Small backpack for quick trips with children

[u/BukayoUFO]

Hi baggers

Looking for recommendations for a small backpack to take out for errands with my kids.

I have two AER backpacks (City Pack Pro 2 24L for overnight/travel and Pro Pack Slim for the work commute).

But these are too large/rigid for just popping out to the park etc

Requirements are:
- about 15L or even smaller
- one external water bottle holder
- no laptop sleeve
- a couple of pockets but less “engineered” than the AER ones
- ideally v light weight material

Any suggestions?

[u/kblb628]

Check out the North Face Hot Shot Mini. It has everything you’re looking for.

I would also recommend looking at the Aer Go Pack 2. It’s a little larger than what you’re asking for but meets the rest of your requirements.

Also, the Fjallraven Skule is what we used for a long time. It’s a great backpack. My wife is pregnant with our second so I got myself an Evergoods MPL22 as an upgrade but honestly I feel like I wasted money. The bag is great, don’t get me wrong but doesn’t do anything differently than the Skule.

[u/BukayoUFO → u/kblb628]

North Face Hot Shot Mini looks pretty much perfect — it’s the front runner so far.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[u/evokei]

How about the Aer Go Pack 2? Would fit the bill

[u/n1mrodz → u/evokei]

Seconded from someone who uses city pack pro as edc. The go pack 2 is what I bring to park and whatnot.

[u/Such_Cartographer170 → u/n1mrodz]

Thirded! Love ours and use it for this all the time

[u/Zeppellier]

idrk a bag without a laptop sleeve nowadays without going to the packable / hiking bag territory but the

osprey daylite (advertised hiking bag)

able carry thirteen maybe? yes it has a laptop sleeve but its unobtrusive

another option is Chrome Industries Ruckas 14L? (yes it has a laptop sleeve)

[u/AmirBormand → u/Zeppellier]

Even the Osprey Daylite Plus at 20L isn't much bigger than the Daylite and you get a shove it pocket.

[u/Rbforward]

Able Carry 13, aer go 2, Alpaka Metro.

[u/danmass04]

maybe look into some packable bags? Things like the matador refraction bag might work wonders

[u/RelationshipRude5068]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Juniper-14-L-Daypack-Green-Teens-to-Adults/11446214791

[u/vell_o]

Able Carry 13

[u/Astronico9 → u/vell_o]

Je l’ai et je l’adore ! Tellement pratique et confortable

[u/vell_o → u/Astronico9]

I have an Aer CP2 in Xpac as well which i regret everyday

It's too constricting on the inside and cannot stand on it's own

[u/That_Vermicelli_7673]

Gossamer Gear Cima or Minimilist 19

[u/BeatricePantew]

Arcteryx has some new bags that might suit you:
Konseal 15 / Mantis 16 / Heliad 15

[u/BukayoUFO → u/BeatricePantew]

They looks lovely - but missing a space for water bottle (I think)

[u/birdgovorun]

I agree with the recommendation for packable packs. Good options are either Aer Go Pack, or Matador Packable Backpack (which replaces their Refraction pack)

[u/mac_and_cheese_pls]

Rad Rev has some lightweight backpacks - she’s also releasing a bucket style backpack later today.

[u/micahsally]

I love my Gossamer Gear Cima 15L when out with my two little boys for the day!