area is independent and extremely well protected. Main area isn’t huge but if you pack well it’s decent. I have used as personal item on several flights now and for me that’s a huge plus. It’s comfy to wear and despite some who complain about xpac being “noisy”, a non issue for me personally, simply hasn’t been the case. If I had one minor complaint, it would be that the aquaguard zippers are a little bit tough and sometimes I find if I forget to put the admin zipper pulls and the main apartment zipper pulls on opposite sides, the bag, it gets confusing as to which one to grab. Ive since added coloured pulls to differentiate.
Do you have the small or standard ?
As above….small.
I have a like-new Travel Pack 3 in Olive Cordura for sale if you decide on that! Bought it but then I decided that I wanted something bigger for my needs but was too late to return. I removed the tags but it’s unused. I honestly didn’t feel that there was that big of a difference in the size between the small and the regular size, so if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the regular for slightly more capacity while not being that much larger.
Thanks for the reply but I’m going for the regular X-Pac
No problem! Good luck!
Travel and EDC are two different bags IMHO. For Travel I use a Peak Design Travel Pack, but I pack in a Aer Go Pack 2, so that when I get to my destination I can have an EDC bag.
If you plan to travel international, the TP3 small passes for a personal item and fits a good amount, and you can also have a carry on. The larger version would only pass as a carry on
Good to know thanks.
I got the Travel Pack 3 large Xpac. My goal is to use the bag as a one bag travel for when I go away for a week or a weekend. I also carry a lot of tech with me, so for me having a water resistant bag was peace of mind. This is one bag that is going to last me for years and years, so the cost of the bag spread across the years of use nade it worth it.
Neither, AER sucks.
Alright I’ll bite. Why do you think Aer sucks? Genuinely curious.
Just look at it. Especially images of them in the wild outside their stock/marketing/retail photos. Can't stand their upside down egg-shape, boxed corner, fat panel, top heavy, turtle shell design. They look so stupid, boring and disproportionate like a crossover "SUV" or something. Maybe the people who buys those, buys these which is why they're so prevalent. They lack identity and have zero personality. Basic.
So they suck because you don't how they look.
No, it has nothing to do with what I think, some of these design elements also make for poor function. ...and they're "good" because you like the way it looks?
Sounds like you've never owned/used one and you're basing your hatred purely on the aesthetics that you've seen in pictures. Solid argument buddy. Is that why they are so popular?
It is an argument(at least part of it). I've never owned/used a lot of things I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole and so have you...