Thule Subterra 34L vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Thule Subterra 34L
| Capacity | 34 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×31×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $180 |
Feature by feature
| Thule Subterra 34L | Feature | SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 800D nylon | |
SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $70 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack
- Compression straps: No on the Thule Subterra 34L; 2 on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Opening: Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Clamshell on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Thule Subterra 34L; Top on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Thule Subterra 34L; No on the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 132 accept both. 0 accept only the Thule Subterra 34L, and 47 accept only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack.
Only the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Thule Subterra 34L vs. SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 8L more than the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack (34L vs. 26L), while the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Thule Subterra 34L; if you want to travel lighter, the SwissGear Getaway Weekend Backpack is the better call.