Packable Backpack? Aer Go Pack 2 Review (2 Weeks of Use)

The Aer Go Pack 2 is a capable, packable daypack that improves upon the previous iteration with features familiar to Aer’s non-packable offerings.

0:00 - Intro
0:30 - External Features
2:59 - Harness System
4:29 - Fit Notes
5:20 - Secondary Compartments
6:42 - Main Compartment

CONNECT WITH US

TERMS

[paraagshah]

The criticism about the difficulty in accessing the zipper pulls when they are inside the water bottle pocket is actually a safety feature if you look at it positively. Nobody else can open your backpack during commute or walking about either.

[DanteCoding]

2:15 honestly this is a feature because you can hide the zipper behind a water bottle if you want an extra sense of security

[hhoebeke]

The more I use this bag, the more I love it.. it has quickly become my daily bag and it has accompanied me on a few long trips, incl as my single bag for a long weekend trip. And despite all the use, including several rain storms, dust, .. it still looks as good as new. The material is great and be very interested to see Aer use it for some of their larger travel bags. It looks very unassuming and discrete wich also helps in travel. The two water bottle holders are great and add flexibility as does the front pocket. I did personalise it a bit, added a sternum strap (esp handy whan cycling), and i also added an inflatable back panel (recycled from another bag) it helps to avoid the issue you flagged with carrying a laptop and makes the bag stand up a bit easier (although it has to be said - it keeps its shape rather well. The internal organisation is dope. What i would like to see in 2.0: lockable zippers, a sternum strap, a key strap (either in the front pocket or even inside a water bottle holder, an air tag pocket. All the rest is nailed. All in all cannot recommend it enough - this is so much more than a packable bag… and it does not break the bank for a great piece of kit.
I also have the small sling of the same series - very nig sling, it would however be nice to have a removable strap and to have it fit the small zippered front pocket as a pouch…

[penguinshug]

Great review as always! Thanks for uploading! But I wish you'd shown us what it'd look like when you fit it inside Aer Travel Pack 3 or other Aer bags. Apparently that's what Aer wants us to do.

[adamkay]

Thanks for the informative and comprehensive review Eric. I'd been deliberating on whether to purchase this pack for a number of weeks and your review helped inform my decision to go ahead. Keep up the great work.

[Petertran]

I would've loved it if Aer added a key lesh inside the zippered mesh pocket and a hidden Airtag pocket somewhere. Great review!

[terrycoye]

Thank you for reviewing this bag. You’ve approached it as an commuter EDC, and it seems it could be used that way, but packable bags are primarily designed as day bags for one-bag travelers. How well do you think it would function in that use case? Compared to bags from Matador, for example, this bag is heavier and takes up more space inside a travel pack, but it promises far more comfort and ease of use day-to-day at your destination.

[TM-vgmx]

cannot decide between this and bollroy lite ready, any suggestion?

[incubeezer]

I tried the Bellroy daypack and had the same problem you did with the laptop digging into your lower spine, except for me it was a camera cube. Without that back structure, it’s hard for packable bags to work for heavy, rigid items.

I was hoping to try this Go Pack, but I ended up trying out the Moment 21L. I found I can pack it full of my Moment camera cube and a couple packing cubes, then fit that whole packed bag inside of my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L’s inner clamshell section. With the side access available on both bags, I am able to remove my camera without opening the full clamshell, which should be good for airport security. Kind of a crazy solve I think, but it’s a lot more comfortable!

[jonuiuc]

I think if people are looking at this and intend on using it more than simply a pack flat type supplemental bag, they may want to look at the Away FAR backpack 26L. I got one when it was on deep sale and I was surprised at how light, extremely light it is. The advantage of that bag is it does have a lot of padding in the back and straps, so its lightweight but fairly comfy under a big load, also it has some structure so its not so floppy. But it does pack fairly flat as (compared to a heavier bag).

[RealMuperSan]

Like others suggested, would be great if you made another review to focus non it more as a packable daypack first, and an edc bag second.

[NizarNoor]

How does this compare to Bellroy Lite Daypack? Which one is better? Which one is more packable?

[enriquediaz]

I’d still suggest to begin with simple dimensions &/or capacity, etc.

[elanthys]

I just received mine (in black) and holy shit I did not think a backpack could look so good, it’s probably the most stylish I’ve ever had (and I have other Aer backpacks!)

[NateBit]

Any chance you guys will be reviewing the Go Duffel?

[lnnoT]

Is this durable enough if used everyday as a school bag?

[Phamtom_images]

hi- great review.
I'm thinking about getting the green backpack and was worried how the material will look. i plan to pack it into my carry on hardshell but was wondering if it will be all wrinkly. or I may have to fold it and put it in my travel backpack but was worried that it will have a huge crease that won't go away. I read that the black ones are better at hiding the wrinkles. do you have any experience with these type of situation and how did your light colored backpack look afterwards? do the wrinkles/creases fade quickly or does it last for awhile.

thanks.

[martings]

I really like those packing cubes, can you tell me which brand they are? Thank

[DaniChill]

Thanks for the review! Will you guys be doing a side by side with the original go pack? This just seems like a downgrade to me. It’s lower volume, it’s heavier, and the front pocket is only good for big items you aren’t worried about being taken (looks like it adds weight with little upsides). I do appreciate the shifting of the quick access pocket, and the strap keepers, but besides those two I can’t warrant the changes. Am I missing something?

[BC-tpep]

I don’t like the idea of the front pocket being open at the top and filling up with water when it rains.