Lots of chatter online about the size of the new Aer suitcase so I thought I’d snap a pic. It’s definitely taller than a standard carry-on but I’m not too worried about it. It’s probably a tad too big to fit in the smaller overhead bins at the front of a small regional plane, but I usually avoid those seats anyways.

I really like the olive color on this and the wheels are very smooth, waaay nicer than the away suitcase which can’t compete with the Aer or Rimowa wheels. They’re not quite as smooth as the rimowa’s on a hard surface but very close. On carpet though you can tell the difference between the Rimowa and Aer wheels as the rimowa seems to glide effortlessly on any surface.

Not a full review but thought I’d post a pic for reference. I have no relationship with Aer but obviously ordered immediately on release.

The Patagonia mini mlc fits perfectly under seat in Eurowings Economy Class (A320neo).

Backpack is ULA Dragonfly

Medium sized packing cube: Shorts (2) Tech Pants (1) Lightweight jogger (1) Light rain jacket Casual shirts (3) Button shirts (2) Socks and underwear (3)

Patagonia Atom 8L sling (empty) Tech pouch (power bank, cables, charger) Hat Teva Sandals Dopp bag with toiletries Sunglasses w case

Wearing Merrill Lowtop hikers

Any obvious misses or suggestions?

I’m doing a one week trip to Italy next month and I’ve decided to make it my first onebag trip. I own an old Timbuk2 Especial Medio cycling backpack that’s about 30L, close to the volume I think I need for my packing list. However, it’s shaped more for aerodynamics than cubic space efficiency or ease of loading, and I’m finding myself eyeing the dedicated travel backpacks like the MLC mini with envy.

How much does the shape of the holding space really matter? I have the money, but buying a new bag when I have one that technically fits the requirements feels silly.

Photo’s Here!

Itinerary: Fiji Islands

Taveuni 4 nights

Volivoli 4 nights

4 days of scuba diving, other days hiking, exploring, etc.

Honeymoon trip with my wife!

Let me know what you would change, I’d still want to cut this down.

Airport notes: 

Obsessed over how to pack small for this trip as there was the 7kg limit. They did not check the backpack weight at LAX, luckily too because I had packed food for the plane and was at 9kg, and the 26+6 became pretty uncomfortable. On the way back it was closer to 7kg, and very comfortable. I was able to wear it all the last day walking around Nadi. They did however check the person’s backpack weight next to us at the bag check-in spot, I guess we were lucky. At the gate they grabbed a couple carry-on suitcases, but didn’t even glance at backpacks. Might have gotten away with a bigger bag but this one worked great.

Made the mistake of packing my neck pillow before security, which meant it touched all the belts and trays on the way …

Where I live the heat and humidity can be brutal, and this year spring is already cooking. So how chuffed was I when Outlier sent me a ramielust tank to test. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been wearing it into the ground. I wanted to really test it, so I leaned into it a bit more than I generally would. At this point it’s seen eight full days of wear (and a cpl partial), has been washed five times, slept in, worked out in, dressed up (a bit), tugged on by a small child and a small-legged dog, and is still in one piece. I know this form, in this fabric, has been highly anticipated by many (myself included) - so here’s what I’ve got:

• Quick Stats:
  • I’m 5’10” (or so) and I’ve generally considered my “true size” to be L for Outlier, but have been sizing up lately and enjoying it. I took an XL for a looser/breezier fit in Lilac Mist. I likely will stick with XL however I think I could definitely wear L and fit would still be solid.
• Fabric
  • Ramie is a natural fiber, it’s old and …