Hi, I'm Eric 👋 I've led AI and subscription products at Amazon for the past 8
years, excelling at the intersection of product and engineering to
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I've been a bag enthusiast for years, always on the hunt for the perfect travel companion. After cycling through dozens of bags, I've finally found my sweet spot. At least for this year.
It wasn't an easy journey. I had to say goodbye to some old favorites like the Evergoods CPL24 and CTB26. As much as I appreciated their robust build and thoughtful design, I found myself increasingly conscious of every gram I was carrying. The Evergoods bags, while fantastic in many ways, started to feel a bit too hefty for my travel style.
So, what made the cut? Here's my current setup:
ULA Dragonfly (30L, Black Robic, 750gr)
Aer Go Pack 2 (20L, 210D Cordura, 585gr)
Flowfold Optimist (10L, EcoPak, 261gr)
The Aer Go Pack 2 has been the most surprising addition. When I bought it, I never imagined it would become my go-to for many trips including a couple international trips. But here we are! The only time I reach for the Dragonfly instead is when I need to pack a second pair of shoes.
My travel backpack strategy these days is pretty simple:
Quick getaway or minimalist longer trip? Aer Go Pack 2 all the way
Extended travel and need extra shoes? ULA Dragonfly + Flowfold Optimist
When I travel with the Dragonfly, I pack the Flowfold Optimist inside. Flowfold squishes down to almost nothing and it transforms into the perfect day pack at my destination. I can easily fit my 13" MacBook Air, a light hoodie, a water bottle, and enough snacks to keep me going between meals.
This setup has proven versatile for my travel needs in 2024, allowing me to adapt to different trip lengths and requirements while keeping weight to a minimum.