Best Packable Bag Champion | Carry Awards X

Want a packable bag that doesn’t skimp on features? With its sleek aesthetics, useful organization, and comfy carry, our Best Packable Bag champion offers a great carry experience without unnecessary bulk…

1st Place

Aer Go Pack 2

Aer SF does it again. Delivering a bag that is functional and sleek. With a clever selection of pocketing the organization of the Go Pack 2 is outstanding. While this bag is packable, you can still fit a 16″ MacBook Pro inside with a decent amount of other gear. When you are done, fold this thing up and toss it in a drawer or suitcase. It is the perfect companion to carry with you every day or when traveling. The Go Pack 2 comes with a durable fabric; the 210D Cordura® crinkle nylon exterior keeps this pack lightweight (20.8oz), while still allowing room for the abuse that some bags see while traveling the world.

One of the best features of the Go Pack 2 is the front drop pocket. This allows you to have quick access to items you might need, like a raincoat, umbrella, or that packet of Oreos. This drop pocket has a magnetic buckle that can secure any items, so you don’t have to worry about items running off. While the bag is lightweight, the straps have just enough padding to be comfortable and feel supportive. With the quality that we are used to from Aer, this is an amazing pack for the low price of $99.

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Matador Beast28

Packable bags aren’t traditionally known for great outdoor performance but Matador changes that with the Beast28. Created as a technical pack for outdoor use, the Beast28 features an ultralight flexible frame that moves easily with your body while allowing the bag to pack down small when not in use. And the outdoor-friendly features don’t stop there.

The water-resistant pack has a removable hip belt and sternum strap for comfortable carry, gear loops and daisy chains for securing extra gear, and easy-access water bottle pockets. Internally you’ll find additional pockets for smaller items and the pack is also hydration bladder compatible. If you’re looking for a technical outdoor pack that stores easily in luggage or a vehicle while performing like a pro on the go, you’ve found it. Epic work, Matador!

Bellroy Lite Daypack

If clean lines and sustainable construction are your jam, look to Bellroy’s Lite Daypack to deliver both in functional and elegant style. Constructed with ripstop fabric using 100% recycled PET plastic bottles, the Lite Daypack is lightweight but durable enough for everyday use and lends itself to everyday and travel settings alike.

The pack offers a selection of pockets for quick-access items, documents, and smaller valuables, along with attachment loops for securing additional items externally. And the padded back panel, contoured straps, and adjustable sternum strap help keep the load comfy as you venture out and about. Able to be flattened or rolled for storing in luggage or saving space when not in use, this bag offers a fine balance of lightweight functionality and versatility for multiple uses and environments. Well done, Bellroy!

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A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

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