Customer Reviews Thule Subterra Travel Backpack 34L

I can't believe I overlooked this bag for so long! I have the Enroute Camera 25L and like a lot about it, but it's small (25L is a stretch IMO), I don't use the U-shaped camera access (I prefer the long straight side zip as this Subterra 34L has on the right hand side), and the back panel insert in the Enroute is quite stiff; the Subterra solves pretty much all these issues for me. Some things I wish they'd bring over from the Enroute design to the Subterra: - The Enroute front pockets, where there's a quick stash at the top and another accessed from the shoulder, but on the right hand side please (both with a bit more organization for pens, power banks, etc.) - The roll top where the clips are at the very top of the Enroute works better for any roll positioning; the Subterra seems only useful in one position. - With the roll top item above, the top grab handle on the Subterra would need to be moved to be accessible at all times; maybe like the Enroute, but preferably something sleeker. - The laptop compartment at the top instead of the side would allow the side access to be a little closer to the back panel making side access easier when dropping it to one shoulder. - A side access zipper to the main compartment on both sides; the same on both sides though, and both as close to the back panel as possible, unlike how they are on the Enroute. Some things I wish they'd add that neither bag has: - Grab handles on all sides; top, left, right, and bottom, all towards the back panel as much as possible, but easy to grab from any side when pulling down from overhead bins, etc. - Stretch mesh side pockets on both sides (I'd be ok with both being like the ones on the Subterra too, but stretch mesh would probably fit better). - Add a few accessory attachment points for things like carabiners and about 2/3 to 3/4 up on the sides by the back panel, add some nylon straps for G hooks with gatekeepers. These could be for hanging accessories, but I would like them for a removable luggage strap; fully loaded, lifting a heavy bag over the slide through style on the Subterra can be difficult to manage. The Subterra is a great bag that I highly recommend, but Thule, please feel free to contact me if you want someone to test out some prototypes with any of these changes ;)

I bought this one to replace my old one. It lasted about 7 years. Daily 2/12 hour commute. Stored everything, computer,ipad, lunch and clothing. Easy on the back. Only reason why I bought a new one was because the zipper broke. Would definitely recommend

I purchased this bag 4 months ago. Have used it for domestic travel primarily (multiple work trips). Holds a lot. Comfortable to wear. Love that the top can expand or contract down. Easy to access main compartment from side zip or top. Fits nicely under the seat in front of me. I travel for multiple days with this and a roller bag. Also- Love the clean look.

I've carried this bag every day for 5 years, to work and for work out, I also use this bag for travel (Almost 200K miles), and it help up Better than any pack i've owned.

I just returned from my first trip using my new Subterra backpack. It provided a lot of storage room for overnight items that I didn't want to put in my checked bag. It has padded electronics storage and many other extra features in addition to a large middle compartment which is accessible from the main full opening in the top and you can also access it from the side zipper; also having the option of carrying it as an upright pack or by the side handle in a horizontal position like a carry-on suitcase. Every zipper, handle and pocket is top quality. It is a perfect design for someone who travels for business or pleasure. I love it.

I have been using this bag for almost 6 months. I use it as a daily commuting bag and have used it for traveling on trips as well. It is very versitile! I love the side access to the pockets!

Have used on the plane, biking to work, as a briefcase. Great pockets, looks good, comfortable

Great product. The organizer is a great add on, the backpack is great for traveling especially on planes, and very spacious. Though would be great to have a 40L option, I'll be first in line for it. Also would be nice to add some straps/clips option on the outer back of it.

I use this backpack a lot. It's great for traveling on 2-4 day trips unless you're my wife who needs a million outfits lol. I also use this for sports because I referee basketball. It holds all the items I need. I like just a different parts of the bag and that it has various compartments within the front part. The packing pouch is definitely the bonus for this backpack.

Excellent fit for my tallish (6'8") frame. Very comfortable and easy to adjust. Removable sack is also nice. This thing is a real whip piston!

I bought this for my 14 day travel to Europe. I used it with my carry on, for my short haul flights within Europe. Overall the product is good. It could be lighter though. The organizer mesh bag added to the weight and occupied valuable space which did not really serve much purpose since the bag itself is well padded and usually clothes don't need that much protection. The handles and zippers are sturdy and stitched well. One thing that made me nervous throughout the trip was the pull weight of the top handle bar on the buckles. I think they are well attached to the body but still transferring the weight of the bag through those buckles to the handle wasn't the best idea from my point of view. Material is great though.

I am obsessed with the Mineral Thule Subeterra line because of its minimalist sleekness design: I have the smaller backpack, boarding bag, and rolling carryon now I purchased the larger Thule subterra which I love. I love the bright orange color in the inside of the bag because it makes it easy to find my belongingsthey don't get easily lost or blend in like my previous bags. My only wish is that it had a waist strap. For being a big bag it should definitely have a waist strap, too. For that I give it a 4 star: almost perfect bag but not quite there yet.

Very nice backpack, very stylish and feels extremely well-made. Comfortable to wear. Lots of handles. Lacks a convenient small pocket for wallet, phone, etc. The roll-top is neat and the first I've owned, but realized I didn't really need it. The 30L has all the same qualities, but is also the same downfall of missing a really convenient small pocket.

I love the functionality and all the storage of this bag, but there is just way too much padding. There is about 1" of foam used in this bag. It's a real bummer because this was a big splurge price wise, but I never use it because it's just too bulky.

I already submitted a review, but it never got posted, so I'll submit another one. My first negative comment is that I don't like the misleading shipping updates Thule provides. If the process is going to take weeks, SAY it's going to take weeks. Don't say it has shipped just because a shipping label was created. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone with one if my other top choices or I would have canceled this order, since I really needed a pack at the time, and wouldn't have waited that long in hindsight. As for the pack itself, the materials and craftsmanship are quite impressive. I can't complain about quality. And I love the overall look and color combo of burgundy and neon orange. Great look! The large utility sack inside the main compartment is an interesting idea, but for me, it would be much more useful if it had moveable dividers within the sack. Otherwise, everything automatically settles to the bottom every time I lift the sack vertically to put inside the backpack, making it challenging to get it inside without having to reach in and move everything around. That defeats the purpose. The laptop pocket is for 17" laptops, but even though my 17" Thinkpad fits comfortably when accessing from the main compartment, it BARELY fits when accessing from the side zipper, which I'm guessing could be an issue later. The front pocket inexplicably has pen slots that aren't long enough, though the pockets are nice. The shoulder straps aren't nearly comfortable enough for such an expensive backpack. And both handles, likewise, aren't nearly comfortable enough for such an expensive pack. All in all, the look and workmanship of this pack are great, but if I had it to do over, I would have gone with another backpack.

This bag is light, has good features, and seems durable. But if you're going to be carrying any substantial weight in this bag, it needs a hip belt. The chest strap is flimsy and barely distributes any weight. I packed it with typical traveling material and I really couldn't imagine carrying this for more than 10 minutes. It would take a toll on you long term.