THULE AION DURABLE ADVENTURE TRAVEL LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK

I love this backpack for airline travel. It is the perfect size and has all the right features for having at your seat. The exterior is free of straps and pouches that catch on things, yet its handles and zippered sections allow easy access to items during flight. The interior is extremely versatile. Having the waterproof pocket divider up creates distinct interior sections helpful for keeping items organized. Rolling down and tucking away the divider creates a large open space that allows the backpack to function like a small suitcase, especially if the expansion zipper is open. The zippers are the smoothest, strongest zippers I have ever experienced! Each pair of zipper pulls has a slightly different shape, which, with a little attention and practice, can allow you to identify which section you are opening even if you can’t see it (i.e., when you’re reaching under the seat in a dark airplane). Overall, the backpack has sturdy construction that seems like it will hold up well over time, and also has pleasing textures (and, again, those amazingly smooth zippers!). I have only two caveats. First, I wouldn’t recommend this as a long-wearing daypack for hiking or sightseeing, if that's your primary activity. It’s comfortable enough for lugging through the airport but not especially comfortable or load-distributing. I am eager to strap it to my roll-aboard suitcase as soon as possible, and it has a convenient strap for doing just that. Second—and this is important!!— the chest straps come off too easily. Each of the chest straps was lost forever under an airplane seat! Thule honored their guarantee and sent me a whole new backpack because they couldn’t replace just the missing chest straps. I will be hand-sewing the chest straps into place to avoid losing them again.

Ease of access for the different compartments without going through everything. Sturdy material and comfortable to carry.

Great daily use and travel backpack. I’m a finance officer and I have a laptop and iPad with me 24/7. AirPods fit in the back small pocket. I don’t feel like the laptop is about to be crushed if I bend over to pick something up like I have with other backpacks.

I received my backpack as a college graduation present and am amazed at the holding capacity, number of storage compartments and durable construction quality!!

I was impressed by the layout, organization, and easy loading this pack offered. The construction and materials seemed excellent quality. The straps were well padded and adjustable. It is a perfect carry on bag, but is too large to fit under most airline seats. Unfortunately as a petite person with neck probems, the pack was too heavy to wear comfortably. I would love to see this pack with an integrated hip belt that would distribute weight on to hips. I ended up returning this pack and settling for a smaller Thule daypack.

I was hesitant to buy given the price but I'm glad I did. Backpack has a quality construction with great attention to detail--I'm sure this bag will last for years of gym/work/travel use.

I’m very happy with the quality of the materials and how functional all the pockets are.