Agree, great all-round backpack, but it needs several improvements: 1. Better quality back panel, since it wears off fast 2. Thicker straps, current are hurting shoulders when backpack if fully load 3. Option to add a hip belt, like on Aer Travel Pack 4. Thicker material 5. Place upper handle near straps, so you can use it when backpack is fully load or almost empty 6. Add pocket on the bottom for rain cover 7. Make it in Olive color, since it gets dirty less than black, but still looks serious and fits to many outfits
I was intrigued by the the idea of what a sucsessor could bring to the table - also when considering your point. But the design of the Subterra 2 , is just not what I prefer.
I have had this backpack for around 5 years, taking it for one bag travel in all of my trips and everyday to the office. This is my favorite backpack and I think it’s an excellent all-around option. I agree with you on wishing for more durable materials for the wear on the lower back panel (I fixed this by using tenacious tape) but at the same time I suppose it’s expected given the heavy use I’ve put it through. I have two things I wish Thule would improve on a second version of this bag: 1. A better laptop pocket: my MacBook Air slips to the side of the foam tube that’s inside, leaving it unprotected if the backpack hits the ground. 2. Remove excess padding: I find excessive padding in the foam tube in the laptop compartment, and in the front panel (I think half of what already has could be protective enough). I appreciate you making a video on this bag! It was nice to see what others think of it I was just thinking of this backpack. I would be tempted to buy it again because of how much I like it.
I've had the 34l Subterra for about 5 years now, and taken it as a solo travel bag on more flights than i can count, as well as use it PRETTY much everyday for the last 5 years. Zero complaints. Rain, dirt, and drops and drags, and after all these years, the only damage my bag has is from my cat that used it as a scratching pad ONCE. Overall, great video, same thoughts here. I'll be buying a second one
This backpack is an absolute workhorse. What i've found works for more capacity is to ditch the packing cube it comes with, and to use the transparent smaller, compressible thule cubes that are sold separately. that way i seem to be able to fit more. Also packing smaller collapsible packs as well, like Patagonia Black hole series.
Great video on your long term usage of and reflections on this backpack. I've been downsizing my camera equipment and bought this bag to carry a Fujifilm X-T5 and Ricoh GR 3 on my trips, while also using the rolltop for groceries and city use. It looks like a good fit for those use cases although I do already sense a bit of discomfort with the back panel and sternum straps when compared to my Tom Bihn Techonaut. All in all, your experience with this bag convinced me to give it a try. Thank you!
I'm considering getting this one. I use my backpack a lot for grocery shopping. How is it for carrying heavy things (like, 2L juice or milk containers)?
The only thing I would change (after many years of use) is to add a zipper to the top.. it did happen to me already that some stuff have fallen out when I overstuffed it
Could you provide the measurements of the bag with the rolltop extended and packed? I want to see how big it can get when fully packed with an extended rolltop.
No problem! No it has a slight tpu cover on the inside that gives it some waterproofing, but tha zippers are not waterproof and water will sip through in down the outer pocket. I recomend getting a good raincover if you are planning to use it a lot in rainy conditions.
That is also a sleek looking backpack! I really do think the Subterra series is esteticly not so good looking as the Chasm. Yeah, Thule tend to be really spesific about what categori their products fits into. The Subterra series is oriented more towards travel.
is it waterproof/ water resistant since it’s nylon material? necessary for a rain cover? i’m looking to buy a backpack for commuting to work and also for occasional travel overseas. was contemplating this and the enroute 30L
Yeah, you can fold the roll top another turn further than what Thule advertizes and get a much smaller backpack. Then you squeeze the air out of it and it stays in that size. Same. Goes for folding ut one and two turns less than advertized giving something I guess is closer to 40 liters of capacity.
It will fit about halfway under a lot of airplanes if not overpacked, but it can not be considered as a personal item given its dimensions. For that I recommend looking at bags in the size of the Osprey 26+6.
The zippers are for sure not waterproof, so prolonged exposure will let the rain soak down through it. But unless its pouring your stuff wont get soaked inside. For this vrey reason I always bring a cheap third party raincover for it, or an umbrella, depending on the ocation. The TPU-like coating on the inside really does a well job of keeping the inside of the backpack dry thoug, exept for the zippers.
Thank you for the video. Do you have experience placing this backpack under the seat of an airplane while traveling in Europe? If so, was it acceptable to the airlines' size limits for an under seat/personal item?
I have done it several times, and due to its V-sized shape it easily fits under an air plane seat. But given its size it does not qualify with most air lines definition of an under seat bag. I have been traveling mostly with SAS and Norwegian, and neither of them seemed to care.
I have travelled on many flights for 3 years with this backpack on most European low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair) and although it technically doesnt comply with the size, I have never had any issues with the airlines. It also fits right under the seat. I recommend it.
Agree, great all-round backpack, but it needs several improvements:
1. Better quality back panel, since it wears off fast
2. Thicker straps, current are hurting shoulders when backpack if fully load
3. Option to add a hip belt, like on Aer Travel Pack
4. Thicker material
5. Place upper handle near straps, so you can use it when backpack is fully load or almost empty
6. Add pocket on the bottom for rain cover
7. Make it in Olive color, since it gets dirty less than black, but still looks serious and fits to many outfits
I was intrigued by the the idea of what a sucsessor could bring to the table - also when considering your point. But the design of the Subterra 2 , is just not what I prefer.
I have had this backpack for around 5 years, taking it for one bag travel in all of my trips and everyday to the office. This is my favorite backpack and I think it’s an excellent all-around option.
I agree with you on wishing for more durable materials for the wear on the lower back panel (I fixed this by using tenacious tape) but at the same time I suppose it’s expected given the heavy use I’ve put it through.
I have two things I wish Thule would improve on a second version of this bag:
1. A better laptop pocket: my MacBook Air slips to the side of the foam tube that’s inside, leaving it unprotected if the backpack hits the ground.
2. Remove excess padding: I find excessive padding in the foam tube in the laptop compartment, and in the front panel (I think half of what already has could be protective enough).
I appreciate you making a video on this bag! It was nice to see what others think of it
I was just thinking of this backpack. I would be tempted to buy it again because of how much I like it.
I've had the 34l Subterra for about 5 years now, and taken it as a solo travel bag on more flights than i can count, as well as use it PRETTY much everyday for the last 5 years. Zero complaints. Rain, dirt, and drops and drags, and after all these years, the only damage my bag has is from my cat that used it as a scratching pad ONCE. Overall, great video, same thoughts here. I'll be buying a second one
This backpack is an absolute workhorse.
What i've found works for more capacity is to ditch the packing cube it comes with, and to use the transparent smaller, compressible thule cubes that are sold separately. that way i seem to be able to fit more. Also packing smaller collapsible packs as well, like Patagonia Black hole series.
Great video on your long term usage of and reflections on this backpack. I've been downsizing my camera equipment and bought this bag to carry a Fujifilm X-T5 and Ricoh GR 3 on my trips, while also using the rolltop for groceries and city use. It looks like a good fit for those use cases although I do already sense a bit of discomfort with the back panel and sternum straps when compared to my Tom Bihn Techonaut.
All in all, your experience with this bag convinced me to give it a try. Thank you!
I'm considering getting this one. I use my backpack a lot for grocery shopping. How is it for carrying heavy things (like, 2L juice or milk containers)?
It works surprisingly well, thanks to the shoulderstraps. I have filled it up with up to 15kg worth of stuff, but that is pushing it.
Hi. What brand/size of rain cover and water bottle do you use? Thanks.
The only thing I would change (after many years of use) is to add a zipper to the top.. it did happen to me already that some stuff have fallen out when I overstuffed it
Agreed!
Could you provide the measurements of the bag with the rolltop extended and packed? I want to see how big it can get when fully packed with an extended rolltop.
A little late here, but if you are still interested I can do a measurement today.
@@hmuller Thanks mate, not needed. I purchased the bag.
Thanks for sharing. Is Thule waterproof？
No problem!
No it has a slight tpu cover on the inside that gives it some waterproofing, but tha zippers are not waterproof and water will sip through in down the outer pocket.
I recomend getting a good raincover if you are planning to use it a lot in rainy conditions.
Okay but what kind of gloves are you wearing in this??
(Also thanks for the review)
Thanks! Actually this was a friend of mine who was standing in for me. Iĺl ask him and come back to you.
Nice review!
have the chasm 26 it could use some hard plate inside the back and an option to put it on a trolley
That is also a sleek looking backpack! I really do think the Subterra series is esteticly not so good looking as the Chasm.
Yeah, Thule tend to be really spesific about what categori their products fits into.
The Subterra series is oriented more towards travel.
is it waterproof/ water resistant since it’s nylon material? necessary for a rain cover?
i’m looking to buy a backpack for commuting to work and also for occasional travel overseas.
was contemplating this and the enroute 30L
Its has a very thin tpu layer on the inside, but the zippes arent protected. I use a cheap third party cover that does the job in heavy rain.
I noticed you folded down the bag into a smaller size? The video went too fast... Can't find further info on how that's done.
Yeah, you can fold the roll top another turn further than what Thule advertizes and get a much smaller backpack. Then you squeeze the air out of it and it stays in that size.
Same. Goes for folding ut one and two turns less than advertized giving something I guess is closer to 40 liters of capacity.
Is this small enough to fit under seat on plane and be considered personal item ?,
It will fit about halfway under a lot of airplanes if not overpacked, but it can not be considered as a personal item given its dimensions. For that I recommend looking at bags in the size of the Osprey 26+6.
@@hmuller Thanks. I actually ordered the Osprey so great minds think alike .
Do you know the side of the internal packing cube?
I measured it at about 53x25x15cm.
@@hmuller Thanks!
How does it deal with rain?
The zippers are for sure not waterproof, so prolonged exposure will let the rain soak down through it. But unless its pouring your stuff wont get soaked inside. For this vrey reason I always bring a cheap third party raincover for it, or an umbrella, depending on the ocation.
The TPU-like coating on the inside really does a well job of keeping the inside of the backpack dry thoug, exept for the zippers.
Thank you for the video. Do you have experience placing this backpack under the seat of an airplane while traveling in Europe? If so, was it acceptable to the airlines' size limits for an under seat/personal item?
I have done it several times, and due to its V-sized shape it easily fits under an air plane seat. But given its size it does not qualify with most air lines definition of an under seat bag. I have been traveling mostly with SAS and Norwegian, and neither of them seemed to care.
@@hmuller Great, thank you!
I have travelled on many flights for 3 years with this backpack on most European low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair) and although it technically doesnt comply with the size, I have never had any issues with the airlines. It also fits right under the seat. I recommend it.