TREKKING
Product 2026
Femme, Homme, Enfant
It’s not necessarily widely known, but the Swedish brand offers a rather impressive range of luggage. In fact, we’ve already tested the Thule Chasm wheeled duffel. And speaking of well-designed, pricey yet effective products, we also tested and awarded a Test4outside Award to the Thule Epos bike rack.
Now, onto today’s review—the Thule backpack: we really liked the Aion 40L, which features a sleek, minimalist style that is ideal for travel because it is so highly functional. Right off the bat, let’s address its fairly large size (33 x 23 x 52 cm / 13 x 9 x 20.5 in), which might be a drawback with certain airlines that enforce stricter height limits for carry-on bags. However, it fits within the guidelines for paid overhead carry-ons under some airlines’ policies.
It’s a very pleasant bag to use because all the compartments are easily accessible and thoughtfully designed. We also appreciate the coated canvas fabric, which develops a nice patina over time and through regular use. Made partly from recycled materials and free of toxic PFCs, the Thule Aion 40L is a beautiful piece of gear. It is meticulously constructed,and we especially loved the feel of the zipper pulls: very smooth to the touch and making the bag effortless to open. From the stitching to the zips and straps, the quality is top-notch. The Thule Aion 40L features two top haul straps and a side handle.
Carrying comfort is excellent; the contoured shoulder straps work seamlessly with the semi-rigid back panel of the Thule Aion 40L. The only minor misstep on this Thule Aion 40L is the lack of an included hip belt, which is sold separately as an optional accessory.
By laying the bag on its side using the lateral handle, you gain access to a dedicated compartment for a laptop and fragile electronics. The protection here is top-tier. A third compartment is zippered. The interior of the Thule Aion 40L features a light-colored lining, making it easy to spot your belongings inside. Another great design feature of the Thule Aion 40L is a TPU water-resistant pocket inside the main compartment: it’s ultra-practical for storing and isolating damp or smelly gear. This waterproof pouch is also removable.
Inside this main space, you’ll also find two zipped mesh pockets and compression straps to compact your gear and keep items from shifting around.
Lastly, near the top shoulder straps, there is a small zipped stash pocket to secure your phone or keys. It is discreet and difficult for potential pickpockets to access.
It’s worth noting that we had the chance to test the Thule Aion 40L alongside the Thule Aion Travel Organizer (€49.95),which allows you to safely centralize your passport, money, and essential documents.
An excellent travel backpack—thoroughly well thought out, solidly built, and practical. It boasts a sleek, more urban-than-outdoor aesthetic. A fine piece of kit that inspires you to pack up and explore. Ideal for weekend getaways.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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