We took our time testing this Thule Chasm 110-liter bag because, when brand new, travel duffels almost always seem durable and well-made. It’s only over time that you start discovering wheels that bind, plastics that crack, and zippers that fail.
So, we wanted to put this Thule Chasm 110L through its paces in real-world conditions—checking it in at airport counters, watching it handle baggage carousels, and rolling it over all types of terrain, pavements, and surfaces—to see if it could truly hold up. After several months of testing, the answer is a definitive yes.
First, the wheels are mounted on smooth, high-efficiency bearings. Thanks to their generous size and wide diameter, they remain fully functional even on soft or uneven ground. They are also pleasantly quiet.
Another strong point (and a classic feature on this type of gear) is the molded polycarbonate back shell/base. While relatively thin to keep weight down, it is nonetheless impact-resistant and highly protective.
The telescopic handle is easy to operate, never jams, and stays securely in place when collapsed. It is relatively wide,making it easy to maneuver the bag—even with one hand—when stepping off a curb, for instance.
We really appreciated the multiple grab handles located on the sides and top—five in total. Only one panel lacks a handle.In short, you can always grab the Thule Chasm instantly when handling or stowing it away. All handles are sturdy, neatly finished, and comfortable on the hands. There are also four exterior compression straps, which can double as extra grip points.
Both the exterior and interior fabrics are made from recycled materials. They are tough and highly abrasion-resistant. We were slightly concerned that our test bag’s blue colorway would show wear quickly, but that wasn’t the case—it ages well,with only minor scuffs showing over time.
You’ll find a traditional ID card slot for contact information, as well as a very handy zipped top pocket for quick-access items. Unfortunately, this top pocket cannot be locked with a padlock, unlike the main central zipper.
The zips themselves are excellent quality, equipped with pull cords and plastic/rubber tips.
Inside, the layout is fairly basic—which is actually the main reason it fell just short of earning a Test4outside.com Award.We noticed the lack of internal compression straps to keep gear secure when the bag is only half full. However, Thule offers optional packing cubes in various sizes and colors to help organize your gear.
On the lid interior, you’ll find two large zipped mesh pockets.
Overall, this is an excellent travel duffel—durable, impact-resistant, and highly abrasion-resistant. It boasts smooth rolling performance and plenty of handles for easy handling. A set of internal compression straps is all that’s missing to make the Thule Chasm an absolute must-have.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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