One of the World’s Best EDC Backpacks Just Got an Even More Carry-Friendly New Edition

Last year, Aer launched a ground-up remix of its award-winning City Pack Pro backpack — arguably the brand’s best all-around EDC pack. And somehow, this sequel improved on an original that we had already deemed “almost perfect.”

Understandably, that earned it a spot on the GP100, our list of the 100 best products of the year.

Now, only a few short months later, the brand has returned to that same bag with another meaningful, if seemingly small, tweak. For some, the Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L may be the brand’s best take yet.

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Sometimes, smaller is better

If you’ve got a keen eye for naming conventions, chances are you’ve already figured out what’s different about this new edition. If not, let me help you out: it’s the qualifier at the end of the name that’s the most crucial element.

The original City Pack Pro 2 has a 24-liter capacity, which is teetering on the larger side of what many consider acceptable for an everyday carry pack (they can range from 15 to 30 liters, but the “sweet spot” is between 19 and 22). This new version, however, shaves off a full four liters.

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For those paying attention, yes, that puts this new version smack-dab in the center of the EDC sweet spot. It’s not such a drastic difference that it seems like a different pack, but it’s enough to make a significant impact in its bulk and carry-friendliness.

It’s the kind of thoughtful change that could elevate this bag for more discerning customers. And yet, it doesn’t replace the existing version; the 24-liter edition is still readily available across several versions and colorways. So, this isn’t a replacement; it’s an augment.

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Three caballeros

There’s other good news: the bag retains everything that made it great in the first place. It still has the same overall styling and silhouette, and the base pack is still crafted from ultra-tough Cordura ballistic nylon.

It also maintains its array of YKK zippers, Duraflex hardware, the lay-flat main compartment, its padded and suspended laptop compartment and so on. And all of its quick-access pockets and secret stash pouches, similarly, remain. Only the size has changed.

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That goes for the upgraded editions, as well. Yes, like its predecessor, this more svelte version of the City Pack Pro 2 is also available with your choice of a Dimension Polyant-built VX-42 X-Pac fabric (which gives it a bright orange interior) or a Challenge Sailcloth Ultra400X one (granting it a bright green interior).

As you should expect, that does come with appropriate price differences, but it is still a boon to those with an appreciation for alternative technical materials.

If you’ve been holding off on the City Pack Pro 2 because it seemed just a tad too bulky for your commuting tastes, your wait is now over.

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Availability and pricing

The Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L is now available on the brand’s site for $199. There’s also an X-Pac edition for $229 and an Ultra 400X version for $249.

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Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L

• Starts at $199

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