Thule Crossover 2 Laptop Backpack, 30L

I wish it was a tad larger, but it utilizes space well so I can fit a ton in it. Nice and light, easy to carry. It does have little dots all over it, but I like them. Only main concern is they put rubber skid runners on the front for protection, hope they do not peel off. However, there is nothing on the bottom of the bag when you sit it down. It does stay upright which is nice when you do set it down. Pretty pricey, and almost perfect.

On paper, this backpack has most of everything I wanted. I wanted the protective case for my glasses, a luggage sleeve and a water bottle area sturdy enough for my Hydroflask. I ordered the blue and the color is perfect. The bag is sturdy - too sturdy. I had a difficult time putting my glasses in the protective case, let alone my phone. I had a difficult time opening the bag to get things out of it. And the luggage sleeve - it was such a snug fit over my suitcase handle that it took 2 hands and some struggle to get it off. Perhaps it will take some time to soften the fabric, but I dont want to wait months. I am returning my 30L Thule and having to resume my search.

Thule makes some truly epic gear, whether outdoor peripherals for your car, hiking packs and yes, regular backpacks too. Both my wife and I own Thule hiking backpacks that weve used for years without a problem and love the brand. After spending the last two weeks using the Thule Crossover Laptop Backpack I can safely conclude this is another excellent product from the brand. So a bit more about how I tested this backpack - I use a backpack daily to commute to/from work and Ive done so for over 10-years. Ive tried other types of bags - satchels/shoulder bags and traditional laptop cases, but nothing really has the all-around portability and practicality of a backpack, so thats what I use even well into my 30s. ► How I Use the Crossover: The Thule Crossover pretty much has it all whether youre a student porting your laptop, books, and gear or a worker like I am that throws everything in one bag. For me, that includes items like my 13 laptop, usually a notebook (or two), a 1 3-ring binder, a few pens, mechanical pencil, building access badge, cables and charging adapters, and typically my lunch. You get the idea - a lot of stuff. The Crossover has room for it all without looking like youre a Sherpa on the way to summit. ► Overall Thoughts After Two-Weeks: The most surprising aspect of this backpack is the rigidity of it. Most backpacks Im accustomed to (the non-hiking variety anyway) are generally relatively soft and well, not rigid. The Crossover, on the other hand, has quite a bit of rigidity and in my pictures, for example, is mostly empty but stands up easily on its own. Most certainly the rigidity is on purpose and thanks to the extra protection in specialized compartments - the safe zone - that are designed to keep your expensive gadgets and accessories safe. The front pocket, with the safe zone tag, for example, is quite rigid and perfect for storing items like sunglasses. The laptop pouch which is the furthest back and close to the shoulder straps is incredibly well padded and also has a semi-rigid backing in addition to the usual padding. Id describe this as the perfect traveling/commuting backpack because I wouldnt hesitate to place this backpack under an airline seat or in overhead storage, even with fragile electronics inside, thanks to the padding and overall rigidity. That said, there is one trade-off and that is the overall comfort of the backpack. Even after two weeks of daily use, I can still notice the Crossover is on my back if that makes sense. With my old backpacks, they sort of went unnoticed and Im hoping that as I adjust to the different feel of the Crossover it sort of just becomes the new norm. ► Thoughts on Quality & Style: I have the Crossover in the black finish and it looks great! The small white dots all over the backpack really look better in person than in the product pictures and give the backpack a cool, textured look. The inner compartments are lined in a beautiful blue color making it easy to find dark colored peripherals and is a nice contrast to the outer color. Quality-wise the Crossover has the same quality Ive come to expect from Thule. The bag arrived in perfect condition without an errant string or thread. Zippers feel heavy-duty without looking like it. The backpack just sort of exudes a sense of durability and quality. ► Closing: Prior to purchasing my Thule outdoor hiking backpack, my wife questioned my choice simply because she felt the price was excessive. However, after taking the backpack halfway around the world - multiple times, and on various outdoor adventures, shes come around. Buy quality, buy once. Thats how Id describe this backpack - one that Ill be able to use for many years to come. If youre looking for a top-notch backpack, youve found it. Recommended!

Love it

Excellent product

This is probably the best backpack Ive ever had. The way its designed alone is worth it, with a number of different compartments for different items. Its especially great for anyone who travels. In the back compartment, I store my laptop. The middle compartments is good for books plus my tablet. Not to mention the hardshell case for glasses plus the front compartment good for accessories like charging cables, pens, keys (that can be put on the internal clip) and anything else you might need. The side zippered pockets are also great for water bottles, etc. Overall, even if you load up the backpack, it doesnt lose its form. I also like the fact that when you put it down, ti stands upright at all times. Some might say its overpriced. I say its worth it because it has plenty of capacity and is built to last for years.

Lets cut to the chase - this is a solid, well designed backpack that rocks. I researched a ton of backpacks that have a structured exterior style and after owning this one for about a year, it has not disappointed. I dont write a ton a reviews but feel I had to on this one. It wears well for a tall guy and it has a padded back that makes it comfortable for wearing a long period of time. You can really fit a lot of stuff into 4 zippered areas. I was concerned the 30L would be too big for under the airplane seat in front of you, but this has been the best aspect fo the bag. It fits under the seat perfectly and when you pull it out to access items, all 4 zippers are easily accessible. Also the water bottle sleeve on the side and wallet/keys sleeve on the other side are pretty handy. And lastly, yes...it is durable. I wore it at Disney with all my familys stuff (4 water bottles, ponchos, spray fan, snacks, change of kid clothes, cell phone chargers, etc) and when I loaded onto the Space Mountain ride, I put it between my legs figuring it would be fine. About halfway through, a sharp dip and tight turn, and that sucker flew right out! I definitely heard it hit some metal bars or some sort of scaffolding. Not a good feeling to lose it, but they found it the next day and when I picked it up from lost and found, no scratches, and all items inside were intact. Pretty good stress test!

I really like this backpack... well made, plenty of room for all my gear. Compartments are easy to get to. Looks great, and I especially like how it stands up like a piece of luggage and doesnt fold over like other backpacks tend to do. I decided to take a chance on this one realizing the price point is way up there compared to others... but like many things, you get what you pay for, and in this case I have no complaints.

The best backpack on the world.

This is not bigger