---
url: "https://onebag.travel/compare/7rzpkcwnfa/thule-subterra-34l/zaj208cenq/thule-aion-40l/"
title: "Thule Subterra 34L vs Thule Aion 40L - One Bag Travel"
description: "Thule Subterra 34L vs Thule Aion 40L: capacity, weight, dimensions and how many airlines accept each as a carry-on, side by side."
source: "https://onebag.travel/compare/7rzpkcwnfa/thule-subterra-34l/zaj208cenq/thule-aion-40l/"
---
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3.  Thule Subterra 34L vs. Thule Aion 40L

# Thule Subterra 34L vs. Thule Aion 40L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

## [Thule Subterra 34L](https://onebag.travel/carryon/7rzpkcwnfa/thule-subterra-34l/)

by [Thule](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Thule)

![Front facing view of the Thule Subterra 34L](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1601124222/carryons/thulesubterra_vvfkax.webp)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>34 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.2 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>52×31×23 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>70%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$180</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Feature by feature

| Thule Subterra 34L | Feature | Thule Aion 40L |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage |
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 2 | Opening | 1 |
| side | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry |
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside |
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 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 |

<table class="cmp-material"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Material</td></tr><tr><td>800D nylon</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## [Thule Aion 40L](https://onebag.travel/carryon/zaj208cenq/thule-aion-40l/)

by [Thule](https://onebag.travel/carryons/?brands=Thule)

![Front facing view of the Thule Aion 40L](https://res.cloudinary.com/obt/image/upload/c_fill,w_400/v1788990324/carryons/thule-aion-40l-zaj208cenq.avif)

<table class="table table-sm cmp-spec mt-2"><tbody><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>40 L</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>1.5 kg</td></tr><tr><td>Dimensions</td><td>52×33×23 cm</td></tr><tr><td>Airline fit</td><td>70%</td></tr><tr><td>Price</td><td>$200</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and Thule Aion 40L

-   **Opening:** Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L; Clamshell on the Thule Aion 40L.
-   **Passport pocket:** Side on the Thule Subterra 34L; Top on the Thule Aion 40L.
-   **Hip belt:** No on the Thule Subterra 34L; Optional on the Thule Aion 40L.
-   **Laptop sleeve:** 15in on the Thule Subterra 34L; 16in on the Thule Aion 40L.

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. Every airline that takes one takes the other.

## Thule Subterra 34L vs. Thule Aion 40L: which should you pack?

The **Thule Aion 40L** carries 6L more than the **Thule Subterra 34L** (34L vs. 40L), while the **Thule Subterra 34L** is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the **Thule Subterra 34L** fits 70% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Thule Aion 40L; if you want to travel lighter, the Thule Subterra 34L is the better call.