Anytime a company makes something that does more than one thing, you're going to find a collection of compromises, and Thule's suitcase is a perfect example. Thule made their Crossover brand of suitcase a combination carry-on rolling suitcase and a backpack. In doing so, they made a very comfortable backpack, but they sacrificed some internal storage to do so.
Before discussing the compromises, let's dig into the overall build quality, which is great. The wheels are big and solid, with sturdy metal axels that should keep it rolling straight. The outside material looks thick and durable, and Thule states that it is water repellent. The zippers look strong and zip without snagging, although they are not water resistant. The backpack straps have metal hardware that should wear well. The suitcase is also properly weighted so that it doesn't easily fall over when you set it down or bump into it (this is a pet peeve of mine). Also, the overall suitcase looks professional, so it would be easy to take on a business trip as well as a vacation.
Okay, now for the compromises to make this thing into a backpack. First, the backpack straps are in a compartment with much more room than they seem to need, which means that there is less room for packing your belongings. This extra room has its advantages, though, because the backpack is VERY comfortable because this area naturally forms into my back (I'm 6'1" and about 165 lbs). The straps pull out easily, too, because of this extra room, and they quickly attach to the sides of the suitcase. The straps are also placed on the opposite side from the wheels, so you won't get your clothes dirty. My only reservation with the straps is that they attach BEFORE the zipper, which means that they will pull on the zipper over time. I'm not sure if this will turn out to be a design flaw, but it's worth stating.
So the primary disadvantage to the suitcase is the room necessary for the backpack and the extra-sturdy wheels. I was easily able to fit three pairs of jeans, three shirts, three t-shirts, four pairs of socks and four boxers into the main compartment. The side compartments could probably hold a couple more pairs of jeans plus toiletries and a book or so. It's not a lot compared to other carry-ons I've used, so if you're looking for a lot of room, this probably won't be your ideal suitcase.
In summary, this is an ideal suitcase for me. I like the sturdy hardware and the little touches that show that someone really thought about how to make a great combination suitcase/backpack. (There's a special inset designed just to hold large goggles for skiing, for example.) This backpack was made for the part-time adventure traveler who likes to pack light and move fast. If this doesn't describe you, then you may not like this suitcase as much as I do.
UGH-O a cross-over bag that is a carry-on bag with wheels and doubles as a backpack; this can't be good. So I take it out of the box, quality is excellent but I expect nothing less from Thule. The bag is very nice, material made very well and says it's water repellent. Water repellent huh, we'll see about that. Took the bag outside, turned on the hose and let me kids have at it! After 5-10 minutes; YUP its water repellent. The overall functionality is excellent, wheels: perfect, construction of the bag perfect. The bag will not easily tip over. The backpack strap has metal hardware so it should last for a while. Very professional looking and very easy on the eyes so you can use this piece for business and personal.
If you don't know how to pack, this suitcase is not for you. If you're a heavy packer, this suitcase is not for you. This suitcase is perfect for me. I pack light on my business trips so I need something that looks great, maneuvers well, can turn into a backpack when I want, take a beating and can fit in an overhead compartment on a plane.
The bag ROCKS only if you travel light.
Buy Thule Crossover 38-Litre Rolling Carry-On Now
I guess I expected more from a Thule product. First off, even though it is called a carry-on, it may not fit in to the guidelines of several airlines due to its dimensions it's a little too wide and tall. Second,in my opinion, it has one major design flaw: when you unzip it, there is a slope to it. Basically, one side of the compartment is taller than the other. When it's zipped you don't notice it because the cover is built the same way so overall you get the same size all around, but it makes it difficult to pack. You can't shove things in because there isn't necessarily a side to hold it in. Also, while the dimensions are slightly bigger than another traditionally shaped (21") carry-on that I have, this one actually holds less! This is really only good for a weekend trip, and for that I still think a duffle bag would hold more and take up less space overall. I definitely expected better from this.
Read Best Reviews of Thule Crossover 38-Litre Rolling Carry-On Here
This suitcase has some great features for travel through airports and on airplanes: large wheels that roll well, easy to raise and lower handle, easy to grasp handle on the case to pick up, alternative backpack straps (that are not too difficult to figure out), outside protected compartments for laptap and glasses/ipod/blackberry type devices, large inner compartment and mesh compartment that are padded. I have used it with the extended handle as a roller bag which is its best suited use; I have also found it works pretty well when picked up and used as a backpack for shorter lengths.
The weak points are the backpack straps get in the way of accessing the laptop compartment and need to be moved out of the way--not a big problem but prevents a 5-star rating. I also wish it had a way to strap loose articles in the inner compartment like books, etc. It is a little heavy to use regularly as a backpack for long periods of time and the protective shell makes it a little uncomfortable as a backpack.
I think I definitely be happy with this suitcase for travel, and it will be adequate for daily use with my laptop and book, notebooks and stuff.
The dvd user's guide is worthless; it is 57 seconds of an ad for the suitcase without any helpful ways to use it. The instruction brochure is also useless in offering help. Using the backstraps took a minute to figure out but is not difficult.
Want Thule Crossover 38-Litre Rolling Carry-On Discount?
I purchased this carry-on based on the quality of a Thule Crossover 56L rolling duffel I own. That bag has made six trips to France so far and, except for a few scratches on the aluminum fittings, it looks like new. The wheels and handle and zippers are rock solid, and if you don't like the big silver Thule logo on the bag, it's easy to identify when it comes tumbling down the baggage conveyor.
I've only made one airline trip with this bag, but I'm pleased so far. Because it has a slightly rounded shape and the compartment for the backpacking straps takes up a little space, the 38L doesn't hold as much as a typical 22" carry-on. The available space is fine for my purposes, and it holds more than it looks like it will, but if maximum stowage is your goal, this may not be your solution. The rounded shape makes it easy to stash in overhead storage bins, however, and my only wish is that the straps could be removed and a bit of storage reclaimed for those times when you know you won't be carrying it.
The 38L is probably not for everyone but my experience with Thule Crossover luggage has been great and I recommend it highly. Unlike a lot of department store luggage brands, Thule products don't seem to be discounted much, but I found this one for about 30% off on Amazon. So shop around.
These packs are strong and do exactly what they're supposed to do. They hold quite a lot, as advertised, but when full you'll find the belts a little short. The only other thing I can gripe about is the lack of drain holes; fortunately these are built with adequate rain flaps over the zippers and if I really think I'll need drain holes I can easily install them without any trouble. Again, despite my crabbing, these are excellent packs and well worth the price.
