AER Slim Pouch Review – On The Go Organization

After my positive experience with the AER Cable Kit 2, I was intrigued to try out another product from AER – the Slim Pouch. My goal was to address the issue of carrying numerous items loosely in my backpack or pocket while traveling, such as AirPods, passport, e-reader, flight tickets, cash, coins, chargers, and more. Although the Slim Pouch pouch is not part of AER’s travel collection, the Slim Pouch, with its promise of smart organization in a portable package, seemed like an ideal addition to my travel arsenal.

Where To Buy	Price

AER

$39

Verdict

Having used the AER Slim Pouch for well over a year now, I can only attest to the durable materials that are used in the bag, which still makes mine look like the day I unpacked it.

I especially enjoy the stylish design along with the possibility for it to stand upright, with the only downside being the somewhat small loop used for carrying.

I would rather have seen a larger handle, with the possibility of attaching it to a backpack in some form.

Overall, I found the Slim Pouch to be particularly useful as a smaller travel tech organizer and a place to easily put your valuables when you are heading to the beach when your clothing pocket space is limited.

Full Review

Design and Build Quality

Unlike most of AER’s gear, Slim Pouch comes in an olive green color, breaking the pattern of AER’s signatory black and grey (I still chose the black).

Similar to the Cable Kit 2, the Slim Pouch features a sturdy 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior, imparting a sleek, professional appearance and ensuring robust durability and resistance to wear and tear. It’s worth noting that the grey variant is made from 700D Cordura®, which is equally durable and water-repellent.

The high-quality YKK® zippers contribute to the overall premium feel of the pouch, guaranteeing smooth and dependable operation. However, like many AER products, the main compartment’s zipper, at about 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length, is somewhat too long, resulting in a slightly clanky feel.

Storage and Features

The Slim Pouch begins with its outer quick-access pocket, secured with a YKK aqua-guarded zipper. This self-locking zipper ensures security, as it remains firmly shut unless manually opened or closed.

The pocket, measuring 17 cm, is spaciously designed to accommodate items like car keys, pens, or other essentials for immediate access.

Transitioning to the main compartment, this section is arrayed with a variety of pockets. It includes two mesh pockets, each sizable enough to hold a MacBook charger.

It’s advisable to refrain from placing smaller items in these pockets, as they may inadvertently slip out if the Slim Pouch is upturned.

On the flip side of the main compartment lies an array of additional pockets. The first two are open pockets, perfect for storing items such as AirPods. Centrally located is a YKK zippered pocket, an ideal spot for safeguarding small, valuable items — a secure place for cash during travels.

Beyond this is a longer open pocket, situated behind the zippered section. This pocket is well-suited for storing a notepad or a power bank. I personally find it a perfect fit for my 6″ Kobo Nia e-reader.

The Slim Pouch’s base is robust enough to stand upright without toppling. The quick-grab loop, positioned in the left-hand corner, is designed for easy carrying or hanging.

However, a longer handle on the side or bottom of the pouch would have been a more practical addition, making it simpler to attach to the exterior of a backpack.

Portability and Use Cases

Measuring 9″ x 5″ x 2″ (23 cm x 13 cm x 5 cm) and with a volume of just 1.5 L, the Slim Pouch is the epitome of compactness. It’s an ideal choice for those who, like myself, value minimalism yet don’t want to compromise on functionality.

Although it’s not a mainstay in AER’s travel lineup, it’s quite functional in various travel situations. On flights, for instance, it helps organize essentials in one place, which can be handy if you prefer not to fill your pockets.

As a tech gear organizer, it’s less bulky than the Cable Kit 2, however still provides enough space for items like chargers, AirPods, and an E-reader.

For occasions when your clothing pocket space is limited, such as at the beach, the Slim Pouch can be a practical choice to hold items like your wallet, phone, e-reader, AirPods, and cash in a single, easy-to-carry bag.

Price and Value

Considering AER’s reputation for quality, I consider the Slim Pouch to be reasonably priced at $39 for those of you who are based in the US.

This thing will last you a lifetime if you treat it right. For those in Europe, be aware that additional charges for taxes and transportation will apply, as AER ships all products from the US to the European Union.

As someone located in Sweden, I noticed the price increase to $83, a significant jump for a single product purchase.

Nevertheless, purchasing multiple items from AER, as I did when buying the Slim Pouch, can distribute the shipping and tax costs more evenly, making the overall expense more palatable.