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One of Aer’s Most Versatile EDC Bags Gets Even Better Via a Ground-Up Revamp

The brand’s beloved, award-winning Gym Tote has been improved in nearly every conceivable way with this follow-up.

A black bag with a light gray interior is open, revealing a laptop, a beige zippered pouch, and a water bottle inside. The bag is resting on a green wooden bench with metal bolts, and a person's hands are holding the bag open. The background shows a stone-paved ground with scattered leaves.Aer

By Sean Tirman

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Aer has been on a bit of a tear lately, dropping a bunch of revamped bags, like the Aer Slim Pack 2 and Aer City Pack Pro 2, and some new additions to the brand’s catalog, like the Street Sling.

The latest in that endeavor is a redux of another member of the brand’s award-winning catalog. The Aer Gym Tote 2 takes one of the San Francisco-based outfit’s most versatile, fan-favorite offerings and improves it in nearly every way.

A man wearing a black cap and dark t-shirt is walking outdoors on a city street. He carries a large black shoulder bag with a pair of black headphones attached to it and sunglasses tucked into the side pocket. He holds a clear water bottle with a white cap in his right hand.
This bag blends the carry-friendly simplicity of a tote with a much higher degree of sophistication and organization.
Aer

The G.O.A.T. of totes?

It’s presumptuous to suggest that anything is the “absolute best” of its category. But there’s no denying that the original Gym Tote is easily among the best tote bags on the market. This version serves to further solidify that with a swath of updates and upgrades.

That said, much of what made it so impressive to begin with remains. That includes things like its exterior construction of 680D Cordura ballistic nylon that’s resistant to weather, abrasions, punctures and more. That exterior combines with a complement of YKK zippers.

Black tote bag with a small handle and a front zipper pocket, placed on a concrete surface with a green and white tiled pattern. A pair of white-framed sunglasses is hooked onto the bag. A person wearing a dark shirt and gray pants is placing a folded newspaper into the front pocket. The bag has a small tag with the brand name "Aer.
Along with its generous main compartment, the bag has numerous externally accessible additional pockets.
Aer

It also retains its signature ventilated, separate shoe compartment (a must-have for gym-goers, which does double duty as a dirty workout clothes compartment).

Of course, there are also a lot of changes. Some are small, some are major and some add completely new features to the bag’s already impressive array.

Close-up of an olive green and black fabric bag with a front zippered pocket partially open, containing a black leather wallet and a gray smartphone with three camera lenses. The bag has sturdy black handles and reinforced stitching.
There’s a small zippered external pocket perfect for your everyday carry gear.
Aer

Smarter, not harder

One of the most significant alterations to this new version of the Gym Tote is its capacity, which has been increased from 19.4 liters to 22 liters. The laptop compartment has also been significantly increased, and it can now carry up to a 16-inch computer (as opposed to a 13-inch).

But wait, there’s more! The bag also gets a new bluesign-approved ripstop nylon liner. That liner is accompanied by a new, smarter internal organizational scheme, made up of a wider main opening, multiple slip pockets and even a hidden tracker pocket (a handy security feature).

A person wearing a light beige long-sleeve shirt and gray sneakers is placing a white athletic shoe into a black bag with an orange interior. The bag has a front zippered pocket and a wide opening with a zipper, revealing the bright orange lining inside. The person is kneeling on one knee while holding the shoe and the bag.
There’s an even tougher, lighter X-Pac edition with a hi-vis orange liner.
Aer

Other significant alterations include a refreshed palette of colorways: black, navy blue and olive green. The bag also gets a luggage pass-through for additional travel versatility.

Finally, there’s a special-edition version made from X-Pac fabric, which is lighter and tougher than its siblings. It also has a vibrant, high-visibility orange liner that helps set it apart.

A man wearing a black cap, white sunglasses, a black t-shirt, and dark shorts is crossing a city street at a crosswalk. He carries a large black bag over his shoulder and wears white socks with white and black shoes. The street is lined with tall brick buildings, and there are cars waiting at a red traffic light. The sky is clear and blue.
For speedy commutes between home, the office and the gym, this bag is pretty tough to beat.
Aer

Available now

Aer’s Gym Tote 2 is now available on the brand’s site, starting at $129. The X-Pac version is also available for $159.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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