(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)
In this video, I give a "tour" of how much the Crossover duffel holds, the pockets, and the pros and cons of its construction. The bag gets points off for uncomfortable handles and straps that block the zippered side areas, but remains a great option for those looking for a sturdy duffel that you can also carry on your back.
-Debbie Lee Wesselmann
Let's get some of the best aspects of the Thule Crossover 40L Duffel Pack out up front:
*Well Constructed: The seams are inside and well sealed, the adjustment buckles are lightweight aircraft aluminum, the zippers are strong and easy to use, and the bad features three skip ribs on the "bottom" to protect it from broken airport conveyor belts
*This bag features some nice design elements: again the three skip ribs on the "bottom" to protect it from broken airport conveyor belts, two spacious side pockets, a padded end pocket for sunglasses or googles or iPods (the padding can be removed as well for just another exterior pocket), the main compartment zips closed in the "back" so that it is protected while being carried like a backpack, the main compartment zips open nice and wide giving easy access to the entire compartment, two stiff side handles, two compression straps on each side, and a sleek, modern design that is definitely European in origin.
Where does that bag fail to impress? The most obvious issue I have is that pack isn't all that comfortable as a backpack; this is made worse by the lump of the carry handles that presses into the middle of your back above the padding. Without the backpack straps, I would declare this a perfect and stylish small duffel; but, with them, I find it not as useful ironically. It probably could have been greatly helped if the carry handles had a recessed impression to sit in while the bag is on your back.
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OK, I admit that I'm not the target audience for this product. The only adventure most of my travel consists of is extreme turbulance, or riding the airport shuttle bus (and that is an adventure in its own way). That being said, I'm an extremely frequent traveler so am always looking for the next great bag.
This bag is great.
I consider myself a master in the art of carry-on, and this bag really fits the bill. For single overnight trips, I often carry just a duffle. This will replace that duffle, and help to save my poor shoulders. I will be able to carry a change of clothes, my cosmetics, laptop and accessories and a book. It will easily fit in the overhead bin. It might be just a bit too long to fit underneath the seat in front of you. I'll have to check on my next trip.
It's light, it looks nice (it's pretty masculine/sporty looking), it's sturdy and it's well-designed. Most backpacks are awkward to get in and out of. This one opens up like a duffle bag, which is my favorite feature. Additionally, it's got all kinds of handles on it so if you don't feel like wearing it as a backpack, there are other easy ways to carry it.
It expands and collapses very easily and there are plenty of zipper pouches. There's even a sturdy insert for the storage of goggles or sunglasses, but which would also fit a computer mouse and power cord quite nicely. There's also a great spot to store 3 ounze toileties in their clear plastic bag for easy access at security.
They call this bag a "crossover" and I'm definitely crossing it over. I think it would be great for business traveler, or adventurer alike.
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So I bought this bag June of 2011, and between commuting to and from work and traveling I've developed a love/hate relationship with it. First let me say that the construction is top notch. I lived out of it for over 3 months while in eastern europe, never parting from it unless it was at a hosts house; it's been shuffled in and out of cars, planes, busses, trains and boats more times than I can count and still hasn't shown any signs of wear. Another thing I like about this bag is the location of the zipper, keeping it on your back side I think helps keep things a bit safer while it's being worn. With this said, when packing it you need to be careful of the arrangement of items inside as if there are ANY odd shapes items on top (the zipper side) you WILL feel it jabbing you in the back later on. It took me some experimenting with different arrangements to fine one that worked well. Having everything packed properly, and with the straps pulled tight everything really hold it's place well, even when being tossed about all day. After packing and securing everything, it kind of resembles a giant flat sausage with backpack straps. The straps also make excellent places to attach carabiners for H2O bottles, etc. Also, with plenty of handels it can be handled from nearly any angle making for quick stowing and retrieval from luggage compartments.
One huge thing I feel needs to be adressed is the lack of a waist strap. Every single time you run with this pack it bounces about wildly unless you holding the two bottom pull straps, and who wants to do this when they'e trying to catch the tram or metro? Waist straps would also help take some of the pressure off your shoulders. I usually carry 9-10 kilos of luggage and initially it is comfortable, but after 8+ hours of exploring new cities on foot without a break my shoulders really felt every gram. Another thing is the lack of any kind of reinforcements. Since there is no frame in this bag, the arrangement of the contents will greatly impact the rigidity when closed and compressed with the straps. This was most evident on the bottom, if the shell was not sufficiently taut it would fold over into a dagger and stab at the bottom of my back. This was most noticeable on hot days when I would only wear a t-shirt, with a jacket on it's not noticeable. Maybe putting another foam pad there would alleviate this and provide more comfort?
I do feel like those rubber ribs are a bit over hyped, I didn't think they did anything for or against the bag, purely cosmetic I think. Someone mentioned that the duffel bag handels were a problem, I didn't find them to be. They fold nicely into the space between the lateral foam supports.
Overall, I can see this bag being perfect for the urban adventurer or frequent traveler who needs a strong bag for going between airports and hotels, or running about on a weekend adventure. For those who are looking for a bag to live out of for months at a time, I would get similarly sized Deuter with waist straps and better ventilation.
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Here is what I like, the 25 year warranty. It has a nice finish looks black from a distance but up close tiny white dots. The shoulder straps are comfortable and adjustable, as anyone that has ever worn a backpack knows the straps have to be adjustable. It is padded where the bag meets your back.
The crush proof compartment is a nice touch in case you are carrying small items that would otherwise get broken in a duffle, but it is removable if you need the space.
There is a handle on either side (grab from any direction) and at the opening between the backpack straps, you could just use the backpack straps they are wider anyway. It opens nice and wide and you can see everywhere in the main compartment all at once if you need to. The two side compartments can keep things separated but one caution, if you pick up the bag from the wrong end things inside the inner mesh can fall out into the side compartment, it could use a zipper or Velcro closures in there.
Other things I don't quite like as much,
It's a duffel bag and its still looks like one as you wear it as a backpack.
I don't like how Thule is printed so large on the strap and back. I am not into advertising.
The bag fabric does bead water but the shoulder straps, padding and zippers do not. The zippers act like a wick and draw moisture into the bag.
Zipper can "lock" to a fabric ring but that would only keep an honest thief out.
Even with these small peeves I find it to be a very nice duffle.
update 08/2012 I have used this bag little over year and half now, it still looks great and its my go to bag for road trips. You can really stuff it full and throw it around, its holding up like a champ.
update 2/2013 still loving this bag, still looks good.
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I love my groovy new Airbak backpack! It is so comfortable and colorful and has plenty of room for what I need. Thank you so much!
