I had wanted a carry-on sized backpack for some upcoming longer trips and so I was excited to try the Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack. This charcoal gray pack, made from tough 420D Dobby polyester and 600D polyester has 40L of volume, has dimensions 9.8 x 13 x 21.5 inches and weighs just 3.17 pounds. In addition to the padded shoulder straps, the bag has top and side carry handles, though the carry handles are really just for convenience–the pack is meant to be worn as a backpack. Note that Thule also has larger models in their Landmark line–in 60L and 70L versions that come with detachable 20L daypacks. My pack, the 40L model, does not include the detachable daypack–it is just one backpack.
The pack is designed with one main storage compartment accessed by a zippered front panel. Inside the main compartment there are two compression straps to keep your clothes in place. The inside of the front panel has a mesh zippered compartment ideal for items such as toiletries.
The lining of the top of the main compartment contains a hidden zippered pocket. This covert pocket is meant to store cash or other items you want to remain hidden from view.
Above the main compartment at the top of the pack is a zippered “safe zone” storage compartment. The rigid access panel is meant to provide protection– the safe zone compartment is best used for storing your glasses, phone, passport, and keys. The inside of the lid of the compartment has mesh storage panels. On the bottom of the compartment is a mesh zippered compartment with mesh pockets and a small clip.
One side of the pack has a zippered compartment with a flexible pocket, ideal for example for holding a water bottle.
The other side of the pack has a zippered compartment meant for laptops and tablets. There is a soft divider allowing you to safely store at least one 15" laptop (probably would even fit a 17" laptop given the extra space around my 15" laptop) and one large (12.9") tablet.
The shoulder straps are contoured and are made to be breathable. I was happy with the thickness and amount of padding in the straps. The shoulder straps also have carabiner attachment points.
In addition to the shoulder straps there is a chest strap with a built-in safety whistle as well as a hip belt for extra support.
The shoulder straps and hip belt can be stored by tucking them into slots in the back panel when not needed. I liked this feature because sometimes all those straps can get in the way.
In addition to the covert pocket in the main compartment, the pack comes with several security features to help keep your belongings protected while on travel. There are four buckles on the front panel that help prevent the front panel zipper from being opened. In addition, loops on the front panel zippers can be threaded through one of the buckles, further securing access to the front panel.
There is another security loop at the top of the pack for the “safe zone” zippers–if you thread the safe zone zipper pulls through the security loop then you can attach a metal lock (not included) through the loop and pulls to keep the safe zone compartment from being opened.
Overall, I am very happy with the Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack. The bag has a roomy main compartment with enough storage space for an extended trip, yet the pack is small enough to use as carry-on. I also liked the extra security features, which help give peace of mind when traveling through crowded areas such as marketplaces, airports, trains, and city streets. The pack is made from a very durable material, has a sleek look, and I know I’ll be able to take a lot of trips using this backpack.
- Pricing and Availability on Amazon: Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack
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