Budget One Bag Travel Backpack: Thule Aion 40L Review
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- čas přidán 15. 03. 2024
- Today we are going to take a look at the bag that was selected in the last Gear Hunter Video, the Thule AION 40. This review is based on my use during a 4-day trip to Las Vegas where I got to put the Aion through its paces.
Is the Thule AION 40 the right backpack for your next adventure? I'll share my honest thoughts and recommendations, helping you determine if this budget-friendly option is worth investing in.
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![Thule [ор]Chasm. Прям хорошо. Thule Chasm 26l](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BQuAt4NT6SI/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for the great video! I’m thinking about using it for my one bag travel, and your point on it not being too comfortable to carry for a long time helps.
Thanks for watching! Glad I could help.
Great review, thank you!!
Thanks for the comment. I thought I saw a comment that said the review was confusing. I f that was the case I would love the feedback. Thanks for watching!!
@@mfinresearch6462 no problem, first comment was by mistake, it was intended for another review of Thule and not your channel, sorry about that. I just ordered Thule Aion 40l. can't wait to arrive. Thank you so much ❤️
No problem hope it works out.
Great video, thank you 🙏 Looking forward to your video on the Pakt. I'm also waiting for it to become available!
Thanks it looks like they aren’t coming in until the end of May. The more it is delayed the more I’m thinking of going a different direction.
I've been eyeing this backpack for a while and you're right that there aren't many reviews out there!
Including footage of you carrying the backpack really helped - it looked really uncomfortable! I think perhaps because of the tech compartment above and no pocket below, which makes it top-heavy and pulls the bag away from your shoulders?
It's a shame because I like a lot of the features and was even considering buying the matching sling for the hip belt functionality. I'm a sucker for multi-functionality!
One of the reasons I got it. I read the reviews on the Thule site and Amazon but I'm never sure about them. I feel like most of those reviews are more first impressions. I thought it was great initially. That is why I have to test anything before I try to review it and recommend it.
I do think that was part of it, the other part could have been how I packed it.
Good luck I'm still looking for a travel backpack and the Pakt is still delayed.
Very nice review, thanks a lot! 🤩 I like Thule (i have the AllTrail X 15L, works very well for me). I think the pouches are pretty well thought here, except for the tech compartment. What i nearly always miss (not only Thule does that wrong for me) are the missing divisions / sections for organizing chargers, cables etc. I always have to search for these little things you always need, that's annoying.
Again, thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching!! I have always wanted a Thule bag but this is my first time getting one. Because of it I understand when people say they really wanted to like something. That is how I felt about the Aion 40L. I event think it does tech well. A few small tech pouches and it would clean it up. The AllTrail looks like a nice little bag. I'm thinking about testing a few bags under 15L so I will ad it to my list.
@@mfinresearch6462 There are three "AllTrail X" (i hate when they call *everything* by the same name, gnaaahhhh!), from 15 l to 35 l. I could try the 35 too and it's a beast, but really very comfortable. But it's for hiking (a top loader ...). For traveling i like the bags from "Topi Designs" or "Cabin Zero", you should take a look, it's worth it. 🤗🤩 Thanks to your review the Aion 40 is now on my list. ^^ 😋
I almost bout a cabin zero a few month ago but I wasn't a fan of the laptop compartment. I might give them a chance because they do seem like a good value. Top designs is on that list of makers I like but I haven't gotten around to yet. One of these days I will make it.
@@mfinresearch6462 Be sure to buy a "military" version (with MOLLE-Straps on the front), the normal version has no padding at the back. I carried my notebook in an extra sleeve, but the Cabin Zero isn't a burner regarding organization. ^^ 🤨😋 But it's very good for carrying many things with you and there a three size options.
Thanks for the vid. Bought this about 2 months ago for a 5 day winter work trip to Japan. I think the size is good for winter travel but also about as large as you'd ever want to shoulder for city trips, as it does get heavy quickly as you fill it up. The ultimate dilemma is what to choose for your second bag/sling, because this bag really is pretty big for short daily excursions at destination. You might stick out depending on where you go. If you travel without the need to carry a laptop during the day, then you really might get away with Thule's Aion sling that's designed to accompany this bag. Otherwise, you'd still need a big packing cube like the one in Subterra 34 to consolidate all your clothing at your accommodation, while you carry this backpack as a laptop bag during the day. Just my 2 cents. Love the aesthetics though.
I like to have a sling for a second bag and I'll use it as a tech pouch until I get to where I'm going. I think the 28 liter version is a little more versatile since it expands a little and wouldn't be as big when you are out in about. That or I'm thinking about adding a packable backpack.
@@mfinresearch6462 Yeah, I spent a week agonizing over whether to get the 28L version or 40L one. Went with 40L upon realizing I just couldn’t reduce volume of winter clothing and gifts down to fit a 30L bag. So I think you are right about 28L being more versatile…. If you can minimize what you take with you and gifts you buy at destination.
When you reviewed and compared three backpacks before selecting the Thule, you said you were not considering any backpack/duffel hybrids. Ive been looking for one because I thought it would be good to have something I could use either way. Have you tried them and found a problem? Any ideas about the negatives would help me decide if I should avoid going that direction. Thanks
Thanks for watching...both videos!!!! I didn't add any backpack/duffel hybrids for a few reasons. The first two bags in the honorable mentions (Mystery Ranch and Patagonia) are somewhat hybrids but they didn't make the cut. The second reason was I find that sometimes bags that do more than one thing don't excel at any single option. Third, I wasn't a fan of the laptop compartments. When it is on the back/bottom it doesn't work for me in duffel since I don't want my laptop that close to the ground. When on the front/top they are right against my back with little padding. Fourth when I plan a comparison I like to give myself parameters to make the search a little more interesting. That is why I went 40L and didn't include no Aer or Alpaka bags both under 40L even though I like their products. Even with those issues I do like the hybrids. I've had the REI Big haul and The North Face Base Camp for years (I think they are older than my kids at this point). I think the Pakt duffle has the best laptop solution even though it doesn't have a backpack carry option. I have might have to do a hybrid comparison in the future. Thanks again!!
@@mfinresearch6462 Thanks for the careful, detailed, informative response. After reading it, I stopped focusing on hybrids and started looking at two-bag solutions - a backpack as personal item and a duffle as my carry on.
I like the two bag system. Depending on the trip would determine. I try to get the personal item down to a sling when I can. I also like the 3 (I call it 2.5) bag setup where the sling goes inside the backpack. Let me know what you decide on.
Thanks for review. Not a W for me for this bag. I really wish they had a laptop xxl backpack that is meant for carrying stuff not travel. I love the adidas prime 6, just wish it was more elegant. same size
That is a good point I think bags in the 25-28 liter range would be a good choice. Even the smaller version of the Aion would be good.
Does it fit under a plane seat
Packed out it didn’t fit under the seat but it should if it isn’t full.
Do you think I can fit a full face helmet in it?
I didn't try it, but I'm pretty confident it won't fit. I don't think it will fit in most travel backpacks. I've clipped my chin strap to the top grab handle in a pinch. The style that might work would be those with a "U" style opening. The Tomtoc travel backpack comes time mind. Your best bet would be to try a duffel with a top opening that can be carried as a backpack. I used the REI 40L Duffel and The North Face Base Camp to hold a full face.
@@mfinresearch6462 what do you think about Thule chasm 40 Duffle
@@mfinresearch6462 thank you very much for your input!!
Not bad I almost picked it up as a set to go with the chasm backpack
I saw the other video with your choices and you settled on the cheaper bag. You get what you pay for? And a bag for a lifetime...price is probably not the best way to choose. Save a little and spring for what you want.
First, thanks for watching both videos and using both to give your perspective. I love that kind of stuff! I don't think the Thule was a cheap bag, they just made a few design choices that I didn't like. To me this is different than buying say a 40L Walmart Special and wondering why the bag disintegrated before the trip is over. I like to find the best intersection between price and quality. Since I know in either case it isn't the last bag I'll buy, I don't mind rolling the dice and taking a shot. Sometimes it works out and you find a hidden gem, sometimes you don't. I enjoy the comparison process just as much so I don't mind striking out every now and then.