REASONS TO BUY
Great tech organization
Protective design
Highly versatile
TPU-lined laundry compartment
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard on the bank account
Heavier
Single shoulder strap
Thule Aion Review
Travelers who need to carry computer equipment in their duffel should put this option at the top of their list
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 13, 2026
RELATED: The Best Duffel Bags of 2026
Our Verdict
The Thule Aion is the only duffel bag in our tested lineup that has a dedicated laptop sleeve. For someone who tends to work wherever the wind blows them, this is a great bag to carry your tech while still being large enough to pack clothes and shoes. It almost feels like the duffel version of a travel backpack. The Aion's tech compartment fits computers up to about 16 inches, and even has a separate tablet sleeve if you need multiple screened devices. The main pocket fits loads of clothes, and its PVC lining keeps smelly laundry contained on the trip home. This high-quality duffel costs more and weighs more, but if you're the type to never leave home without a laptop, the Thule Aion is a great choice.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Thule Aion | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best All-Around Duffel | Best for Staying Organized on the Go |  Best $100 Duffle | Best Value Weekender Bag | |
| Price | $220 List Check Price at REI | $179 List Check Price at REI | $170 List Check Price at REI | $105 List Check Price at REI | $35 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Travelers who need to carry computer equipment in their duffel should put this option at the top of their list | A do-it-all duffel that’s ready for airplanes, expeditions, or car camping | This bag is one of our favorites across the board thanks to well designed organization features, and durable craftsmanship to protect our gear on the go | A wallet-friendly duffel bag that’s both lightweight and spacious | If price is your main concern, this duffel has just enough oomph to handle weekend getaways and routine gym visits |
| Rating Categories | Thule Aion | Patagonia Black Hole | The North Face Base... | Osprey Daylite 60 | BAGSMART Weekender |
| Storage and Ease of Packing (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Weight & Size (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Thule Aion | Patagonia Black Hole | The North Face Base... | Osprey Daylite 60 | BAGSMART Weekender |
| Sizes Available | 35L | 40, 55, 70, 100 L | 32L, 42L, 62L | 30, 45, 60 L | 24L |
| Packs into own pocket? | N | Y | N | N | N |
| Backpack Straps | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Laundry Compartment | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Measured Weight | 2.35 lb (35L model) | 2.6 lb (55L model) | 2.9 lb (62L model) | 1.6 lb (60L model) | 1.07 lb (24L model) |
| Calculated Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 1.01 oz/L | 0.77 oz/L | 0.75 oz/L | .44 oz/L | .71 oz/L |
| D or I-Shaped Opening | I | D | D | D | I |
| Number of Pockets (Excludes Main Compartment) | 6 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| Material (Main Body) | Waxed P600 polyester canvas | 900D polyester ripstop (100% postconsumer recycled) with TPU-film laminate | Body: 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate Bottom: 840D recycled ballistic nylon with PFC-free DWR coating |
Main: recycled 300D polyester w/ ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS Lining: recycled 200d polyester, DWR treatment made without PFAS Bottom: recycled 600D polyester packcloth, DWR treatment made without PFAS |
Taslon fabric |
Our Analysis and Test Results
In addition to the clothing compartment, this duffel offers an easy-to-organize tech section for a laptop, charging cables, and battery banks. Credit: Zach Lovell
Likes
We loved the laptop and tablet sleeves in the Thule Aion tech section. Duffels rarely offer tech organization, but the Aion makes it easy to keep hard drives, cables, memory cards, and computers separate.
The Thule Aion also has a second compartment that fits a bunch of clothes, and some of our testers even brought along a suit bag for formal occasions. Even with a large laptop, the clamshell opening makes it easy to cram both sides of the Aion.
The main compartment of the Thule Aion fits an impressive amount of clothing and even a suit bag. Credit: Zach Lovell
This duffel is made with a very thick polyester canvas that combats sharp rocks and abrasive pavement better than most. The Thule Aion also has decent padding around the laptop and tablet sleeves, reducing the likelihood of damage in transit. The rest of the bag is unpadded.
The fabric of the Thule Aion is robust and trustworthy against dirt and rocks. Credit: Zach Lovell
Dislikes
The Thule Aion can fit a heavier load, but its only carry options are a cross body strap or grab handles. This strap is well-padded, but 35 liters of belongings can be very heavy to carry on a single shoulder, especially compared to a backpack carrying system. The bag also has side and top grab handles for quick carries, but we missed having a luggage passthrough strap for long airport walks to connecting flights.
This is a feature-rich, well-made duffel that is downright expensive. It also isn't the lightest weight model out there, weighing 2.35 pounds. We all agreed its heavier weight and quality feel are good indicators that it will last for many years, but it won't compress easily for storage, and the weight of the bag adds to the overall burden you have to carry.
The Thule Aion is a great bag, but it doesn't pack down very small when you don't need it. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Thule Aion?
If you need to bring your computer and other tech equipment with you when you travel, the Thule Aion is a great choice, especially if you don't already have a designated computer or laptop bag. It's the perfect carry-on size, and it could potentially replace your standard carry on luggage if you like the look. However, the in the end, we prefer having either wheels or backpack straps for our luggage. We also felt that the niche of the Aion is a bit narrow. If you have to buy only one duffel, there are other bags that are cheaper, more versatile, and will give you more mileage for your dollar.
This duffel is well designed, but it has only one strap, which can get uncomfortable with heavier loads. Credit: Zach Lovell
What Other Duffel Bags Should You Consider?
If you'd like a backpack carrying system, consider a model like the Osprey Daylite 60, which also comes in smaller sizes. While it doesn't have a dedicated tech compartment, you can easily fit a laptop and laptop sleeve inside. If you prefer wheels for your next duffel, the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 is a great choice that can also double as a commuter bag. It does not have backpack straps, but it has padded grab handles for stairs or gravel, where wheels won't work well.
—Zach Lovell
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