u/arunwadhwasocial

I'm trying to decide between Aer City Pack Pro 2 24L, Aer Travel Pack 4 28L, Black Ember Citadel H2 (25L), and Able Carry MAX EDC (26L), however other suggestions are welcome. 

I had been using a Delsey Mouvement 14” (21L) previously for about a decade and while it’s still going strong - I don’t trust its straps as much anymore and decided to switch to Arc'teryx Arro 22 last year. 

I find Arro’s geometry slightly awkward to pack my loadout on short-trips, and sometimes even for everyday carry (EDC). I do however like the fact that it has load lifters, and while earlier I was only considering Aer CPP2, it recently ignited the debate of whether it’s still the right fit for me. 

Non Negotiables: 

• Durable high quality external shell with excellent abrasion resistance (Ideally: 1680D Cordura, X50 X-Pac - but I’d be willing to compromise a little here)
• Decent Water Resistance (I find myself in the middle of rains quite frequently)
• Dedicated Padded Laptop Compartment with a suspended false bottom. 
• Able to accomodate a Peak Design X-Small Camera Cube with room to spare
• Excellent Strap Comfort

Good To Have:

• Sleeve to keep an iPad Pro or an eReader (Kobo) [Preferably inside the Laptop Compartment itself]
• Load Lifters
• Sternum Strap
• Able to accomodate a Peak Design Small Camera Cube V2 with room to spare
• Duraflex or other proven hardware rather than some marketing gimmick
• Atleast 1 Water Bottle Pocket

I’m Indifferent to: 

• Weight
• YKK Aquaguard Zippers (Previously I wouldn’t touch bags without it and while part of me does want it, I’ve been reading reports of them peeling. I often find myself in places that are humid and hot, and I do like going for walks where one can’t really avoid the sun. As long as the peeling doesn’t compromise the zipper, I don’t mind.

 

My load out looks like: 

• Peak Design X-Small Camera Cube 
• 2025 MacBook Air (Currently in a separate laptop bag that I plan on ditching after acquiring a new bag)
• Kobo Clara BW
• TomToc Light T-12 Medium 1.8L (Currently used for wires and other accessories - always fully packed) 
• And other small things here and there - Stethoscope, Tide Stick, pens, a compact umbrella, etc.

 

I do plan on upping my water intake and I’m considering throwing in my Zojirushi 0.5L water bottle in too, perhaps a dopp kit to store my razor, moisturizer, etc? But not being able to store them wouldn’t be as big of a deal breaker. 

Every now and then I’m forced to take a budget airline (like AirAsia) for atleast a small leg of my journey, given how sometimes full service carriers can be 2-3 times on the same routes. Ideally, I’d like to be able to take the bag as a personal item on those.

I would appreciate any thoughts on which bag would work best! Would welcome any other suggestions related to laodout or bag options too!