I get on and off airplanes — a lot — and a few years ago, I noticed my stress level increasing. It seems inevitable these days to hear an announcement that it's a full flight and the overhead bins are full. Since I travel 30-40% of the year, I started reading guides to the best carry-on suitcases and best luggage, hoping to find a unicorn of sorts: a spacious carry-on bag that could fit under the seat in front of me if need be. After much trial and error, I found the Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack and it's been a total game changer.
This 28-liter travel backpack expands to a 32-liter capacity and provides exceptional organizational features, including 11 pockets and a water-proof divider bag.
- Robust organizational features
- Durable fabric
- Expands from 28L to 32L
- Fits in most overhead bins and under most airplane seats
- Convenient waterproof TPU sleeve for wet/dirty items
- Water bottle slides out when bag is on its side
- No load lifter straps to offset weight
- Water-resistant, but not waterproof
Design and specs
Those looking to eschew the stress of annoyingly limited overhead storage should consider a travel backpack in all its soft-sided glory. Not every backpack works well as carry-on luggage, but the Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack does, due to its size and features that improve the overall travel experience.
The pack has a minimalist aesthetic and is made from durable, water-resistant Waxed P600 polyester canvas. It weighs just 2.71 pounds, which is key if you're flying a carrier that has weight limits on carry-on bags, as many low-cost European and Asian airlines do. However, if you're like me, it won't stay light for long, especially with the expander feature, which boosts the volume from 28 to 32 liters.
Stuffing it to capacity will plump it just beyond its stated 11 x 9.1 x 18.5-inch measurements, but it fits comfortably in most overhead bins and under the majority of seats, which is convenient in a two-by-two seating scenario with limited storage.
Three compartments offer versatility for separating clothing, technology, and smaller items. The pack is loaded with organizational features, including 11 pockets, a padded laptop area, a key leash, and more. I especially love the water-resistant RFID pocket, which helps keep your ID and credit card safe from data thieves.
What it's like to use
I've pushed this bag to its limits over the past two years. It has been tossed, crushed, pulled, and dropped on over 38 trips, including adventure-centric itineraries and occasional typhoons. I always pack to the full 32-liter capacity, and other than stains on the bottom and a few stray threads on the grab handle, it has held up like a champ.
It's the perfect size for a weekend trip, but I use roll-style compression bags to maximize storage. This, and a minimalist mindset, make it doable for a 14-day adventure. It also serves as a makeshift table during layovers. I can be seen all over the globe, enjoying a snack on my backpack table or using it as a leg rest.
I love the hands-free freedom it provides while navigating airports and transit stations, as well as the chest strap, which helps balance the pack's weight. The S-curve shoulder straps are well padded, and the backpack boasts a roller bag strap if you're not quite ready to go full-on minimalist.
What makes it stand out?
Thanks to the bag's next-level organization, everything is at my fingertips. It's a tangible example of nearly every sought-after feature in a carry-on backpack — from expandable compartments, pen pockets, daisy chains, vented enclosures, and zippered areas to RFID-safe storage. Damp or dirty items? Stuff them into the water-proof TPU divider pocket.
The volume and diversity of the organizational features make it easy to group together similar items — I can devote separate pockets to technology, snacks, and airplane distractions like books and puzzles. Even in a window seat on a dark, overnight flight, I can easily find what I need.
Cons to consider
When it's stuffed, this bag extends off your back more. The chest strap mitigates this, but it's worth noting. It's also sometimes too heavy for bathroom luggage hooks, leading to difficult life choices about putting it on the floor. I rest it on disposable toilet seat liners to create a barrier.
Sometimes, the water bottle slides out of its pocket, but only when the bag is on its side. Since I typically have my water bottle at my seat, not in the overhead, this hasn't posed much of an issue.
What are your alternatives?
The chest strap and S-curved straps of Thule's Aion backpack help customize the fit, but those with height considerations can also explore the Osprey Fairview, which offers gender-specific fits and torso adjustability. It features a contoured harness system and internal compression straps.
As an alternative, the VGCUB Large Travel Backpack checks all the boxes for a budget-friendly carry-on backpack. This bag is within the usual carry-on limits and has features like a separate shoe compartment and adjustable shoulder straps. It's available in five sizes and nearly 40 color variations. Both of these backpacks are picks in our guide to the best travel backpack.
The bottom line
The Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack offers ample capacity for trips of varied lengths, but its superpower lies in its organization. This pack addresses the challenge that — at least for those travel days — your whole life is packed into a bag. With 11 pockets, nooks, and stash compartments, this backpack keeps that life organized and at the ready.
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