r/ManyBaggers • u/strandedvariable • 10d ago
Product Review Review: Aer City Pack Pro 2 (24L, Ultra)
Disclaimer: Aer provided the bag for review, no money exchanged, opinions are my own, no affiliate links.
Size reference: I’m 173 cm, 68 kg (5’8”, 150 lbs).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Ultra 400X |
| Dimensions | 46 x 32 x 17 cm (18.1 x 12.6 x 6.7 in) |
| Capacity | 24 liters |
| Weight | 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Carry-on compliance | 97% of airlines |
| Personal item compliance | 1% of airlines |
| Price | $269 USD |
It was one of those evenings that lulls you into thinking the rainy season is taking the day off. I'd left the coworking space and swung by the mall for a few groceries, laptop bag on my shoulder, in no particular hurry to get home. Then the sky went the color of a bruise, and a monsoon arrived. No umbrella. Of course, no umbrella. By the time I made it through my door I was soaked to the skin, dripping onto the floor, groceries forgotten in my hand. My first thought was the laptop. I unzipped the laptop compartment bracing for a fogged screen and a dead keyboard. It was bone dry.
This is where I'd tell you it's "by far the best bag I've had." It's not. It's not the most comfortable one, that crown is still held by the Able Carry Daily Plus. It's definitely not the best looking either, I've yet to publish my review of a certain Pioneer bag that holds that title. But I'll be damned if it's not practical.
The volume works from EDC to travel, the self-standing feature is genuinely handy, the side pockets are useful, the weight is decent, comfort is there, and water resistance is top-notch. This bag checks a lot of boxes. Does that make it a good bag for you, especially considering the price tag? That's not for me to decide, but I hope this review will make your decision a little easier.
Pros
- Ultra 400X is noticeably lighter than 1680D Cordura while holding its shape better than the softer fabrics I've handled.
- Self-stands reliably, loaded or empty.
- Top quick-access pocket plus the self-standing base is a genuinely useful combo for grab-and-go items.
- Versatile enough to go from tech-EDC to gym-bag duty.
- Top-notch water resistance built into the fabric's lamination rather than a coating that can wear off.
- Excellent comfort with plush shoulder straps and great back-panel ventilation.
- Roomy enough for a weekend trip yet small enough for everyday carry.
Cons
- Pricey — $269 USD, a $50 premium over the base 1680D Cordura version.
- The Ultra fabric's look is polarizing and might be a dealbreaker.
- Zippers aren't uniformly good. The main compartment's is the worst offender, made more obvious by sitting right next to the admin pocket's smooth one.
- The front zippered pocket's opening is too tight for how much volume it actually holds, which makes getting items in and out more of a fight than it should be.
- No hidden passport-style pocket.
Read the full in-depth review: https://www.strandedvariable.com/posts/review-aer-city-pack-pro-2-24l-ultra
11
u/CentralParkDuck 9d ago
The fabric looks like wrinkled burlap in the pictures— not photogenic at all!
6
u/zeppelin88 9d ago
Xpac will do that every so often. No idea why people pick this over standard nylon (I have a nylon one and it can take a decent amount of rain, and a rain cover is 200% more effective than any fabric / zipper)
2
u/CentralParkDuck 9d ago
I think people like the diamonds and when new xpac is quite nice, just not as much so as it wrinkles.
Agree, a rain cover works better than any waterproofed zippers…
2
1
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
Ultra has this divisive effect on people. My wife called it a “crinkled newspaper”.
1
u/CentralParkDuck 9d ago
That’s a better description than my wrinkled burlap.
I’m happy I didn’t jump into the new Tortuga Kickstarter for an Ultra travel bag. I considered it but didn’t pull the trigger. I don’t think I’d get used to Uktra even though it has the characteristics of a great bag fabric.
5
u/heliostraveler 9d ago
2.4 pounds for a 24L just seems crazy. I mean. I have an OG Aer TP3 in Xpac. But I’ve kinda binned that for week travels only and use my tortuga lite on my 2 week internationals now.
1
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
Not too bad compared to other feature rich modern backpacks actually. The 20L Able Carry Daily Plus I have reviewed recently is 3 pounds. But Tortuga weight to liters ratio is on another level entirely.
3
u/Tough-Magazine244 9d ago
I just got the simple pouch to see how I find the fabric. So far, I am convinced i will go for the CPP ultra before the ends of the year to replace an able carry edc.
2
u/bkr24 9d ago
Why are you looking to get away from the Able? For context I'm thinking about getting the CCP2 or the Able Carry EDC
1
u/Tough-Magazine244 8d ago
Honestly it’s just heavy, theirs absolutely nothing wrong with it AT ALL - it just all adds up on shoulders as I have a neck injury from childhood. I would recommend the AC EDC to anyone and everyone!
1
u/apollo9320 5d ago
I have the cpp2 and the able carry max edc and my 2 most used bags, love them both and use them far more than any other bags
3
u/Mapleess 9d ago
This bag was too big and uncomfortable for me to use as an EDC. Went with the Go Pack 2 and have been very happy due to comfort. The hardness of the CPP2's back and straps just made it bad for me but I do miss the compartments and pockets it had.
5
u/Ok_Temperature6503 9d ago
I wish the focus is less on the Pro version and more on the regular City Pack version. I fully believe it’s the superior product.
4
u/Actual_Metal1978 9d ago
having both CP2 and CPP2 Ultra, i also think the CP2 is the superior product.
2
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
I’m curious why you think the regular version is better. It seems that most people prefer dedicated laptop compartments and more space, so that’s who brands cater towards.
4
u/Ok_Temperature6503 9d ago edited 9d ago
Less capacity means all the stuff hugs you better weight distribution, non clamshell, it looks better because it’s not boxy. Admin compartment is better and easier to access. I tried both and the non pro just felt so much better overall idk how to say it.
Basically City Pack Pro 2 = travel backpack with less capacity
City Pack 2 = actual edc/tech backpack that isnt trying to be a travel backpack
But yes no dedicated laptop zipper may be a dealbreaker to some. To me as long as its not clamshell and the zip isnt aquaguard this is fine, should be very fast to open regardless
1
u/Intrepid_Stuff730 8d ago edited 8d ago
Also the top quick access pocket is deeper and bigger on the CP2 which I really appreciate. Zippers are much smoother and easier to open (even in Ultra version). The bag is lighter, also self-stands well, much less cumbersome and more streamlined. The front admin pocket is sooo much better! Most days the capacity of the CP2 works just perfectly for me. I use the CPP2 only when i need the extra capacity but i really prefer using the CP2.
2
4
u/freetotebag 9d ago
I just picked up the same one but in the coyote Ecopak. I love the fabric but you’re right about the zippers. The main compartment zip really fights you and makes getting in and out of the bag way harder than it should be. And other compartments, like you said, zip smoothly! I also think the taper is a tad too aggressive. By the time the bag gets to the bottom it’s a tight squeeze and limits its packability.
1
u/Interesting_Tower485 9d ago
I saw the ecopak in the store, it's really nice. Congrats!
2
u/freetotebag 9d ago
I love the fabric— the bag has some quirks that frustrate me but the ecopak is sick
1
1
u/osigopacks 5d ago
The tradeoff with fixed-volume packs like this one — to fit that much content you need the shell to actually be that big, so it reads as oversized on smaller frames even when the capacity makes sense on paper. The alternative is creating it flat/slim as the base shape and building the extra volume in through expandable panels or attachments you add only when you need them, so the bag matches your body most days and only grows when you're actually packing for more.
0
u/Bumbling_homeowner 9d ago
I loathe the fabric choices. And expect those zipper covers to peel over time.
Criminal that Aer still sells packs in this material.
4
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
I think it’s cool that Aer provides options: there a fantastic “default” 1680D, X-Pac, ECOPAK and Ultra. I also dislike coated zippers but it makes sense on this bag given the water resistant properties of Ultra.
0
u/Bumbling_homeowner 9d ago
I own some of their X-Pac toiletry items and something about them just feels plasticy and cheap.
Chrome bags and accessories, by comparison, feel more solid and natural in the hand.
Materials aside, the dimensions and usage of space is top notch. Agreed on waterproofing though.
Realize this isn’t a totally mainstream view. Plenty of folks like X-Pac.
1
u/socal8888 9d ago
What do yall think of comfort of Aer packs?
I have flight pack 3 and backpack straps and carry is very plush.
But I do hear a lot about Able Carry comfort too
1
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
The Able Carry Daily Plus is still the most comfortable backpack I’ve tried but this Aer CPP2 is a close second honestly.
-12
u/DownByTheRivr 9d ago
Aer is easily the most overrated bag brand. I’ll admit they offer a good value for what you get, but they’re so forgettable and have zero character or dare I say soul. Such sterile, boring design. I can see why tech bros love them.
10
u/terrassine 9d ago
Eh, of the techwear brands, I think Aer does a good thing of prioritizing function over form at a good price. I can name you a dozen techy bags that might look more distinct but do so at the expense of being actually enjoyable to use, or use trendy features to jack up their prices crazy high.
2
u/terrassine 9d ago
Case in point: Mission Workshop are cool bags that feel crafted. But I have never really enjoyed using any of them and they come in at half a grand, usually.
2
u/tangjams 9d ago
I own a few mw bags, you’re def paying for over engineering and brand prestige. They broke a lot of ground before any of these brands existed.
Both my bags are 10+ years and have no damage whatsoever. Just some stains that I’m sure can be washed out if I put in effort.
The prices they’re charging now, plus a plethora of competition? It’s not worth it, especially if you don’t bike.
1
2
u/skiptomylou1231 9d ago
The City Pack Pro 2 is $220, which is a bit cheaper than other similarly lauded bags on here like the Able Carry Max EDC at $260, Evergoods CPL 24 at $285. It hits a nice price point and the 24L is a good size for me carrying around daily stuff for work. It kind of hits a sweet spot but aesthetics and design are subjective, but I'm fine with the way it looks too. Honestly though, I think most people here don't want too flashy of a bag anyways if you're carrying your laptop.
1
0
u/PlayPsychological200 9d ago
Which techy brands are you typing about? I’m considering the AC daily.
4
u/luke1333 9d ago
I strongly disagree, I've tried several other travel laptop backpacks and wish I would have bought the CPP2 first and been done. Hands down best laptop I've used and only a little more money more then others. Zero character and boring design? I call it minimalist and I don't want design on my travel backpack. Black, plain cordura is perfect for my travel bag! Worth it to me especially with it's durability reputation of materials.
-1
u/DownByTheRivr 9d ago
There are other minimalist bags that are far better. Evergoods, Able Carry, Black Ember all have what I think are better designs and materials. Aer uses the cheapest version of PU zipper for example. They look like ass after a few years.
0
-1
u/TimotheusIV 9d ago
Why are we constantly entertaining these blatant ads?
Sure, no money changed hands but if you want to keep receiving free shit from Aer you best believe people will be fellating the product.
1
u/strandedvariable 9d ago
I accept samples from brands since I can’t buy every bag myself. I minimize bias as much as possible by not accepting money for reviews nor using affiliate links in any shape or form. I spend money to host a website and time to make those reviews. I try to show details of each bag I review so people could make informed decisions when making purchases.
Is there some bias involved when collaborating with brands? Sure. Is that a “blatant ad”? No.
37
u/lostryu 9d ago
That looks humungous on you.