Thule Subterra Backpack 34L

Both the 18-year-old boy and the 21-year-old daughter love this thing. They both want it—bad. This is not a very large pack, coming in at only 34 liters. As such, this is not a pack for trekking or even camping. And it’s a bit big for an everyday campus sort of bag. The product copy calls this a “travel backpack.” This would be a good pack for a long weekend, or for business travel. This is a soft-sided pack, but is not floppy; there is some modest hard plastic framing inside. It’s got a side handle, so you can carry it like a briefcase. The top opening to the main compartment has the kind of internal semi-rigid plastic-enabled snap closure reminiscent of dry bags, but I can find nothing in the product copy that this is in fact a waterproof pack. The top closure works well, the smooth flat edges flexing tightly together, and three or four easy folds brings the snaplocks to their mates on the pack body so you can secure the edges on both sides. There is no zipper or other form of closure for the top access to the pack. The main compartment is big and easy to get into. The pack comes with a separate padded and zippered packing cube, complete with an integrated nylon pull handle. There is no way to secure this packing cube within the main compartment. There are no other compartments of storage features inside the main compartment. You can also get into the main compartment from outside on one side of the pack. Inside the main compartment you can access the laptop compartment as well. There is a huge internal pouch, padded amply on both sides and accessible from the side, for a laptop. I’ve got a traditional big laptop, and this fits in easily. There is an outside compartment that has all of the traditional computer-type features, with multiple pouches, slots for pens, mesh pouches, one of them zippered, etc. This outside compartment is also very well padded. The shoulder straps are the kind you’d find on a heavier pack, nicely padded and contoured, with multiple nylon loops on each strap, and with a chest connecting strap that you can move for better fit (four positions). The shoulder straps are not removable. There is also a wide nylon band in the back of the pack that you can slide over your luggage handle to integrate with rolling luggage. And on one side of the outside is a zippered deep pocket, which might be used to carry a smaller water bottle, although the pocket is not big enough to zip a bottle inside. Documentation: I received a very nice Thule welcome package with this, with a letter from the Thule Amazon sales coordinator, a nice color Product News sheet on this pack, and a Thule flash drive with more product info promised. Sorry, Thule, but I didn’t plug this thing into my computer. I do cyber for a living, and there’s just no way I’m connecting your flash drive to my computer, regardless of all the cool stuff you may have to tell me about this pack. The pack comes with a couple of product copy cards, which graphically depict the various features of the pack. These are in full color and do a good job of communicating what the pack offers. In terms of contact, you get the big Thule.com URL, and physical addresses in Connecticut, Belgium, and Hong Kong. There is no customer service email address, no is there a phone number to call—not good. Also disappointing is the lack of warranty information on the product. Price: It seems to me that the price of approximately $160 is about right for this pack. It is very well constructed, all seams are tight and very well sewn, and the materials appear to be top-notch. I would expect that this pack would hold up well for some time. Bottom line: This a very well made and good-looking backpack with multiple integrated features for personal items and electronics.

Es passt wahnsinnig viel in diesen Rucksack und er sieht wirklich gut aus. Verwende ihn unter anderem für den Transport von Musikinstrumenten. Es passen locker 2 kleine Desktop Synthesizer, ein kleines Mischpult und alle Kabel und Netzteile die man braucht hinein. Alternativ findet ein 14 Zoll Laptop samt Dockingstation, Maus und Netzteil sowie ein 21 Zoll Flachbildschirm (Ohne großem Ständer natürlich) darin Platz. Habe ihn mit bestimmt schon 25kg belastet und er hat bisher keine Schwäche gezeigt. Die härteren Polster an Schulter und Rücken sind sehr gut. Bei den meisten anderen Produkten in dieser Preisklasse sind diese ab einer mittelschweren Last nicht mehr brauchbar. Bisher habe ich absolut nichts zu bemängeln.

I pack it with a ton of stuff and still feels very light and comfortable, which is perfect. I have several Thule backpacks and theyre all very well made and designed, solid and well constructed. This one is not the exception. It looks really cool, even though its a very simple backpack. I like the rolltop system, and also the fact that it has a side zipper to access the main compartment when you dont want to unroll the top.

When received was all that was expected...thanks to the video of the product on the purchase page.

1st impression is wow: simple design without too much stitching, too many zippers or unnecessary pockets. the blue color is perfect although am always grey or black. Took it to my first trip this weekend and it’s so spacious and settles well on the shoulders even when loaded. The material is tough yet wit elegant feel. Recommended to those who like simple design with good space and necessary pockets only.

Dark outer backpack. Bright orange inner. Im not a big fan of the dark exterior color but that is the color it is available in. Easily remedied with a couple of neoprene colorful handles. I do like the integration of a battery powerpack space. Ive been travelling to places like East Africa where access to power is not guaranteed so I can keep my devices charged while in the backpack. You have to supply your own battery pack. I personally like the RavPower 20100mah but you can find others too. Looks like it will take a battery pack much larger than my 20100mah so I would not hold back. 34L is a good size for airplane carry on too. Even in places like East Africa that limit by size and weight. The good thing is so far no one has dared weight my backpack. It comes with a removeable clothes bag. It is a nice idea as you can unpack/pack your bag in one action. Remember too that the top opens up. You have to unbuckle the snaps and roll the top until it opens. Ive not seen this style for a top opening bag. You also have full access from the front if you want. Space for the laptop. Note 15 MBP or 15.6 Windows based laptop. Im pretty sure it wont squeeze more in. The backpack straps also includes a chest strap. It doesnt have a waist strap which is fine as the bag is light enough one isnt needed. It would have been nice if the backpack straps were in a covered zip so when it does have to go into the hold the straps are secured inside. Really the only negative but I dont see having to put this bag in the hold often. I would like to see this in some brighter color options for the exterior color. But otherwise functionality is up there for a business trip backpack.

So far have used it for two business trips. Great bag for 2/3 day trips where you also need your laptop. The side pockets have actually proved much more useful than I expected, especially for taking out the laptop (which as someone mentioned is a bit tight for 15.6 but not too bad). Looks good as well, quite a nice slick design. Is fairly comfortable to carry around. Overall I would recommend this, I have tried cheaper bags from unknown brands on Amazon and the quality is usually adequate for the price. This is not a cheap bag but certainly good quality, hopefully it will last for the long term

I did a bit of research for my upcoming trip and decided to take a chance on this pack. The good: Its quality material, and getting stuff into and out of it is pretty easy. The side access and additional handles are really great. The bad: The front pocket is not really conducive to putting stuff into it that youd usually put in a front pocket. Not enough room and not enough interior pockets. You can fit (barely) an ipad mini and a kindle in the slid in section. Additionally, if you do pack the bag fairly full, you wont be able to fit in under the seat in front of you. Also, the packing cube that comes with it is pretty large. I didnt use it, and used a smaller one instead. All that being said, I was very satisfied with this pack and absolutely would recommend it for traveling.

I bought it for international trips and so far one of the best backpacks ! Long compartment to fit all your needs !

The perfect backpack, and exactly what I was looking for.