Thule Subterra 34L vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse 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 | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | top |
| 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 | Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon |
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Opening: Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Clamshell on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Side on the Thule Subterra 34L; Top on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Thule Subterra 34L; 16in on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Subterra 34L; 5 on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
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 44 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, 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, 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. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 4L more than the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack (34L vs. 30L), while the Thule Subterra 34L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits 93% 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.