Thule Subterra 34L vs. Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard
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 | Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 0 |
| side | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 800D nylon | 100% polyester with TPU matte coating |
Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×28×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 75% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard
- Opening: Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Other on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Subterra 34L; 2 on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Thule Subterra 34L; 2, side on the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, 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 10 accept only the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard.
Only the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Thule Subterra 34L vs. Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 13L more than the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard (34L vs. 21L), while the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard is the lighter pack at 1.1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard fits 75% 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 Portland Gear Cascade Backpack Standard is the better call.