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As someone who spends a significant portion of the year nearly 30 to 40% on airplanes, I have become all too familiar with the rising stress that accompanies air travel. One cannot escape hearing the all-too-common announcements about full flights and overhead bins bursting at the seams. This realization led me to embark on a quest for the perfect carry-on suitcase. My goal? To discover a spacious carry-on bag that not only meets airline requirements but can also fit snugly under the seat in front of me when necessary. After considerable testing and a fair bit of trial and error, I have finally found my travel companion: the Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack, which has proven to be a remarkable game changer in my travel endeavors.

Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack

The Thule Aion offers a versatile 28-liter capacity that can expand to 32 liters, making it an ideal choice for travelers who crave space and organization. With a unique arrangement of 11 pockets and a waterproof divider bag, this backpack is designed to keep your belongings secure and orderly. Its ability to fit comfortably in most overhead compartments and under the seats of airplanes further enhances its desirability.

What We Like

  • Robust organizational features
  • Durable fabric that withstands wear and tear
  • Expandable from 28L to 32L for added storage
  • Fits in overhead bins and under airplane seats
  • Convenient waterproof TPU sleeve for wet or dirty items

What We Dont Like

  • Water bottle can slide out when the bag is positioned on its side
  • No load lifter straps to help offset weight
  • While water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 11" x 9.1" x 18.5"
  • Weight: 2.71 lbs.
  • Volume: 28 liters (32 liters when expanded)
  • Materials: Waxed P600 polyester canvas
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime

Design and Features

The main compartment of the Thule Aion is spacious enough for several days' worth of clothing, and the expandable feature allows for additional capacity when needed. For those looking to avoid the stress of limited overhead storage, this travel backpack proves its worth with a design that accommodates a variety of travel scenarios.

This backpack is crafted from durable, water-resistant Waxed P600 polyester canvas and weighs a mere 2.71 pounds, making it particularly suitable for air travel, especially with budget airlines that impose strict weight limits on carry-ons. The expansion feature, however, can lead to it exceeding the stated dimensions of 11 x 9.1 x 18.5 inches when packed to capacity, but Ive found it fits comfortably in most overhead bins and under the seats in two-by-two seating arrangements.

The Thule Aion is constructed with three compartments, providing versatility in organizing clothing, technology, and smaller necessities. With 11 pockets, including a padded laptop area, a key leash, and an RFID-safe pocket designed to protect against data theft, this bag ensures that everything has its designated place.

User Experience

During the past two years, I have pushed this backpack to its limits, using it on over 38 trips that included everything from leisurely getaways to more adventurous itineraries, even during some not-so-pleasant weather conditions like typhoons. Packing it to its full 32-liter capacity, I have noticed only minor wear, such as a few stains on the bottom and some loose threads on the grab handle a testament to its durability.

This backpack is the perfect size for a weekend trip, but with the use of roll-style compression bags, Ive successfully managed to pack for longer journeys of up to 14 days. The backpack also doubles as a makeshift table during layovers, offering a convenient surface for a snack or a leg rest.

The backpack includes lash points on the straps for attaching carabiners or keychains, which adds to its functionality as a travel accessory. Moving through busy airports and transit stations is a breeze thanks to its hands-free design, while the chest strap ensures balanced weight distribution when carrying heavier loads. The well-padded S-curve shoulder straps and the inclusion of a roller bag strap provide additional comfort and convenience.

Why This Backpack Stands Out

The Thule Aions exceptional organization capabilities allow for quick access to all essentials, making it a standout choice among carry-on backpacks. Its thoughtful design includes expandable compartments, pen pockets, vented enclosures, zippered sections, and RFID-safe storage. For damp or dirty items, the waterproof TPU divider pocket is a fantastic feature, ensuring everything stays separated and clean.

With multiple pockets, the backpack allows for easy categorization of items, such as technology, snacks, and entertainment options like books and puzzles. Even on cramped overnight flights, I can effortlessly locate what I need without fumbling around in the dark.

Considerations

Its worth noting that when the backpack is fully packed, it can extend a bit beyond the contour of your back. While the chest strap helps manage this, its still something to be aware of. Additionally, the weight of the bag may sometimes exceed what is manageable for bathroom luggage hooks, leading to the dilemma of whether to set it on the floor. Personally, I prefer to use disposable toilet seat liners as a protective barrier when I have to.

Another minor drawback is that the water bottle can slide out from its pocket if the bag is placed on its side. However, in practice, I usually keep my water bottle easily accessible at my seat rather than in the overhead bins, so this has not been a significant issue for me.

Alternatives to Consider

While the Thule Aion features a customizable fit with its chest strap and S-curved shoulder straps, travelers with specific height requirements might want to explore the Osprey Fairview. This alternative offers gender-specific fits, torso adjustability, and a contoured harness system with internal compression straps for added comfort.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the VGCUB Large Travel Backpack is worth considering. This model meets the standard carry-on size requirements and includes features like a separate shoe compartment and adjustable shoulder straps, all available in five sizes and nearly 40 color variations. Both of these options are highlighted in our guide to the best travel backpacks.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack is a formidable choice for travelers looking for ample space and superior organizational capabilities. Its thoughtful design addresses the complexities of carrying ones life in a single bag, with a multitude of pockets, compartments, and storage solutions to keep everything organized and easily accessible.