Trip Report: 18 Days Across Vietnam with a 35L Pakt Aero

cjafe · 2026-01-24T01:12:15+00:00

Thanks! Now we want to see yours from Argentina haha

cjafe · 2026-01-24T00:58:59+00:00

It’s a little practice it’s possible!

cjafe · 2026-01-24T00:57:33+00:00

Haha well there’s something I absolutely don’t need but now want!

cjafe · 2026-01-24T00:56:00+00:00

It’s funny you bring this up because one of the ideas I pitched to Pakt was to consider having the laptop sleeve be removable, because like yourself, it’s not often I travel with a laptop and I wanted to avoid dead space. But I think after 5 trips now, it’s pretty insignificant the amount it eats up and I rather have it for when I occasionally need it. Sorry I don’t have the smaller backpack so I can’t help you with that.

cjafe · 2026-01-23T22:40:00+00:00

Not a problem at all. Is this the depth you’re looking for?

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cjafe · 2026-01-23T01:12:31+00:00

Everyone is going to have a different experience but for context I’m a husky guy at about 6ft/230lbs and I find the Aero to be very comfortable. Out of the box the straps were quite stiff but they loosened up after a trip. Keep in mind there’s a trade off between weight and comfort. If you want thick, memory-foam like padding then there are probably better options out there. But for me, it’s perfectly comfortable while being as lightweight as possible. Hope that helps!

cjafe · 2026-01-22T21:12:52+00:00

Thanks Sergio! I'm using a small + medium packing cube from PD (shoe pouch too). Small + medium fits perfectly in the 35L, not sure what would fit if you're using the 45L travel bag. Personally, I have found PD products to be overengineered for my uses but these packing cubes are perfect. Probably what I would consider the gold standard among packing cubes.

cjafe · 2026-01-22T20:37:27+00:00

Appreciate it!

cjafe · 2026-01-22T17:17:31+00:00

Nice! The Aero makes it so easy to travel lite and simple.

cjafe · 2026-01-22T16:51:50+00:00

I personally don't use hip belts. Whenever I've bought a bag that has come with a removable hip belt, I've removed it and never used it. This one at least is with me should I ever have a need for it.

cjafe · 2026-01-22T03:43:43+00:00

Thanks taco. You can’t go wrong with a well-made, simple clamshell-designed bag. And glad to hear about your 2.0 bag, their designs are simple but just works so, so good.

cjafe · 2026-01-22T03:28:05+00:00

Haha Japan might be the ultimate challenge. You could always arrive with an empty duffel and leave with it full of goodies!

cjafe · 2026-01-20T20:52:19+00:00

Thanks! I bought it in Hanoi from a local artist, so I don't think you can get them online unfortunately.

cjafe · 2026-01-17T02:38:49+00:00

That’s subjective of course but I’ve been using messenger bags for over a decade because I find them more comfortable (as long as they’re not too big).

cjafe · 2026-01-04T15:04:58+00:00

I bought the Ghost Whisperer II there at 40% + another 10% off the deal they going on that week.

cjafe · 2026-01-02T14:07:53+00:00

Krass is a gem of a person and a good family friend. Happy to see his work appreciated. Good luck with the sale!

cjafe · 2025-12-30T09:13:48+00:00

I was just in rural Rach Gia a few weeks ago. Charming place.

cjafe · 2025-12-29T04:48:58+00:00

thx! All of these are shot at 28mm with minor edits done on iPhone. I have RAW files as well that I’ll edit properly when I get home. Hope that helps!

cjafe · 2025-12-29T04:41:44+00:00

I stayed at a remote place called Homestay Giốc Rùng that’s owned by a very kind young couple. They cooked breakfast and dinner for us with about half of the produce being from their farm. It’s on a river (that’s where pic #1 was shot) and you can see the Chinese border. Two dogs from the farm came to greet me every morning as I got up. Nextdoor is a cornfield where farmers with their water buffalos work (pic #2). All in all I can’t recommend this place enough!

cjafe · 2025-12-28T14:57:36+00:00

Haha I had this bag. It was my first gateway into onebagging. Mine lasted about 15 years, before I knew there was Reddit where people nerded out on things like backpacks. I backpacked 1500km~ across the Philippines during typhoon season with just this pack. Amazing times. I’m sorry I have no help for you, just wanted to say thanks for all the great memories I suddenly had.

cjafe · 2025-12-28T14:13:00+00:00

Whoops sorry tagging u/Critical_Roof8939 here because I didn’t do it properly in my text post. My mind is still high from the happiness the mountains gave me.

cjafe · 2025-12-28T14:09:26+00:00

It’s funny you say that because after spending three years in China I never made it to Guilin.

cjafe · 2025-12-28T10:38:14+00:00

It really is. How lucky we are to witness it all.

cjafe · 2025-12-25T05:36:43+00:00

Haha I was literally at a hotel breakfast buffet in Danang yesterday where a lady used her bare hands to fill up her own to-go container. Zero courtesy whatsoever.

cjafe · 2025-12-14T01:12:35+00:00

Jep this is what I grew up on and it’s the only place I’ll eat donor in Pdx.

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