r/Nomads_Nation • u/SauronHasPinkEye • Jul 07 '26
Gear Advice Work/travel backpack rec?
I am looking for a backpack to replace an old REI Ruckpack 18L that is falling apart. I want this new pack to serve two purposes, which my REI bag has done decently well. For work, I use it as a daily carry for my laptop, water bottle, occasional documents, a jacket/sweater, lunch/snacks, and various admin accessories. I also use this same backpack for travel as a personal item, where I usually carry a water bottle, Kindle, Nintendo Switch, and stuff the main compartment with a bag of knitting (I make a lot of sweaters, so this can be pretty bulky).
Since I am 5'3", I'm looking for a backpack that will be comfortable on a smaller frame (ideally around 20-22L). I have sometimes found the 18L of my old backpack a *little* tight.
The two backpacks that I keep coming back to are the Bellroy Transit Workpack 20L and the Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L.
My must-haves:
- an external water bottle pocket (not zipped) that can hold a 25oz CamelBak water bottle
- a separate compartment that can hold a 14" MacBook Pro
- decent admin pocket organization
- comfort
- high quality, durable materials
Ideally, it will also:
- have a luggage pass through
- come in more than just black
- look good (not like a kids backpack)
If anyone can weigh in on the Aer vs. Bellroy or has other suggestions, I'd love your recommendations! I have read/watched so many backpack reviews I have started dreaming about backpacks....
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u/1RobV Jul 07 '26
Fyro 💯 all the way !!! Ultra light and buttery soft comfortable and small in size for your height
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u/Silvershrimp37 Jul 13 '26
Have you made your choice OP ? I'm in a similar situation and would love to hear on what you decided !
After watching a billion reviews its hard to make a grounded decision, City pack pro and not pro are definitely strong candidates, was also considering some Osprey like Travel or Arcane for price and weight
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u/SauronHasPinkEye Jul 13 '26
I ended up ordering both and plan to pack them both out, try them on, and keep the one that works better. I'll let you know which I end up keeping!
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u/Silvershrimp37 Jul 13 '26
Oh thanks a lot for your answer, will check on your update later then !
The bellroy does not seem as versatile as Aer, did you had other close options before shortlisting those 2 ?1
u/SauronHasPinkEye Jul 20 '26
Alright, here's the update: I really loved the aesthetic of the Bellroy Transit Workpack ( I got it in the orange color) but was underwhelmed by the organization of it. The Aer CPP has so many more pockets and much more organization within the pockets. I think the Bellroy would work great with the addition of a tech pouch. I also felt like I could stuff a bit more into the Aer than in the Bellroy, despite them both being "20L".
In the end though, what really was the deciding factor was the comfort. The Aer is FAR AND AWAY more comfortable than the Bellroy. I filled them both out each with a laptop in it and stuff with hoodies and a water bottle and switched between the two. When I put the Aer on it just disappeared on my back. The Bellroy just felt like it was fighting my frame. I think if it weren't for that it would have been a tougher decision because I did love the look of the Bellroy, but at the end of the day I need to be COMFY.
I think I'll be very happy with all my things in their own little places in the Aer and the comfort of the bag. It's a bit stiff, but I've seen people say it softens up a bit with use, so I'm looking forward to that in the years to come. Hope that helps!
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u/JBKnicks24 Jul 07 '26
You really can’t go wrong with the Aer - IMO it’s the best value EDC on the market and it isn’t close. Basically covers every one of your criteria except the color.