I’ve tested more travel backpacks than I care to admit. From budget options that fray after two trips to premium packs that promise the world but feel over-engineered, I’ve seen it all. So when Aer released the Travel Pack 3 Small, I knew I had to put it through its paces.
Aer’s full-size Travel Pack 3 has long been a favorite among one-bag travelers, but the smaller version promises something different: all the same organizational precision and rugged build quality, but in a size that works better for weekend trips, urban commuting, and personal-item-only flights. After using it on trains, planes, and around the city, I can tell you exactly where it excels, where it falls short, and whether it truly earns the “best small travel backpack” title.
Build Quality and Materials
Aer’s build quality has always impressed me, and the Travel Pack 3 Small continues that tradition. The exterior is made from 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, which is among the most abrasion-resistant fabrics you can get in a travel bag. I’ve carried this bag through crowded airports, rainy streets, and over concrete floors without a single scuff or tear. The water resistance is solid, not waterproof, but enough to keep contents dry in a light shower.
The zippers are YKK RC (Racquet Coil), the same type you’ll find on premium luggage, known for smooth operation and durability. Every zipper has a lockable head, a feature I value for travel in busy cities. The buckles are Duraflex, which are lightweight but strong enough to handle years of daily use.
One thing I’ve noticed is how structured the bag feels even when empty. This isn’t a floppy pack. That structure not only protects the gear inside but also makes packing easier because the bag keeps its shape as you load it.
Size, Capacity, and Fit
At 28 liters, the Travel Pack 3 Small hits a sweet spot for compact travel. It’s just big enough to handle a minimalist weekend trip, yet small enough to qualify as a personal item on most airlines. I’ve had no trouble stowing it under an airplane seat, and that’s with my packing cubes, laptop, and camera gear inside.
The harness system is well-designed for urban travel. The padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly, and the removable sternum strap helps keep the bag steady when walking fast or moving through crowds. The back panel is ridged with breathable foam channels, which works reasonably well for ventilation. It’s not as cushioned as a hiking backpack, but that’s a conscious design choice, this is meant for city-to-airport travel, not for trekking eight hours a day.
I’ve carried it fully loaded for hours, and while you start to feel the weight after a while, it’s more comfortable than most bags in its size range.
Organization and Layout
This is where Aer really stands out. The Travel Pack 3 Small has a clamshell opening that allows you to pack it like a suitcase. Inside the main compartment, mesh dividers keep clothes in place without over-complicating the layout.
The front compartment is designed for smaller items, chargers, cables, notebooks, travel documents, and it’s laid out so you can access them quickly without rummaging. The top quick-access pocket is perfect for sunglasses or a passport, while the side water bottle pocket easily fits a one-liter bottle and holds it snugly.
The laptop compartment is one of the most secure I’ve used. It’s padded on all sides, suspended off the bottom of the bag, and big enough for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. For me, that’s critical, laptops are often the most expensive single item in a travel bag, and this design offers real protection.
I particularly appreciate that the internal organization is functional without being over-segmented. Too many travel backpacks force you into rigid packing styles. With this one, I can load it with cubes for clothes, camera inserts, or even just loose-packed gear without wasting space.
Travel Performance
On the road, the Travel Pack 3 Small handles beautifully. The structured shape makes it easy to fit into overhead bins or under seats, and the side and top grab handles make lifting it from tight spaces a breeze. It also stands upright on its own, which sounds minor until you’re in an airport lounge trying to grab something without laying the bag flat on the floor.
For short trips, I’ve managed to fit three days’ worth of clothes, my laptop, chargers, and toiletries without feeling cramped. For longer trips, I’d have to pack extremely light, but that’s the trade-off for staying under the 30-liter mark.
The bag’s urban styling means it doesn’t scream “tourist,” which I value when traveling in cities where blending in is safer and more comfortable.
Durability Over Time
I’ve been carrying Aer bags for years, and their durability is one of the reasons I keep coming back. The Travel Pack 3 Small has already been through airport security checks, rainy commutes, and hotel room floors without showing wear. The ballistic nylon still looks new, and the zippers haven’t once caught or snagged.
The stitching is reinforced at stress points, and nothing about the bag feels delicate. This is the kind of travel gear you buy once and use for years.
Downsides and Limitations
No bag is perfect. For the Travel Pack 3 Small, my main gripe is that it doesn’t include a hip belt by default, you can buy one separately, but for a bag in this price range, I’d like it to be included.
Another point is that while 28 liters is excellent for short trips, it’s not expandable. If you need more capacity occasionally, this isn’t the bag for you. And at its premium price, it’s competing with some excellent 30–35 liter bags that offer just a little more room.
Is It the Best Small Travel Backpack?
For me, yes, if your goal is a compact, durable, and exceptionally well-organized travel bag for trips of up to three days, the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is hard to beat. Its build quality is unmatched in this size category, the layout is intuitive, and it strikes the perfect balance between style and function.
If you need something more versatile for both short and long trips, you might prefer a slightly larger pack. But if you want a dedicated small travel backpack that will last for years and handle daily commuting just as well as international flights, this is one of the best options available today.
FAQs: Aer Travel Pack 3 Small
What is the capacity of the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small?
It has a 28-liter capacity, making it ideal for weekend trips or minimalist travel.
Does it fit under an airplane seat?
Yes, it qualifies as a personal item on most airlines and fits under standard seats.
Is the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small waterproof?
It’s water-resistant thanks to 1680D Cordura nylon but not fully waterproof.
Can it fit a 16-inch laptop?
Yes, the padded laptop compartment accommodates laptops up to 16 inches.
Is a hip belt included?
No, the hip belt is sold separately.