Packing the Aeronuat

[Frank II]

Since I've gotten the Aeronaut, I've packed all of my electronics and misc. stuff in the center compartment and used the end compartment for clothes. I did this thinking it would be easier for the people at airport security to see what's in the bag and not hassle me. This wasn't the most efficient use of space.

But I'm thinking I can be more efficient if I used those side pockets not for clothes but for the misc. items and toiletry stuff as well as a few electronics. (All in packing cubes.)

Does anyone here travel with their electronics or other non-clothes items in the end pockets? If so, have you had any problems at airport security?

(Oh, I just realized I spelled Aeronaut wrong in the title of this thread but there's no way to fix it.)

[rabergnc]

While I do not have an Aeronaut, I have used a Timbuk2 wingman which has a somewhat similar configuration (it has one sidepocket like the Aeronaut). I have packed electronics and clothing in the side pocket as well as in the main compartment. I have gone through airport security without problems - I have carried variously an ipad, macbook air, phone(s), power charges, cords, adapters and so on. As long as the items can be visualized readily and you don't happen to be one of the random folks they choose from time to time for additional screening, no problems. I have sneaked a peek at the image that TSA sees from their carry-on x-rays and the detail is really impressive.

[capncat]

i don't have an aeronaut, either, but my work bag has a similar configuration with a pocket at the end where i stash all of my various electronics cables. i've flown quite a lot with this setup without incident. the only time i've even remotely been questioned about it was when i was leaving madrid a couple years ago (even then, they just wanted to unzip that pocket and take a peek inside, not a major hassle).

[Filmbuff]

I don't see that choosing on whether to put electronics in the end pockets or in the main compartment means more or less efficiency on space. There are other factors which influence space efficiency such as the size and number of items on your packing list, how much space the electronics take, and whether you will be using them during the trip/flight.

Security checkpoints practices can differ too. Generally if you have a laptop, they'll want you to put it in basket, even when sometimes they are in a checkpoint-friendly case. They usually let you leave tablets in the bag but I've heard of people who have been asked in unbag those too.

There's no one-rule that applies for all cases. Which goes back to my preference on putting electronics in a convenient access place whenever possible , eg. either a side/end pocket or stowing it in a personal bag.

Since I've gotten the Aeronaut, I've packed all of my electronics and misc. stuff in the center compartment and used the end compartment for clothes. I did this thinking it would be easier for the people at airport security to see what's in the bag and not hassle me. This wasn't the most efficient use of space.

But I'm thinking I can be more efficient if I used those side pockets not for clothes but for the misc. items and toiletry stuff as well as a few electronics. (All in packing cubes.)

Does anyone here travel with their electronics or other non-clothes items in the end pockets? If so, have you had any problems at airport security?

(Oh, I just realized I spelled Aeronaut wrong in the title of this thread but there's no way to fix it.)

[Frank II]

Thanks rabergnc and capncat.

My concern is by packing the items vertically, rather than lying flat, they may bunch up due to gravity, and make it hard for the x-ray operator to see what is in the bag.

But using two quarter packing cubes, I can fit everything I need into the end pockets--electronics, toiletry kit-- except for my tablet which is in my shoulder bag packed in the main compartment. The clothes that were in the end compartment, but never filled it, can be returned to the main compartment.

Packing that way would make the bag leaner in profile and easier to fit in with those international airlines who have less than maximum carry-on limits.

[pw1224]

One of the end sections of my Aeronaut is dedicated to shoes. The other end is dedicated to airline-sized liquids, toiletries, and other sundries such as a travel tray, eyeglass case, etc. It's a system that works for me.

[roadrunner]

One of the end sections of my Aeronaut is dedicated to shoes. The other end is dedicated to airline-sized liquids, toiletries, and other sundries such as a travel tray, eyeglass case, etc. It's a system that works for me.

+1
This is my system as well.

[moriond]

@Frank I didn't respond earlier to your question because I've generally been traveling with the Tri-Star instead of the Aeronaut since I got that bag. And the main reason is that it's simply easier to keep the Tri-Star semi-prepacked for travel rather than having to switch bags and repack for those occasions when I absolutely need to meet more stringent international size restrictions. Having said that, when I did travel primarily with the Aeronaut I used to put my electronics into the end pockets of the Aeronaut using the clear quarter packing cubes, just as you're doing. The end pockets would also hold my 3-1-1 bag, a light windbreaker, and any books I might want to access and read during a flight. (Yes, I have a Kindle, but I still like using the non-electronic formats, too.)

Most of my electronics didn't "bunch", but then I remember that after the heightened security immediately following the Heathrow bomb scare of summer 2006, there was a period when I routinely pulled out electronics when going through airport security. *The clear quarter packing cubes were great for this, because they were sized just right for what I was carrying, had a convenient loop at the top for easy extraction, and had clear sides that made the contents easily visible. Not what you needed to know about current X-ray scanning of these items in the end pockets, but maybe of help to some forum readers.

moriond

[Frank II]

Thanks, Moriond. I use the quarter packing cubes as well because they are "see through."

My messenger bag goes into the main compartment. In it are the items I might need on a plane, train, bus or whatever transportation I'm using. This comes out when I board. The rest stays in the bag in the overhead.

I'm thinking now of using the end pockets for toiletry items and non-metal misc. objects and putting my electronics in cubes next to my messenger bag in the main compartment. I'lll connect the cubes to the "o" rings with different size key straps so they don't bunch up and are easier to see. (This is pretty close to what I do now.)

I hate being stopped and want to get through security as fast as possible. Especiailly now that Heathrow has announced much more thorough bag checks with some taking as long as 20 minutes.

[mconnorfx]

I pack my Aeronaut in a few different ways, depending on what I'm bringing with me. I mostly carry it with the Absolute strap, but if I'm hiking a fair bit I'll switch to backpack mode. Either way, I consider the zipper pocket end the front/top end, and the other end as the bottom/back end, and pack with that axis in mind. I care more about use of space than security, but I average 30-40 checkpoint passes a year and haven't had an issue with any security people, including Heathrow.

Main wins:
Everything I want while transiting airports/train stations/coffee shops is reachable without taking the bag off
Everything I want on the plane is easily accessible in overhead
The bottom is soft things I won't break if I shove the bag, or taking it off.
The front pocket is where I can see it, so I won't get pilfered easily.

Bottom pocket:

Typical: End cube with socks/underwear/t-shirts
Occasionally: dress shoes in an all-fabric end cube

Main pocket:

Typical:
Pants on bottom, compression strapped.
Full-sized packing cube with any other clothes I need.
Laptop in Ristretto v2.

Occasionally:
Two full packing cubes.
OR
Full packing cube + full end packing cube + Jacket/sweater

Top/front pocket:

Typical: Bose headphones in case. E-reader. Toiletries bag (3D Clear Organizer). Cables and chargers for phone/e-reader/sometimes laptop.
Occasional: End cube with clothes. (if I'm packing for a long and varied trip).

Zipper pocket:

Travel documents: passport, organizer wallet with Nexus card and other travel-specific cards, visa documentation, boarding pass(es)

[mconnorfx]

I pack my Aeronaut in a few different ways, depending on what I'm bringing with me. I mostly carry it with the Absolute strap, but if I'm hiking a fair bit I'll switch to backpack mode. Either way, I consider the zipper pocket end the front/top end, and the other end as the bottom/back end, and pack with that axis in mind. I care more about use of space than security, but I average 30-40 checkpoint passes a year and haven't had an issue with any security people, including Heathrow.

Main wins:
Everything I want while transiting airports/train stations/coffee shops is reachable without taking the bag off
Everything I want on the plane is easily accessible in overhead
The bottom is soft things I won't break if I shove the bag, or taking it off.
The front pocket is where I can see it, so I won't get pilfered easily.

Bottom pocket:

Typical: End cube with socks/underwear/t-shirts
Occasionally: dress shoes in an all-fabric end cube

Main pocket:

Typical:
Pants on bottom, compression strapped.
Full-sized packing cube with any other clothes I need.
Laptop in Ristretto v2.

Occasionally:
Two full packing cubes.
OR
Full packing cube + full end packing cube + Jacket/sweater

Top/front pocket:

Typical: Bose headphones in case. E-reader. Toiletries bag (3D Clear Organizer). Cables and chargers for phone/e-reader/sometimes laptop.
Occasional: End cube with clothes. (if I'm packing for a long and varied trip).

Zipper pocket:

Travel documents: passport, organizer wallet with Nexus card and other travel-specific cards, visa documentation, boarding pass(es)

[Stacybean]

Very helpful thread. I am going to travel with an Aeronaut for the first time later this week. I am inspired to try to "one bag" it by placing my daypack inside the main compartment. Maybe I can even fit the Aeronaut under the seat on the first small plane as I saw someone demonstrate somewhere around these forums. I am not sure that my first packing job will be stellar. You have all provided useful methods to consider. Thanks.