Thule Aion Backpack

I have a few semi high end travel backpacks, I'm a one bag traveler, if some place I can't go without carrying only a backpack, I just don't go. I also never check my bags, if I can't carry it on a plane, I don't use it. So a high quality and high capacity backpack is very important to me. I'm not a backpacker, I don't walk around anywhere with my backpack. The only place I will be carrying one is at the airport, so even though comfort is important, it's not on the top of my list. The Thule 40l feels comfortable enough. It doesn't come with a hip strap, but I never use one anyway. It has a very roomy main compartment, comes with compression straps, a builtin detachable wet bag, a small builtin mesh toiletry zip compartment, and a full length zip compartment for additional organization. The laptop compartment is also very large, even with a laptop and a tablet, it still has room for stuff. Since I travel light, I only carry a 12 inch laptop, so I will be using the laptop compartment for clothing in compression cubes or other stuff. The front organizational pocket is only 1/2 way deep of the bag, wish it was larger so I can fit a light jacket along with miscellaneous stuff. The hidden pocket at the back is great for passport, wallet and quick access to travel documents. There is one external water bottle pocket on the right side, has no strap, but feels snug enough. I wouldn't flip the bag over, the water bottle could fall out. I saw people complaining about the waxed canvas, saying it looks dirty and scratched upon arrival. My bag arrived clean as whistle, not a single scratch on it. I tried scratching it a few times with my finger nails to see if it would leave a mark, it didn't, so I'm not too worried about it looking ugly or "full of character" after a few uses. Not sure if the material is really water resistant, not going to test it, don't plan on walking in the rain or dunking it in a puddle. My trips are usually 2-3 weeks long, I travel to many parts of the world with backpacks ranging in sizes from 35l to 45l. This bag is 40l, should be big enough to carry 10 days of light clothes and toiletries. Men's clothing is bulkier and heavier than women's, my wife packs light too, she can literally fit 2-3 weeks of light clothes in this 40l backpack. No, we never go anywhere cold, hate the cold. :). The bag is made in Vietnam, a bit disappointing, was hoping it'd be made in a Western country. However, the construction seems solid and durable, only time will tell if it will hold up. At $200 price point, it's better made or equivalent to some of the more expensive backpacks on the market, and exceeds bags in its same class, Peak Design 45l or Osprey Porter for example, both of which I also own. If you are also a one bag traveler, get the 40l version. If you carry a backpack in addition to check luggage, this bag might be too big, get the 28l one.

This is a really nice looking backpack with some useful features and pretty comfortable to carry too. Really solid construction with awesome zippers and nice water resistant material. Things I like... - Really nice zippers - looks nice - expandable from 28L to 32L - few good little organization pockets in front - stash pocket in top back - nice interior setup that can be split or used as one large compartment - interior thin waterproof section to keep papers dry OR separate something wet or a few dirty clothes - comfortable side carry handle - fits 32oz Nalgene bottle - luggage pass through Changes I wish it had... - remove that front little handle, looks weird sticking out. Just make it a little incognito strap if you gotta put something there. And back top handle not comfortable to grab, make it a little more comfortable - wish front had a quick access zip pocket for little stuff - wish there was a better dedicated pocket on top to stash and protect sunglasses - the little zipper pulls on a couple zippers sort of stick out and wish they just laid against bag - maybe a couple more little zipper stash pockets inside would be good - wish bag was like 1-2" longer top to bottom (I'm 6' tall) so it would just fit more long ways vertical on back as opposed to sticking further out. Overall a really solid, nice looking, functional bag w some great features and better than 95%+ of what you'll find in this size and price range.

This backpack has been excellent. The construction feels high quality and very durable, and it has held up extremely well as my everyday work and computer bag. One of the best things about it is how versatile it is. When it is not packed out, it keeps a relatively compact footprint, but it can expand enough to handle several days of clothes for a quick business trip. That makes it a great option for someone who wants one bag that can pull double duty for daily use and travel. Overall, this is a well thought out, premium-feeling backpack that I would absolutely recommend, buy again, and give as a gift.

Nice bag. Quality construction and zippers. This can't be underestimated. It easily packs enough business clothes for three or four days. I've packed four shirts, three slacks, four pairs of boxers, four undershirts, four pairs of socks, a casual t-shirt, gym shorts, two sweaters and a blazer. There was some room to spare but not much. In the laptop compartment I fit a 16" laptop, power cord, cell phone cords. Best to pack the laptop before clothes as it can get hard to zip if you pack it last. The front, top pocket fit two cell phones, a soft over book, pens, wallet, and still had some room. I do wish the main compartment hinged at the bottom rather than the side. I also don't like the bulky and unnecessary padded divider in the laptop compartment. It takes away storage space it is most unusable. Overall, this is the best one bag travel backpack for business travel I have found. But it could be better with small tweaks.

The most versatile backpack I've ever had. Quality - A+. I own several Thule products, and this is my go to for light to medium travel. Fits all clothing, paperwork, toiletries, accessories etc. Excellent laptop protection and easy access compartment for carry-on. If you spend the night anywhere but home, this backpack is a necessity. Stow the straps and carry with the side handle if you'd like. Also fits perfectly and tightly on a roller. Excellent value for the money.

I highly recommend this expandable (28-32L) TRAVEL backpack. Many companies make mediocre products to complement their better known merchandise. This is not one of them. The backpack is made of partially recycled material and has a canvas like water resistant exterior. The handles are well thought out and there is an elastic side bottle holder. The pack opens separately from a top zip or full clam-shell style and is lockable. It also has a handy waterproof compartment to hold a wet swimsuit, etc. The Aion contains two padded compartments to hold your tablet and a large laptop. There is a top zippered pocket that holds your small items like earbuds, cables, etc. The shoulder straps are comfortable and have an adjustable cross strap. The above pics show these features. After using it on a four day trip I think it's a well thought out and high quality product. It also fits under an airplane seat. Thule has made a great backpack. Who knew?

I've long been a fan of one of Thule's USA-based competitors (and have over a dozen of that company's backpacks to prove it.) But a colleague who (like me) does a lot of international travel recently recommend I try this Thule Aion 28+4 liter pack. Trusting his judgment, I bought one to give it a try... And I'm so glad it did! I took it on a recent domestic trip (before putting it to the international test.) It holds every bit as much if not more than the 26+6 expandable pack I've been using from their competitor. While this Thule is a bit heavier, it is also more efficient with better compartmentalization. It's also more versatile as you can incorporate the Aion Sling Bag as a belt strap. The finish is waxed canvas so it does mark up, but that distressed look is a bit of the charm of this series. The only thing I'd change is adding a second beverage pouch and perhaps a few more attachment points. Overall, though, a welcome upgrade to the other company's expandable that's been my travel companion for the last few years.

So sturdy. Love the color. Very stylish and practical and functional.