AllGear Digital is proud to announce the Aer Ultra Sling, a product collaboration between its travel gear review publication, Pack Hacker, and the San Francisco-based travel brand, Aer. Launching March 2 at 10 AM EST, this limited-release 2-liter sling is the result of a 17-month design partnership merging expert user insights from the review team at Pack Hacker with Aer’s high-performance design and technical manufacturing.
“Our team has tested over 70 Aer products, and most of our staff carry at least one Aer item daily,” said Tom Wahlin, Founder of Pack Hacker. “This collaboration allowed us to apply years of feedback directly to the design process, refining the Ultra Sling through multiple iterations to balance durability and organization.”
“It was a great experience working with Tom and the Pack Hacker team. We’re both deeply rooted in the carry world, so there was an immediate understanding of what really matters to travelers. It felt less like a traditional collaboration and more like two teams pushing each other to build something better.” said Allen Choi, Founder of Aer.
The final design utilizes Challenge Sailcloth Ultra200X fabric and reverse-coil YKK zippers for enhanced weather resistance—a specification adopted after early prototypes were tested in rainy conditions in Lisbon and further validated across multiple international testing environments. Functional updates influenced by the Pack Hacker team include a pivoting Duraflex buckle system that allows the bag to sit flat against the body, a mesh back panel for stability against technical fabrics, and a specialized “accordion” front pocket for tiered organization.
Additional utility features include removable straps that allow the sling to convert into a standalone tech pouch, discreet bottom lash straps for carrying external gear like umbrellas or tripods, and a dedicated smart-tracker pocket.
This project builds on the success of a similar design collaboration with Matador, the limited-edition Refraction Pro, which sold out in 81 minutes.
The Pack Hacker x Aer Ultra Sling will be available in limited quantities starting March 2.
Media Contact: pr@allgeardigital.com
About AllGear Digital and Pack Hacker
AllGear Digital delivers award-winning outdoor journalism and gear reviews to an engaged audience of active, outdoors enthusiasts. Our owned and operated publications include GearJunkie, The Inertia, Pack Hacker, and other category-leading media brands. AllGear Digital and AGD+, AllGear Digital’s extended advertising network, have a combined global monthly reach of over 60M, leveraging AGD Studios to tell powerful stories that inspire and engage. Based in Los Angeles, California, AllGear Digital is a diverse-owned media company committed to inclusivity.
Pack Hacker, part of the AllGear Digital media portfolio, is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. The team of gear testers uses their expertise and real-world experience to create in-depth product reviews, guides, and packing lists. Pack Hacker also partners with leading brands to develop products shaped by real traveler insights.
