ThuleSubterra Backpack 25L

Perfect size and initial quality is solid - feels very durable. The rear zip for computer access is practical and the backpack has the right amount of pockets. I removed the sunglass insert as it cut into the interior storage but the the exterior portion of this pocket is handy and still provides protection from exterior impact. The pack has a sleek, clean, slightly generic look, perfect for those who want an attractive bag without making a fashion statement.

I grew up in the luggage industry. My dad had a store that sold luggage, briefcases, and carry-ons. So, I've seen every quality of bag imaginable, and I've repaired more zippers and rips than I can count. So, I feel like I can easily spot durability...as in this Thule Subterra pack. Ok, I also happen to like the way this looks...nice bonus.Now, I'm a teacher, and my needs vary from week to week. sometimes I just need to transport a laptop, maybe lunch. Other times I need a gazillion papers, a couple of books, and lunch. For me, this bag is the best book bag I've had....specifically because it has fewer and larger pockets rather than other brands boasting a zillion zippered compartments. For me, too many compartments just leave me searching through my bag longer.This Thule bag has a vacuous main compartment accessed by a side zipper. This allows for contents to be top-loaded or from the side...so convenient. A generously sized bottle holder on one side and a great crush-proof pocket on the other are also great features. A chest compression strap (I'm not hiking yet), solid straps and a top handle round out features that make this bag easy to manage. Tomorrow I will easily fit this soft, but nicely padded bag, under that airplane seat with no worries about the contents.I also like the way this bag closes, or, the many ways it closes. A lot of what I do needs me to get into and out of the bag frequently, so I find flaps with buckles a little awkward. When I don't need super-secure closure, this weighted flap and some of the pocket fold over (like a potato chip bag) and remain that way...SO convenient for me. Certainly, it's easy enough to clip the two nicely place buckles.Finally, the thick nylon seems super tough, zippers and pulls large, and clips are super sturdy, plenty big.I was able to touch and handle this bag in an office supply store and loved its features. This price is significantly less (about 30% less) than the in-store price.I look forward to long use with this bag, and backed by Thule, I know I can get help if needed. (comes with warranty)

I like the shoe pocket although it does result in smaller clothes like socks sometimes falling in the small space between the shoe pocket and the outer wall, but it's not that big of a deal. I like that there are many carry handles including backpack straps. Not too big and just the right size for shoes, workout clothes, some toiletries and even a small laptop or tablet.I use it almost every day. Totally worth it.

Thule once again proves themselves as a company with their products.This bag is really great and has served me hiking, for work, for travel and everything in-between.The biggest pro for me personally is that there is a side access zipper to the laptop compartment which makes dealing with the TSA while flying SOO much less frustrating.The quality is also top notch. After 4 years of daily use commuting all over the place and internationally, the zipper are all still 100% functional and I haven't had a single thread/stitch come loose.It handily fits my 14" laptop; could probably fit a 16" but would be tight.Biggest con is actually the glasses hard side pouch. It isn't so much that the pouch isn't good, it is, its just that I don't really use it and could have been better with another net pouch.

It's been a struggle finding a bag that fits my Macbook Pro 16" M1 2021. With a case on it.------- TL;DR // ***Got myself a Fjallraven Raven 28L!*** It fits it with the case in the designated laptop sleeve with room to spare! (does not fit a nalgene 32oz but most standard bottles with a base up to 3" diameter)Pros:- This bag is every organizer freak's dream and it looks slick. I absolutely love the built in glasses/tech compartment on the side. All the admin zipper compartments you could ask for.- The full zip on one side still offers that clamshell experience instead of the annoying top load where you have to unload everything to find the one thing in there.Cons:- The side zipper that opens the main compartment -- I wish it had a 'clicking' mechanism when closing it. There's really no satisfying zip-and-click where you know the zipper won't possibly come down if pulled by accident or the bag is filled to the brim. Then again, I guess the zipper isn't smooth enough for it to slide so easily.- My macbook WITH a case fit through the main compartment, but NOT the laptop sleeve/compartment in the back. If it was just a few millimeters longer... Technically it did but it took a whole lot of wrestling and jiggling the bag and macbook around for a few minutes. Defeats the purpose.- As to the few Youtube video reviews I've seen on this, and used bag listings on other platforms, it's true: I think the water bottle holder which WOULD fit a standard 32oz Nalgene (IF the bag isn't full and your laptop isn't as large as mine) would degrade over time quickly. It's the kind of mesh that is stretchy but likely to pill quickly and start loosening in the threads.That being said, it was a complete bummer to have to return it. If it wasn't for the laptop situation, this backpack is a complete WINNER. Even with the water bottle holder, because WHAT'S UP WITH BACKPACKS NOWADAYS AND SMALL BOTTLE HOLDERS.:(

Excellent product. I use it every week.