When it comes to luggage, backpacks or bags in general, I’ve owned and reviewed Thule products numerous times in the past to know that the company makes quality bags.
This time around, I am reviewing the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag, a bag which is perfect for those who are looking for a carryon which one can carry a laptop, tablet and numerous other things (especially if you want to bring a pair of clothing or thing back from your trip).
A big question that many people may wonder is if you can use this backpack for traveling overseas and can be used as a carryon. Most airlines require your carryon to be 22 x 14 x 9 max (45 linear inches). This backpack is 7.9 x 12.2 x 17.3 (37.4 linear inches), so it is carryon safe.
As you can see the above photo from Thule, this bag has a luggage pass through panel, which I highly recommend, so you don’t have to carry it on your shoulder. Just slide it through your luggage handle and let it rest on top of your luggage. You are good to!
The bag utilizes a removable, padded shoulder strap. The strap uses the plastic/metal hinge. I tend to not like these as I have seen bags (not Thule) have that portion snap. But fortunately, this is removable, so it can be replaced with another strap, if the hinges do break.
The front portion features quick-access fleece-lined photo pocket. The pocket does have padding and it is zipped, so you can put your smart phone or other things just as big in that pocket.
If you don’t want to use the shoulder strap, the bag comes with magnetic bail handles, which work very well.
The sides also have discreet side handles (more like flaps) which allow for lifting/rearranging in overhead bins.
You have three interior pockets, one which is a large padded pocket which can hold a laptop/tablet, etc. Recommended size of laptop is 15″ or smaller.
The second is like a check-in luggage compartment, where you can store backup clothes and a zippered mesh pocket to keep socks or other things inside.
And the last pocket, which allows for tablet storage and a padded pocket for tablets up to 12.9 inches or anything size appropriate especialy with the addition of two smaller pockets. There is also a PowerPocket cord management system, for those who have thinner/cylindrical power banks/battery backups to store in its left pocket and the wire can run through a slit for easy charging.
This is a versatile bag, especially for one who wants to keep that emergency pair of clothes in a bag, along with electronics, battery backups and also for those who know they will be bringing a lot of souvenirs home from their trip. Especially if you need just the right amount of storage that won’t make things too big to fit in a bin, under your plane seat, etc.
Overall, the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag is recommended!
