Thule Subterra 34L vs. Quechua NH 500 Hiking 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 | Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 27L |
| 2 | Opening | 2 |
| side | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| 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 |
Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 75% |
| Price | $60 |
Key differences between the Thule Subterra 34L and Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack
- Passport pocket: Side on the Thule Subterra 34L; Front on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Thule Subterra 34L; 1 on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Thule Subterra 34L; 2, side on the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
Both have: 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 9 accept only the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack.
Only the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack fits
Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Thule Subterra 34L vs. Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 11L more than the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack (34L vs. 23L), while the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack 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 Quechua NH 500 Hiking Backpack is the better call.