Thule Chasm Duffel Bag 40L Review

The Thule Chasm Duffel Bag 40L combines many things we like at Pack Hacker. It’s a travel backpack and duffel bag that’s packable and highly water resistant. However, just because it does all those things doesn’t mean they work well together under one roof. Let’s dive in and find out how we like using this thing!

External Components

The external fabric is crafted from 100% recycled 900D polyester and has a phthalate-free laminate. Phthalates are used in plastics to make them more flexible and durable. However, they can be bad for your health and the environment, so it’s positive to see Thule not using them in the laminate on this bag. The material is still durable, highly water resistant, and easy to work with.

The boot, or bottom of the bag, has extra material, boosting its durability and ensuring it doesn’t slide around on slick surfaces. We dig this inclusion because, in most cases, you’ll set the bag down using this surface. That extra durability will ensure the bag lasts longer, saving you money and the bag from ending up in a landfill sooner.

The zippers are from YKK, one of the best brands in the business. They work fantastic and don’t get caught up around corners. We often feel like a broken record when spouting about YKK zippers, as we rarely have an issue with them, and they’re the brand we expect top bag manufacturers to use.

The hardware and buckles are from Duraflex, which is also good. Duraflex is a high-quality brand, and that’s evident here. Everything feels durable, and we’ve had no issues adjusting the hardware.

There are four compression straps on the bag, two on either side. These are handy for cinching the pack’s size, especially when transitioning from duffel to backpack mode. When using the pack as a duffel, it isn’t a huge deal how large it is. However, if you switch to backpack mode, your gear can shift around unpleasantly, and you might lose your organization inside in the process. By cinching the pack down, you can prevent this from happening and ensure your carry stays comfortable.

There are various attachment points around the pack, which are handy but not something we often use while testing the bag. That said, they don’t get in your way, so we don’t mind their inclusion.

There are handles on the top and bottom of the pack, making it easy to grab it from most angles. On the sides, you can use the compression straps or other features to grab it if that’s your only access point.

There isn’t a ton going on around the outside of the pack, and it’s quite sleek-looking, which we enjoy.

We’re testing the Olivine colorway. We like it, however, we also like quite a few other options, namely, the Pond and Black colorways.

In addition to multiple colorways, this duffel comes in three sizes. This is the 40L bag, which works as a carry on for some airlines. Additionally, 70 and 130-liter versions are available, which are proper gear haulers that we wouldn’t recommend for air travel but might suit your needs on a road trip.

Fit Notes

There are two carry methods for this pack. First, there’s standard duffel mode. The two straps come together in the middle and connect. There isn’t a ton of padding here, but thanks to the thickness of the laminate material, it’s comfortable enough for short-term use. If you load the bag up, carrying it like this isn’t comfortable long-term.

Typically, duffel bags have a crossbody strap, too. That isn’t the case here. Instead, the bag converts into a backpack. Before you do that, you should stow the duffel carry straps. They secure on the sides using a small strip of material and a button snap. Sometimes, bags that convert into a backpack leave the other straps flailing around in the wind like a wacky waving armed inflatable in front of a collision shop that just opened. Thanks to these buttons, that doesn’t happen here.

The shoulder straps are completely removable, so you don’t always have to have them attached. They use a metal T-shaped attachment on the top to secure and plastic buckles on the bottom. The straps are well padded, have aeration, and are very wide. Though comfortable, they may be a bit much for some travelers, especially those with a more petite frame.

There isn’t a sternum strap, which we sometimes miss, and there isn’t a hip belt. This saves weight and makes the system easier to set up from duffel mode, which is handy. Still, if you’re used to a snug backpack setup and want to stick to a system like that, this might not be the bag for you. Overall, we dig the comfort, especially when considering that this is a duffel bag first and a backpack second.

There’s no actual back panel, but again, this is a duffel, not a backpack, so we aren’t too upset about it not having one. Still, you can make the experience more comfortable by packing your gear in a way that keeps the back panel flat. Bulky items will bulge into your back, which isn’t ideal. It takes some getting used to packing this way; however, you’ll figure it out sooner than you might think. We believe in you!

Regarding comfort, duffel mode is roughly a 7 out of 10, and backpack mode is a 6 out of 10. Neither is top tier, but considering you get both, we like the system.

Inside The Duffel Bag

There’s just one secondary compartment, and it’s on the top of the bag or, if you’re in duffel mode, on one of its short edges. It’s a large, open area without any organization. We dig this space for stowing quick-use items like your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and entertainment, like headphones or a book. These items are hard to locate in the huge main compartment but easy to find here.

The zipper on the main compartment has a fabric welt covering it, ensuring water stays away from your gear. Inside, there isn’t much organization.

On the lid, there are two zippered compartments. One takes up the entire area, and the other is smaller. These are handy for organizing smaller clothing, like socks, underwear, pajamas, shorts, and other little gear.

The rest of the main compartment is open space. That may be daunting for some travelers; however, you can always use packing cubes, a tech pouch, and other gear segmentation devices to ensure you can find your stuff more easily. Sometimes, finding a pair of socks in a huge bag can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. If you put it in a packing cube instead, it’s like finding a needle in a pin cushion.

In addition to all the features already mentioned, this bag is packable. It includes a stuff sack, which isn’t very challenging to use. The word “case” might be more appropriate than a stuff sack, as there’s extra room inside after you’ve finished stowing the bag inside, and it doesn’t compress the bag. Still, this makes the Thule Chasm Duffel Bag 40L an excellent option for those who need extra capacity in their rolling luggage or travel backpack to bring things home from their next trip. Whether you really like knick-knacks or are visiting an aunt who always gives you a ton of goodies, this bag is the perfect way to get everything home.