Thule Subterra 34L vs. Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible 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 | Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 0 |
| side | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | hideable |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 800D nylon | 1000 weight urethane coated, Dupont certified CORDURA® Brand Nylon |
Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $400 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Other on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Thule Subterra 34L; No on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Yes on the Thule Subterra 34L; Hideable on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Thule Subterra 34L; No on the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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 2 accept only the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack.
Only the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack fits
Oman Air, Royal Jordanian.
Thule Subterra 34L vs. Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack: which should you pack?
The Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack carries 4L more than the Thule Subterra 34L (34L vs. 38L), while the Thule Subterra 34L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack fits 71% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule Subterra 34L is the better call.