thule aion travel backpack

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Thule Aion Backpack

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Manufactured on farms or in facilities that protect the rights and/or health of workers.

Bluesign products are made with safer chemicals, fewer resources, and less energy. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions at production sites. Bluesign system partners include chemical companies, material manufacturers, and brands in the textile supply chain. They reduce impacts in five areas: resource use, air and water pollution, worker health and safety, and consumer safety. They also identify options to use water and energy more efficiently and only use chemicals, processes, materials and products that are safer for the environment, workers and customers.

Learn more about this certification

Manufactured using processes that reduce the risk of negative environmental impact.

Made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment.

• 100% Polyester
• Made with bluesign approved, 100% recycled polyester fabrics and a waxed canvas with a PFC free durable water-resistant coating
• Expands from a 28L daypack to a 32L travel backpack for 15% more packable space
• TPU divider helps keep items separated during travel, is easy to clean, and tucks away when not in use
• Zippered top pocket keeps small items secure, organized and within reach
• Thule Aion Sling Bag doubles as a supportive hipbelt (sold separately)

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From the manufacturer

Bring your life

Whether it's exploring the spectacular nature of the great outdoors or traveling the world with family and friends, we all have a passion for enjoying an active life.

At Thule, we share your desire to spend more time enjoying your passions - which means less time worrying about how to bring all the stuff we need. For more than 75 years, Thule has been creating solutions to simplify life's adventures. Our focus has been on developing smart, stylish products that are sound, high quality, safe, and easy to use.

Whatever your passion, whatever your pursuit. Wherever you're going, whatever you're bringing. With Thule you're free to live your active life to the fullest.

Quality you can rely on

We’ll never know what adventures you’ll be taking your equipment on. That’s why we develop our products to manage any weather, any temperature, and any terrain in the whole world. We’ve come to the conclusion that nothing else will do. Every new product is put through temperatures of icy northern cold and burning desert heat, long sessions of intensive UV radiation, a salt chamber for corrosion endurance, several pressure and capacity tests – and finally a machine that shakes it for a lifetime’s worth, simulating two trips around the world in less than a week. Yes, the Thule Test Center is kind of brutal. But that’s the way the world is. And since we only give the sign of approval to products that have had the whole world against them (and survived it), it’s no wonder we’re international leaders in safety and durability – or that we even exceed the standards.

Product Description

Expanding from daypack to travel backpack, this multipurpose wax canvas backpack is made from 100% recycled fabrics.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, videos for this product.

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Thule Aion 28L Review

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the portability, comfort, appearance, performance, and quality of the backpack. They mention that it's easy to carry, has an easy to reach outside pocket, and that it feels comfortable enough. They appreciate the water resistance, and compartment. Opinions are mixed on the size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention that it's a well-thought-out product, the material is impressively sturdy, and the holders and straps are very strong. Some say that it is a great travel backpack and perfect as a secondary carry-on bag.

"First of all, use case is everything . On a long trip to Europe, we chose to take one carry-on and one personal bag apiece...." Read more

"...using it on a four day trip I think it's a well thought out and high quality product . It also fits under an airplane seat...." Read more

"...Looks good, great compartments & durable material & zippers. Best feature is the strap that fits over the handle of my carryon spinner...." Read more

"...So a high quality and high capacity backpack is very important to me. I'm not a backpacker, I don't walk around anywhere with my backpack...." Read more

Customers like the compartments in the backpack. They say it has a very roomy main compartment, comes with compression straps, and a built-in divider. They also appreciate the storage options and the balance between compartments for organization without overdoing it. The outside pocket holds an iPad and phone, and the inside has dividers for organizing without over-dosing. The bag is big enough for lunch, headphones, laptop, and other items. The small easy access pocket is a standout feature.

"...It is not too large to go as a day pack if necessary and it is quite comfortable. The zippers and pulls are all quality...." Read more

"...The Aion contains two padded compartments to hold your tablet and a large laptop...." Read more

"...compression straps, a builtin detachable wet bag, a small builtin mesh toiletry zip compartment , and a full length zip compartment for additional..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the backpack. They say it looks good, is well thought out, and has all the features needed. Customers also appreciate the great layout, handles, and divider. They mention that it has decent organization and an easy to reach outside pocket for things.

"...It has decent organization and an easy to reach outside pocket for things like chargers, keys, glasses, etc...." Read more

"...After using it on a four day trip I think it's a well thought out and high quality product. It also fits under an airplane seat...." Read more

"Perfect as a secondary carryon bag to my Samsonite spinner. Looks good , great compartments & durable material & zippers...." Read more

"Fabulous backpack that's well constructed and has all the features needed.Highly recommend." Read more

Customers find the backpack comfortable enough, very comfortable to carry, and has an adjustable cross strap. They also say the shoulder straps are comfortable and the bag feels fine on their back.

"...It is not too large to go as a day pack if necessary and it is quite comfortable . The zippers and pulls are all quality...." Read more

"...The shoulder straps are comfortable and have an adjustable cross strap. The above pics show these features...." Read more

"...The Thule 40l feels comfortable enough . It doesn't come with a hip strap, but I never use one anyway...." Read more

"...Honestly it's just good. It works great, is comfortable , very padded , AND LIGHTWEIGHT !!!..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the backpack. They mention that it is functional as possible and works perfectly.

"...As such I wanted it to be as large and functional as possible , while still being able to fit under the seat. This it did magnificently...." Read more

"...Honestly it's just good. It works great , is comfortable, very padded , AND LIGHTWEIGHT !!!..." Read more

" Functional and comfortable." Read more

"This is a great backpack work perfect and all clothing go perfect" Read more

Customers find the backpack easy to carry and good for small planes when on safari. They also appreciate the decent organization and easy-to-reach outside pocket for things like chargers and keys. Customers also mention that the backpack has tons of pockets and is easy to pack a lot into.

"Very spacious with good design of compartments. Easy to carry and good for small planes when on safari." Read more

"...Tons of pockets and easy to pack alot into" Read more

"...It looks good and easy to carry … must consider if evaluating a large laptop backpack" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the water resistance of the backpack. They mention it has a handy waterproof compartment that keeps items safe from wet clothes.

"...The zippers and pulls are all quality. I found the outer shell fabric to be very water resistant and durable...." Read more

"...is made of partially recycled material and has a canvas like water resistant exterior ...." Read more

"...Anyway I love this damn bag, I think it's water resistant too. I should have known Thule would make a banging bag!!..." Read more

"...there is a separate water proof compartment which keeps items safe from wet clothes . over all very happy and recommend this backpack" Read more

Customers are mixed about the size of the backpack. Some mention it fits perfect on the plane, is easy to carry, and good for small planes when on safari, while others say that it leaves really very little room for packing. The large back compartment is a great feature, but it doesn't fit on suitcase well.

"...It also fits under an airplane seat . Thule has made a great backpack. Who knew?" Read more

"...back pocket and all the other pockets and openings, it leaves really very little room (for its size) for packing things you'd take for a nice week-..." Read more

"My two boys got these for their camping so worth it and fits perfect on the plane . !" Read more

"I like it, just doesn't fit on suitcase well ..." Read more

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Thule Aion 28L Review

Thule’s Aion 28L Backpack features bluesign® materials and a dual-access compartment that can even take damp clothes—responsible and clever.

Our Verdict

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• Versatile dual-access main compartment
• TPU divider/pocket is good for stowing wet gear
• Simple but comfortable harness system
• Some loose threads on the daisy chain webbing
• Expanded 32L mode comes at the cost of extra depth
• Water bottle pockets lacking in grip

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 100/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Expands to 32L

Weight (lb)

2.71 lb (1.2 kg)

18.5 in x 11 in x 9.06 in (47 x 27.9 x 23 cm)

Notable Materials

Canvas, Recycled Polyester, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Thule BringIt! Guarantee

Buying Options

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Full Review

Thule is a brand we typically associate with big, no-nonsense-looking bags, yet are rich in features. Take the Landmark 40L and its SafeZone compartment, for example, or the separately carry-able laptop bag of the Subterra Convertible Carry-On . The Subterra 34L even comes with its own large packing cube; it’s not the best, but it is included. The point is that Thule is always trying new features with these unassuming black bags, and that’s pretty exciting.

The Aion 28L Backpack’s design may come off as too simple at first glance, with its clean aesthetic and humble harness system. Look at it much closer, though, and you’ll start to appreciate the clever design hiding in plain sight. From the shrouded daisy chains at the front to a water-resistant pocket in the middle of the main compartment, this bag’s definitely hiding some aces up its sleeves. That sounds pretty Thule to us, so let’s not wait and dig right into this bag.

Materials & Aesthetic

The Aion looks clean and minimal for a backpack of its size. There aren’t many external features that stick out, and, for the most part, the fabric does most of the talking. It’s a 600-denier waxed canvas shell fabric, and it looks absolutely right in this Nutria colorway. For the uninitiated, waxed canvas is the sort of fabric that just screams “heritage styling,” second only to leather, in our opinion.

One trait of waxed canvas fabrics that makes them stand out is how easily it marks up. Case in point, the WaterField Designs Outback Duo Laptop Brief also features waxed canvas, and you can clearly see where we’ve run our fingernails on the fabric. The same goes for the Aion, but it’s not as obvious. In fact, the markups are quite subtle and not really noticeable under bright lighting conditions. To some people (including us) the patina adds to the bag’s charm since it gives it that worn-out look you get from heritage-style gear. To note that while the fabric does mark up, the patina is more on the wax coating rather than on the fabric itself, so the material’s integrity doesn’t have any issues whatsoever.

Oh, and for the black-on-black colorway lovers out there (including us), there is a black option for the Aion as well. Still, the Nutria has grown on us over the weeks, though our consumption of granola bars has inexplicably gone up as well. Coincidence?

Speaking of granola bars, the Aion does feature other noteworthy ingredients as well. The zippers are ever-reliable YKK-branded ones, and the hardware (buckles, adjusters, etc.) is courtesy of Duraflex, also a reputable brand. You’ll also be happy to know that the Aion is bluesign® certified, meaning that it’s made with materials that have been produced with sustainability in mind. For example, the Aion’s main fabric, liner, and mesh are all 100% recycled from plastic bottles—neat, huh?

External Components

The shoulder straps are wide and well-padded with foam covered in mesh. There’s not much to say, but that’s only because Thule nailed the basics here, and there’s really no need to go overboard. Strap keepers are the one “luxury” we’re glad to see here. Strap keepers are one of those features that, once you’ve tried a bag with them, it’s hard not to look for them in the future. We just don’t like dangling straps #sorrynotsorry.

If we do have one nitpick about the shoulder straps, it would be the daisy-chained loops where the sternum strap attaches. In our book, this is less easy to adjust than a sliding sternum strap and less granular as well. One advantage loops have, though, is that you can use the rest to hang accessories.

The back panel uses the same kind of foam and mesh as the shoulder straps do. As with the straps, Thule did a good job of padding out the panel, making sure the fit stays comfortable and breathable. That said, your mileage in comfort may vary depending on how warm it is and how much you sweat in general.

The overall fit feels comfortable and easy on the back. The sternum strap does feel a little tight out-of-the-box, but that’s easily solved with some adjustment. That said, the fit does start to feel less optimal once the Aion’s expanded to its 32-liter mode, which adds extra depth. This wedges out the bag’s face and makes the fit slightly back-heavier, at which point a hip belt or load lifters may be desirable.

To be fair, Thule has thought of this, which is where the Aion Sling Bag comes into play and doubles as a hip belt. Unfortunately, it’s a separate purchase, so we’re not factoring it into this standalone review.

Also on the back panel is the luggage pass-through. The Aion’s luggage pass-through is a simple strip of fabric that runs across the surface. We like that it’s wide because it can accommodate even those rollers with excessively wide handles. The pass-through is also thoughtfully centered, and while that may be a no-brainer, we’re not taking it for granted. We’ve seen other bags like the Eagle Creek Explore Backpack 26L , whose luggage pass-through is so low that it leans awkwardly on a roller. Now imagine the kind of lean you’d get if it were a fully-packed and expanded 32-liter Aion.

Next up are the Aion’s handles. The side handle is firmly anchored to the Aion’s side, preventing any awkward leaning. This is something that’s sometimes overlooked when it comes to side handles. A tilt may lead to the bag scraping on your pants or bare legs when carrying it by the side handle—uncomfortable, to say the least.

Up at the top are two handles. At first glance, these seem to be similar to tote handles that you can use simultaneously. However, they’re too short and/or not close enough for that purpose. Instead, they’re independent, though we’re still a bit puzzled as to why there are two handles in the first place.

The rear top handle would be your typical run-of-the-mill handle most backpacks have. On the other hand, the front handle seems meant for carrying the bag while it’s open (you’d hold both top handles while the clamshell is folded open). This seems a bit extra to us and not all that essential, but it is there in case you need it. Plus, you can always just use it to hang off extra accessories if you want to.

The Aion has a water bottle pocket on its left side. Its grip is not the best, unfortunately. We’re using an 18-ounce Hydro Flask , which is a stainless steel insulated bottle. These typically have a sleek finish on the outside, so they tend to slip against the fabric. The Aion’s water bottle pocket is deep and does stretch (and has a gusset, too!). However, it lacks sufficient grip to hold the relatively slender Hydro Flask in place when the bag falls over to its side.

A hack we typically do is anchor the bottle’s handle to a nearby loop or hardware. This would be a compression strap, D-ring, or external loop of any kind—none of which are near enough the Aion’s water bottle pockets.

Lastly, at the front of the bag is a daisy chain of loops. They’re not immediately obvious since a gusset shrouds them. This may be for purely aesthetic reasons, but we do like that they’re stealthily hidden and maintain the Aion’s fairly minimalist look. There are a few loose threads around the daisy chain, so the fact that it’s hidden works in its favor.

Inside The Backpack

We’ll start with a staple feature of travel backpacks : a hidden pocket. The Aion’s hidden pocket is located near the top edge of the back panel. The opening is about the size of a passport’s width and has about an inch of allowance. Apart from a passport, there’s ample room for something a little bulkier, such as a smartphone, a wallet, or a stack of super-secret-awesome-sauce travel photos.

Take note that while the pocket does have room, access isn’t fast, nor is it a top priority since it’s a hidden pocket.

The Aion’s front compartment contains most of the organization you’ll want to use the most for everyday carry items. We’re talking about small gear like pens, chargers, power banks, travel mice, and house keys.

On the front side is a zippered mesh pocket. It’s spacious enough to be used as a general dump pocket for adapters and thumb drives. The mesh itself feels soft and cushioned, so it’s not a bad place to put a pair of sunglasses, either. Towards the back is the bulk of the front compartment’s organization. From top to bottom, you get a drop pocket, a key leash, two liner pockets, two pen pockets, and a small mesh pocket. All of these pockets are fairly open, so gear may still fall out of the bag when it’s tipped over.

It’s worth noting that there’s some space at the bottom of the compartment. The best-fitting gear we could throw in there is a hard case for our sunglasses, but a small tech pouch or toiletry bag should fit just as well.

There are two ways to access the main compartment. You can either go from the horseshoe-style opening from the top or through the clamshell opening of the laptop compartment. Access via the horseshoe-style opening is, as expected, the quicker way since it’s more or less how you would do it on a daypack. For packing purposes, though, you’ll want to use the clamshell opening of the laptop compartment.

From the laptop compartment, access to the main compartment is covered with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fabric divider. The divider itself actually forms a pocket, with a zippered opening at the top where you can slip gear in. The key property of TPU is its water resistance, which is why you’d often see base fabrics like nylon and polyester coated with it. This makes the pocket an ideal place to stow wet gear such as used swimsuits. Just make sure to wring them out thoroughly since water can still seep through the zipper elements.

The TPU divider has another set of zippers that allow it to unravel fully. There’s even a pull tab that lets you peel the divider all the way down. We dig how this works; it’s similar to how Peak Design’s packing cubes have a quick access system. If you’re not familiar with that, a more common analogy would be a popsicle’s wrapper—you just peel from the top to get to the good part.

One minor nitpick is that since the zippers run along the edge where there’s a lot of fabric, they sometimes get stuck when zipping back up. Fortunately, those incidents aren’t catastrophic bag-ruining experiences and are more minor inconveniences. Another thing to note is if you don’t want this TPU divider at all, you can simply roll and stow it away in a compartment at the bottom.

Tl;dr is you get the best of both worlds: everyday quick accessibility via the horseshoe-style opening and the ease of packing via a fully clamshell design.

Inside you’ll find a bucket-style interior that’s packing cubes and pouches-friendly. It’s spacious enough for a week’s worth of clothing (your mileage may vary). If that’s not enough, you can expand the Aion by unzipping the expansion system for an additional four liters of capacity—just keep in mind that it affects how the bag carries.

The laptop compartment’s organization is pretty straightforward. There’s a 16-inch laptop sleeve, followed by a tablet pocket right in front. Below is a zippered mesh pocket. This is where accessory cables or a laptop charger would go, but we opt to stuff it with our socks instead. This creates a bump that cuts into the main compartment, but thankfully, it’s a soft bump, so it’s not too intrusive.

By the way, the mesh isn’t cushioned, unlike the one in the front compartment. That means space is maximized better so that even the bulkiest of laptop chargers can fit. All of the laptop compartment pockets are, in general, relatively spacious, and we don’t have trouble fitting gear where they belong.

Thule Aion 28L Backpack | This adds four liters of capacity, though we didn’t need to use it.

The Aion’s main strengths lie in its interior features. We dig the convenience of having dual access to the main compartment and the clever integration of a water-resistant pocket in the middle. The waxed canvas and its patina deserve praise as well; it makes the Aion charming in its own way. The overall aesthetic may be simple, but we would be remiss if we judged the Aion by looks alone and not by the thoughtful design inside.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Slick look & feel
• Our colorway, Nutria, already has some marks on the outside of the bag which is breaking in that classic, waxed canvas look—it adds character to the bag
• Feeling confident in the YKK Zippers
• Front handle isn’t something we’ve seen on a lot of bags—curious to test it out
• A good amount of organization – will be interesting to see how it’s used.
• Daisy chain is nicely hidden, but still functional—though there are some loose threads on it right out of the box

• Waxed canvas didn’t get quite as marked up as we thought it would, so, steer clear if you’re looking for that worn canvas look
• Water-resistant TPU interior pocket proved nice for a wet bathing suit
• Pack carries comfortably overall, but we didn’t love the extra depth that was added when zipping into 32L mode

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