Budget One Bag Travel Backpack: Thule Aion 40L Review 

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.

Thanks for watching! Glad I could help.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Packed out it didn’t fit under the seat but it should if it isn’t full.

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 think budget is relative. If I compare it to an amazon basics and the Tomotc travel backpack it would be the premium pick. However, it the lineup I put it with it was the budget pick of the group.

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.