Thule Aion 28L Review (2 Weeks of Use)

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[@BagelsBagelsBagels]

The greatest character development in review history: "I'm confused what this handle does on top" "This handle - it is kinda nice."

[@alexv2993]

The designer watching this video: "you see? You see?!"

[@DaveyDC]

Would love to see a review for the 40L version of this bag. I think it looks great but want to hear from the experts!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@jasecola]

I would also love to see this review. It seems like a very compelling offering in the travel bag world, especially at only $200. However, there are basically no KZbin reviews on this bag and I would love to see your team tackle it!

[@sedahosbas]

Yup

[@con2440]

I bought the Thule 40 liter in nutria and it’s fabulous. I have the right size water bottle and it fits…so this backpack is flawless!

[@shantela.martinez3564]

My immediate thought regarding the top handle was to pull it out of overhead luggage areas easier. Not sure if it helps practically but it should make a bag easier to grab.

[@morpheusspirit6609]

Very good video. Well explained and demonstrated!! Thank you.

[@ThePerfectBag]

Hey this is a good review - I don't think I would have seen this bag without it. Thanks as always - appreciate your work.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@DamianLillard8716]

Hi there, love the review. Great job.

[@ninjashhh8344]

Great helfpful review and that's a really nice bag. Only things they need to fix are the water bottle falling out, not crazy about fabric getting scratched up, and would be good if those little mesh pockets were thin mesh like you mention and if a couple of those little pockets inside had zippers. Easily one of the best bags I've seen for the size and price though after watching literally 100+ videos from different bags and channels.

[@iknow3335]

I have just bought this online after watching your video and Christine's. I decide to go for this one!! As it's compartment is much better and also the full open feature is good for me. Thanks.

[@iknow3335]

My bag arrived. All good. The only expected is that it does not seem to stand on its own (laptop pad is think). Probably I have not really stuffed it much and used it. Will try a few day more and see how I can balance it.

[@Ivan-Kh]

I'd love to see a review of the duffel bag from this same series. Seems like a nicer version of the Pakt travel duffel, with the laptop compartment in the centre of the bag.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion, Ivan! 😃 I’ll pass it along. -Eric

[@codygordon60]

@@PackHacker2 Yes the duffle bag looks like it needs some love on a review

[@paolo7280]

Hoping you can review the 40L version of this bag as well

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@PaulHo]

Just picked up the Topo Global Travel Roller too, and excited/anxious to take it from LA to HI with the Core Pack as a bundle. She's going to be thicc!

[@PackHacker2]

You’ll have to let us know how it goes, Paul! -Eric

[@caxs01]

I would love to see a comparison between the 20l vs 40l

[@yamsengyiep1179]

I hate to buy bags with waterproof PU coating, end up throwing them couple of years later. Will the TPU lining divider degrade and become sticky after 3-5 years?

[@jltplease]

Man. I wantes to love this backpack so much. But I wish there was a false bottom for the laptop sleeve, the straps were riding up on my ribs, and it was heavy.

[@hanaha888]

Review the Aion Duffel 35l! I feel like the design is on par with some of most well designed travel duffels around.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@redmantech8167]

Would love a 23l version of this for more daily use

[@satokano02]

Thanks for the thorough review! In addition to the waist belt being optional, it doesn’t appear to have a load lifter, how did you feel about that? I am also considering the 40L version.

[@Wuzziee]

How thick is the plastic in the main compartment?

[@jcmt8178]

Has anyone used the aion sling bag as a hip belt with this backpack? On paper it sounds great but how easy it is to insert and remove? For example if i want to store the backpack in the overhead compartment but leave the sling with essentials on me? Is it quick like unbuckle and pull through the holes?

[@grietista8837]

Thank you for your review! Is that backbag waterproof??

[@cksiam]

I've used a mid-sized carabiner clip to hook together the two top handles allowing me to tuck in and secure a jacket at the top of the pack. Looking for a small velcro synch strap in place of the caribiner to do the same thing.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙 -Eric

[@dairminera]

what do you think of the updated version of Thule Enroute 26L vs this bag?

[@City-Hiker]

I was thinking to buy a Thule backpack before, but later I ended up getting a North Face Recon instead. The Thule is build for durable backpack, but when I went to the Best Buy to test it, their backpack is big and heavy which why I don’t like.

[@PackHacker2]

Getting to try bags on is always ideal before purchasing them 😃 Thanks for the comment! -Eric

[@tmz9834]

Thank you once again for a thorough review! I just received the black one, super spacious versatile bag. Was just wondering if the TPU divider stays rolled in in for too long, does it get damaged? Because it doesn’t fit really well in the compartment at the bottom of the bag, one end is always kinked.

[@PackHacker2]

We haven’t had that issue, but we will update our usage timeline on the full review! 😃 -Eric

[@loslosthuy]

Have you noticed the issue? Got lucky and found someone selling it new in black online, receiving it Tuesday.

[@denyk142]

bought this bag because of your review (must've watched it dozens of times lol). Sadly it's $50 more expensive here . Sorry I couldn't use the link because I don't live in the US. Keep up the good work PH!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching 👊 -Eric

[@kasmosis]

Id love to see a review of the 40l version. im sure theres some differences from the 28L. Im debating the 40L aion or osprey 55 farpoint (2022 version) for a month long Europe trip, carryon. I like the 55l farpoint because it seems slightly roomier than the farpoint 40L. the daypack i could care less for. I have plenty of personal item, type daypacks.

[@samuele5931]

Buy one that look confortabile and you think you will reuse. With such big backpack you will look as a tourist nonetheless. Where are you going in Europe?

[@kasmosis]

@@samuele5931 I ended up getting the farpoint 55L. As much as i like the Thule, I think it will be more comfortable overall. I will be in Spain, Italy, Croatia, ... Cypress maybe. looking forward to it. )

[@samuele5931]

@@kasmosis well, I don’t know how much you plan to travel walking with backpack. Have a nice travel, expecially in Italy 🇮🇹

[@kasmosis]

@@samuele5931 there’s a misconception about packs.. they don’t weight 10000kg and you don’t wear it all day and night. I’ve traveled Asia, South America , Central America with a 48l pack as carryon. The trick is not to fully pack it unless you’re returning home. Knowing what to take and how to pack it makes a difference. I haven’t been to Italy in over 15years. back then I used a huge roller suitcase and didn’t know any better. It’s a brave new world now. )) Thank you.

[@samuele5931]

@@kasmosis totally agree. Sometimes in Italy suitcase are really not practical. For small travel I used to pack a 30 l backpack with precious and heavy stuff and put the rest in a gym size duffel.

[@swlryan]

Hi what is the dimension of the bag in expanded mode? Thanks

[@sierrawright1876]

I'm considering this same bag as a 40L for one bag European travel...have you tried out the 40L yet?

[@PackHacker2]

Not yet 😃 -Eric

[@LynnLaiNZ]

Is the plastic bag removable?

[@akhilkundani]

Hey thanks for the video. Hardly find reviews about Aion backpack. I was planning to buy a 40litre but after seeing video ,feel like 40 litre will not be nice for a 5’6” person

[@PackHacker2]

The full review has more detailed size and fit information 😃 Thanks for watching, Akhil! More info: packhacker.com/travel-gear/thule/aion-28l/ -Eric

[@alpinyoable]

I am thinking between thule subterra 34L and Thule aion 28L. Subterra has side acces also side acces to laptop. I wonder if it has more volume inside (Can I pack more stuff, clothes?) then aion? Also it seams to me that it can be shrinked more then Aion for daily use. But what is attractive to me with Aion is that the material might be more durable and also more waterreppelent then Subterra. What bothers me though is that even though the material is good looking in time will scratch and the bag will look like a very old worn out bag. Also it has some attachament points and because I am also dancing usually I bring to my trips my dancing shoe also I have to pack more clothes because I sweat after. So which would you reccomend for daily use some weekend trips (3-4 days). Mostly I will use it daily. Thanks in advance.

[@chewylandlive]

It would be great if you could just remove the middle plastic "bag" part completely. Much easier than rolling it and wasting space. I love this bag, wish it would come in a few other colors.

[@TDevolder]

Great review. Do you know if you can use it as secondary carry on luggage (next to your trolley)? In other words: can it be (easily) stoned underneath the airplane seat in front of you?

[@tudorfarcas1966]

hey, it’s been a while but yes you can

[@TDevolder]

@@tudorfarcas1966 indeed. I confirm. Meanwhile bought one and took it along on international travel! Very convenant!

[@lon3volf]

Is this material going to be more durable than 800D Nylon that Thule uses with Subterra bag series?

[@jaxsegal5715]

Does this fit under the seat of an airplane?

[@adamgortych2569]

I did fit landmark 40l under air Asia seat so I think this will fit too 😂

[@con2440]

No

[@Broachpopper]

It’s a smidge long but it will fit if you don’t use the expansion. 100% fits in a spirit personal item as well.

[@azophi]

Is there any way to tuck the backpack straps/ zip them up so they aren’t in the way?

[@RodrigodosReis]

Are the measurements you've listed considering the expansion open or closed? Thanks for the great review!

[@lionhearto6238]

If you fill the packing cube from the Thule Subterra 34L, can it fit into this Aion 28L? If so is there any room left? Any help answering this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@LaResistenciaEDC]

Not gonna buy "recycled" especialy at this price.. but i wish they had an wilder opening in the waterproof pocket to actually put the laptop in it. But again if u have this kind of feature inside u might as well want this kind of protection outside. What this market doesnt seems to pick up yet is people who travel/work/comute with a bagpack tends to do want to ruin whats in their bags when raining. Happened to me one time, everything was ruined inside and it took days to dry

[@maicco333]

The only pack that'll handle heavy, sustained rain without a rain cover is one with a rolltop seamless main compartment, like an ILE Default. Where there are zippers and seams/stitches, water will get in if there's enough of it.

[@meghanfoyer4442]

Is it waterproof?

[@m4xim01]

I didn't find anything about laptop safety in case of backpack fall

[@kerplunk38880]

Tell whomever does your lipstick and makeup they do a good job.

[@Te-veo10]

The Goruck Bullet 15 + Kit Bag enough for all my needs

[@PackHacker2]

What’s your favorite thing about the Bullet & Kit Bag? 😃 -Eric

[@Te-veo10]

@@PackHacker2 Practicality and mobility

[@PackHacker2]

That’s a good call 😃 -Eric

[@nassimbens-Drake]

How does this compare to the subterra 34l?

[@JacoboRamos]

Hey guys, I'm really looking into this backpack and would like to use the Peak Design compression medium cube on it, but dimensions doesn't seem to make that a possibility, any way you could check since I know you guys have them? The bag is like missing 4cm width to make it perfect for PD cubes.

[@lucaamoroso6647]

Hello! I'm choosing between the Aion 28L and the Able Carry Max backap. Wich one is more comfortable? I'm about 171cm. Also, the notebook sleeve comes with a false bottom? Thank you so much and great review!

[@Qc-ls7ww]

It looks like more than 28L ? It's perfect if 32L.

[@maxvcollenburg]

Love the clamshell style. Wish it was a little bit bigger for one bag travel!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the comment, Max! What’s your go-to for one-bag travel? -Eric

[@maxvcollenburg]

@@PackHacker2 currently using a North Face Surge 32L backpack from 2014! But it's slowly due for a worthy replacement since it starts to fall apart 🙃

[@PackHacker2]

Once you’re ready to start looking, you know where to check first 😉 -Eric

[@mustardfoot1105]

there is a 40L version. I just bought one.

[@michaelrazo5816]

Yup, Phil is right! There’s a 40L and it’s awesome

[@loslosthuy]

wish the black one was in stock. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@PackHacker2]

Unfortunately, the supply chain is still catching up, so we’ve seen many products out of stock over the past few months. Hopefully, it’ll be back soon! -Eric

[@loslosthuy]

@@PackHacker2 have you had any experience with the Targus work+ expandable daypack? Half the price just haven't seen any reviews posted. Not sure on the quality nor familiar with the brand.

[@fleshandbonedesign5386]

Do you have any idea if the waxed canvas on this line of bags is vegan? I can't find any information if the wax used is beeswax or something synethetic. Any information would be so helpful, as I am very interested in purchasing this. Thanks so much!

[@PackHacker2]

We haven’t seen that information anywhere online, either! Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@danahart1021]

Hi I emailed them and just got a response: it is vegan! They use paraffin wax.

[@alfredgamboa9418]

Does it have a false bottom for laptop?

[@wesleybarnesdev]

I check it in the shop today and that was the single thing I did not like, so strange, it did not

[@wesleybarnesdev]

The laptop compartment doesn't have that false space, it goes all the way to the bottom? I saw it in a shop today, what a wonderful bag. What do you think of the price?

[@michaelagsaoay7339]

Yes I noticed that too... It goes all the way down to the bottom so you have to be extra careful when loading your laptop or when putting down the bag

[@wesleybarnes5376]

@@michaelagsaoay7339gosh for such a nice bag that is very bad, my laptop is so expensive, I don’t like using an extra sleeve, wondering what to do.. maybe sew it shit a bit up from the bottom 🙉

[@nonameaccountant]

You can always fold a rag and place it at the bottom of the compartment as a buffer.

[@wesleybarnes5376]

@@nonameaccountantyeah I guess you can, but makes me wonder how Thule misses something so important.. used this bag as my only bag in Asia for two months, had no issues with it, did the job.. the chest clip just came off somehow on the second day, it’s lost.

[@zhenloongng3272]

Can help to review Thule EnRoute 30L and compare with Aion 28L?

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@marciaworkman4122]

How do the different sizes, the 28L vs the 40L comply with carryon requirements for most major airlines? Are there more size options available?

[@aayotechnology]

Is that tpu divider a pocket or just a single layer? That wasn’t clear. But good review otherwise.

[@PackHacker2]

It’s a pocket with a zipper 😃 See the full review for more information: packhacker.com/travel-gear/thule/aion-28l/ -Eric

[@fabriziogargiulo7435]

we will never see the review of atd1 from attitude supply?

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the suggestion, Fabrizio! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@agussetiyono7311]

Nice bag…

[@darkphasex]

Hi, I have a MacBook Pro 16 inch; will it fit well in this backpack, thank you.

[@zcmack]

yes it fits easily

[@Vara91391]

I wish these reviews were 3-4 mins long tops

[@nitiutomoe]

So does it mean that we agreed on “Toh Lee” pronounciation?

[@contactkelvinsim]

almost perfect... hate to be running for the train or bus and the bottle falls out

[@Misc0000]

This one or Quechua NH500 Escape 32L?

[@TabJoy7]

@Pack Hacker Reviews, between the Thule Aion 28 and the Tom Bihn Techonaut 30, which would you recommend for a personal item/carryon?

[@PackHacker2]

It depends on what you’ll use them for. It’s a good idea to check out both full reviews to see their features side by side 😃 Thule Aion 28L Review - packhacker.com/travel-gear/thule/aion-28l/ Tom Bihn Techonaut 30 Review - packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/techonaut-30/ -Eric

[@user-ug2zb5br7w]

It looks uncomfortable wearing a backpack.

[@PackHacker2]

What’s your go-to comfortable pack? 😃 -Eric

[@dskim8075]

👍👍

[@PackHacker2]

🤙🤙🤙

[@williepangelinan940]

The front handle is for a sword 🗡️ lol jk

[@PackHacker2]

😂

[@andrewgray83]

Great review, as I have been toying between the Fjallraven Raven28 and this bag. I was concerned by the water bottle falling out - thanks for confirming my fear. Question; I really wanted a wax cotton bag and I am unsure on the best method, how would you treat this bag? Wax or spray?

[@maicco333]

Can't wax it, as it's pure polyester, not an organic material like cotton that will absorb wax. That said, you might be able to use some kind of DWR spray on it.

[@andrewgray83]

@@maicco333 I used Fabsil Gold in the end.