My current backpack’s zipline finally gave up it’s service after almost 5 years of usage, and I’m looking for a new one. I haven’t ever used a premium backpack per say, but after some searching I have found some good looking candidates for a daily commuter / shorter travelling backpack.
- Thule Paramount 24L
- Thule Paramount 27L
- Fjällräven Räven 28
- Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24
What are your experiences with Thule and Fjällräven backpacks? My backpack surely needs to be atleast 24L, because on my commuting days the backpack is filled up with a laptop, mice, headphones, and a gym bag (clothing + shoes)
I bought a Skule 28 last summer and love it! It quickly became my go-to bag. It’s got a plethora of internal pockets and spaces to keep things organized, regardless of what I’m throwing in it. I haven’t quite run it through it’s paces though, so I can’t quite give a detailed accounting of it’s shortfalls, but I’m certainly eased by knowing if anything happens to it, I can easily send it in to be repaired.
Ahh Skule is also an amazing one that looks pretty eye candy to the eyes. How long warranty do you have on your backpack?
From what I understand all their bags have this same warranty https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/customer-service/warranty/
I have the Thule Paramount 27 l backpack since summer of 2021 and I am satisfied with it so far. I mainly use it for either carrying my laptop and peripherals around or for grocery shopping. It also can substitute a suitcase for a long weekend trip.
Pros:
- the excess straps on the shoulder straps, where you can adjust them, can be folded away neatly so that they don’t dangle around
- many compartments that are cushioned, so that a laptop can be transported softly
- durable (on average I use the backpack 3 times per week, oftentimes filled to the brim with groceries)
- the main lid that covers the zipper is held by magnets on each side; also there are magnets on the lid of the front compartment (there is also a zipper behind)
Cons:
- the excess straps are held by an elastic ribbon, which loses its elasticity over time. I helped myself with an additional placement of velcro zip ties
- the magnets that hold the main lid are a bit weak. When the backpack is filled up, the magnets do not align. The magnets on the lid of the front compartment are stronger and hold up fine
- although the backpacks surface is treated as water repelling (similar to a rain coat), this doesn’t apply for both handles (up and side) as well as for the shoulder straps. When used it heavy rain, especially the handles soak up water. The whole backpack stays dry from the inside, however.
The backpack:
Thank you for your info! I’m actually thinking maybe opting for this bag specifically. How are your magnets holding up and how convenient is the side access for you when reaching for your laptop? I would expect that after some years those magnets would lose some of their pulling power. Also as a safe measure, can it hold a gym bag inside it (shoe, shorts, tshirt, gloves) comfortably?
how convenient is the side access
I barely use it, as I think that the zipper is the weakest part here. I one used it while packing for a trip. I forgot my socks and the side access allowed me to put them inside the backpack without having to unpack everything.
The mangets on the main lid are holding up well - if they connect in the first place. These magnets are rather long and thin. I think they are made this way to allow the magnets to still align when the backpack ist filled (and thus expands in the upper part). It depends on what and how youl fill up the backpack.
Here are photos of said magnet:
can it hold a gym bag inside it (shoe, shorts, tshirt, gloves) comfortably?
I haven’t tried shoes, but I assume yes. Gym shorts and also a t-shirt are not a problem, even a towel (not one of those beach towels tho) should fit in there.
As a comparison: I went on a 4 day trip with that backpack, and besides my laptop, charger, mouse and a power bank I managed to fit in 4 unterpants, 4 pair of socks, 2 polo shirts, 1 pullover, 1 pair of pants, 1 t-shirt and my toilettery bag. The backpack was filled up then - a towel couldn’t be fit in, but I was travelling with a car anyway. Of course, packing it with these items is a bit of a tetris game.
I hope this helps in your decision.
