Thule Subterra 34L vs. tomtoc TechPack-T73
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 | tomtoc TechPack-T73 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | front, side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 800D nylon | X-Pac front panel, cordura(?) mix |
tomtoc TechPack-T73
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×31×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and tomtoc TechPack-T73
- Opening: Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Clamshell on the tomtoc TechPack-T73.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Thule Subterra 34L; Front, side on the tomtoc TechPack-T73.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Thule Subterra 34L; 16in on the tomtoc TechPack-T73.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Subterra 34L; 5 on the tomtoc TechPack-T73.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, 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 42 accept only the tomtoc TechPack-T73.
Only the tomtoc TechPack-T73 fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, 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. tomtoc TechPack-T73: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 4L more than the tomtoc TechPack-T73 (34L vs. 30L), while the Thule Subterra 34L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the tomtoc TechPack-T73 fits 92% 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 Thule Subterra 34L is the better call.