AER® ALTERNATIVE

With all the work and travel bag choices out there, it can be overwhelming to sift through the universe of possible alternatives to Aer®. To help make the process easier, the chart below compares Aer® key features to similar best-selling competitors (this information comes from each brand’s website so you don’t have to go looking for it yourself).

AER® Backpack Alternatives

Accurate as of 02/27/2023

Brand Name
KNACK® KNACK® AER® AER®
Series 1 Medium Knack Pack Series 2: Large Expandable Knack Pack City Pack Pro Travel Pack 3
Series 1 Series 2
Price
$225 $295 $209 $249
Primary Use
Every day + Travel Every day + Travel Everyday Travel
Size and Weight
Exterior Dimension - Unexpanded
19"H x 12"W x 4.5"D 19"H x 12"W x 4.5"D 18"H x 12"W x 7.5"D 21.5"H x 13"W x 9"D
Exterior Dimension - Expanded
19"H x 12"W x 9.5"D 19"H x 12"W x 9"D Does Not Expand Does Not Expand
Capacity
Capacity Unexpanded
27L 24L 24L 35L
Capacity Expanded
39L 35L Does Not Expand Does Not Expand
Weight
2 lbs. 11oz 3 lbs 2 lbs. 9.6oz 3 lbs. 14.2oz
Expansion Function
360° Full Perimeter Expansion Zipper 360° Full Perimeter Expansion Zipper None None
Materials
Expanded Materials
Water Resistant, 1200 Denier, Hi-Twist Polyester With Cire Coating Water Resistant, 420 Denier, Hi-Twist Nylon with 840 Denier Ballistic Nylon Bottom With Double PU Coating 1680 Denier Cordura® Nylon in Black And Olive 700 Denier Cordura® Nylon in gray
Water Resistant, 1200 Denier, Hi-Twist Polyester With Cire Coating Water Resistant, 420 Denier, Hi-Twist Nylon with 840 Denier Ballistic Nylon Bottom With Double PU Coating 1680 Denier Cordura® Nylon in Black And Olive 700 Denier Cordura® Nylon in gray
Lining Material
150 Denier Anti-Microbial Nylon with Water and Satin Resistant Treatment 150 Denier Anti-Microbial Nylon with Water and Satin Resistant Treatment Soft Woven Lining Soft Woven Lining
Compartments
Front Organization Compartment
Main Everyday Compartment
Patent-pending Hidden, Expandable Suitcase Compartment		 Front Organization Compartment
Main Everyday Compartment
Patent-pending Hidden, Expandable Suitcase Compartment		 Front Organization Pocket
Main Everyday Compartment		 Front Organization Compartment
Main Packing Compartment
Compartment Openings
Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Suitcase Compartment: Book Opening		 Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Suitcase Compartment: Book Opening		 Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Features
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6" Up to 15.6" Up to 16" Up to 16"
Laptop Protection
Padded Laptop Compartment With Suspension Sling Padded Laptop Compartment With Suspension Sling Suspended, Padded Laptop Pocket Suspended, Padded Laptop Pocket
Luggage Handle Attachment
Horizontal Trolley Sleeve Horizontal Trolley Sleeve Horizontal Trolley Strap Horizontal Trolley Strap
RFID Pocket
Yes Yes No No
Water Bottle Pocket
Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket Open Exterior Pocket Open Exterior Pocket
Lockable Zipper Pullers
Yes Yes No Yes
Tuck Away Shoulder Straps
Yes Yes No No
Sternum Strap
Adjustable, Removeable Adjustable, Removeable Adjustable Adjustable

Other Backpack Alternatives

Other Helpful Resources for Selecting a Work or Travel Bag
5 stars

"It has room for everything I need to take it from the office, to the road, to the hotel, to the field, and back again" -Martin

  • Slim and lightweight for everyday use
  • Everyday compartment with tons of organization pockets
  • Easy-access side laptop compartment with protective padding and sling
  • Separate hidden suitcase compartment that expands when you need it

"The versatility of an everyday commuter bag with the convenience of a travel backpack."

The Gadgeteer

“The best travel backpack for business travelers.”

GQ Recommends

"Its secret weapon is the patent-pending hideaway travel compartment that expands when you need it, and zips away when you don’t. And it packs flat like a suitcase."

Carryology

"The best backpack for when you don’t want to look like a backpacker."

Fodors

"If you love traveling light and brilliant design, the Knack Bag is for you."

Forbes

"The Knack Pack has garnered a lot of admiration in the carry community thanks to its adaptable EDC and travel-ready design."

Men's Journal

Shop Knack 2-in-1 Work and Travel Bags

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