I've been using the Thule Aion Backpack for a few weeks now. I purchased this for international travel and wanted a bag with all these features and the ability to fit under the plane seat. Currently I am using it for every day work travel and it has not disappointed. The backpack is comfortable, functional and I have no worries about it. I am glad I did the research and this bag has all the features that any traveler would want and the bonus of it being comfortable to carry. Hands down the best backpack I have purchased.
I travel a lot internationally. It was time for me to get a new backpack. I did a ton of research and bought a handful of different brands. I returned all the others and kept this one. It is just about perfect for me and seems like it will last a really long time. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Love this backpack as it checks all the boxes of what I was looking for: -padded laptop compartment, easily accessible -looks good and high-quality build -spacious interior with enough room to be an overnighter, but small enough to be a daily carry - the expansion zipper really helps strike this balance. -comfortable/ergonomic -expandable water bottle pocket -well sized/appointed accessories pocket
What a fantastic bag! I'm personally not big on multiple pockets and tons of organization - I kind of feel like pockets and clips and sleeves make a bag heavier/provide weak points/water ingress opportunities/harder to load - totally a personal thing though. I do need a little bit of organization and this bag seems to provide only slightly more than I'm looking for.
I love the rubber divider and waterproof pocket. Sometimes you have some funky, dirty or wet stuff mid-adventure and laundering or drying it before you move on just isn't an option. I also love how it has a pocket to stow the divider away (and a place to hide that little gift for your beloved to give them later) The top- and back-loading options are fantastic for packing everything in. I usually pack clothes with the back open, close up shop and use the top load access to compress the clothes down and put my food and a dopp kit on top for easy snacking and self care mid-journey.
With the extension unzipped this bag is *huge*. My wife and I just spent a week in Arizona and we managed to cram everything we needed into the bag - I will say we travel extremely light though.
I was worried about how well my oddly sized laptop would fit - it's a 16", but is "squarer" than most laptops. I'm pleased to say it fits just fine and I think a 17" laptop might barely fit - maybe.
Some minor niggles:
The back zipper pulls can be locked together to deter unauthorized entry, but the top-load zippers do not lock together - these both access the same compartment which renders the locking zipper pulls superfluous. I realize that a knife through the canvas makes even the most secure closure system useless, so this doesn't bother me too much.
I really wish there was a strap retention system for the shoulder straps, or that the straps were removable. When I'm flying, I carry this bag on the airplane by the side handle, but the shoulder straps are always a mess and get caught on things occasionally in the narrow aisle.
I'd love some MOLLE compatible strap ladders. I realize there aren't many secure places on this bag. Maybe on the side near the handle or on the shoulder straps? MOLLE systems aren't lightweight or sleek looking, but I think they could be put in a couple of spots without making the bag heavy or look like something the military would issue.
I needed a carryon for an upcoming trip. Started with the carryon spinner, then ordered the 35 L duffel as a personal item. Noticed the 28 L backpack also looped over the suitcase handle so I had to have it too. Finished off with the sling bag Which doubles as an added belt for the pack. Now I am ready for any flight or weekender. So many useful features including a packing cube - another cool innovation.glad I chose the nutria brown- ez to spot in a world of black luggage. Sorry no pic’s I’m reviewing from work. I highly recommend
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This travel backpack by Thule is all the rave! My family and I take a lot of day trips so this backpack has been a lifesaver! There are quite a bit of of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized. It definitely holds a lot of stuff! The straps are super comfortable and padded so wearing it for a long period of time is no problem at all. The material of the bag is very durable and easy to wipe clean. I have enjoyed taking this bag with us everywhere. It is really all we need to pack up and enjoy the day out.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the way this bag is partitioned! It's perfect for a overnight bag, or carry on for all the important things you don't want to check. There is space for a laptop, clothes, a small amount of toiletries and a pair of shoes, yet this bag still somehow looks slender. Way easier than toting around a duffle, or multiple bags for travel.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This backpack is amazing, so many features. Love that the center section is expandable. Three separate zippered sections. Many pockets in each section. Quality is very nice, very durable. I go to Elk country to photograph the elk. This pack is great for carrying things with me. Great for being on the go. Highly recommend it!!