Best travel companions? One is small, compact and has four wheels, and the other "sits" on your back without you noticing
When even packing is an art
You know the drill - packing for just "a few days" is often more challenging than for a typical week. And so every enthusiastic traveller who loves to explore unknown places also thinks about efficient packing and, above all, suitable luggage. There are, of course, different requirements, but at least for trips to Europe - and perhaps the popular Euro-weekends - smaller suitcases that do not need to be checked in and can be taken on board the plane are the ideal option. However, as this type of luggage is limited by size, not only skill in packing becomes essential, but in fact a well-chosen luggage. After all, the better it is designed and structured, the better it will fit. And if there is a "master of its trade", a specialist in travel luggage, it is the Thule brand.
From the latest Thule Subterra 2 collection, we had the opportunity to try out a carry-on trolley case (35 litres) and a travel backpack (26 litres, expandable to 32 litres). Not only is the actual packing easy and efficient thanks to the perfect luggage structure, but both the carry-on and the backpack are designed in such a way that handling is literally a breeze. And it goes without saying that their minimalist but 100% functional design is eye-catching at first glance...
Small but handy
In the case of a suitcase, the layout is of course key, but so is the design. While not everyone packs shoes for shorter trips, as we were travelling to Turkey for a long weekend, it was obviously necessary to equip for purely summer (and beach) conditions. For this purpose, not only the specially adapted and shaped part of the suitcase in its lid is perfect, but also the inserted "divider", which makes it very easy to separate just shoes (but also anything else) from clothes and other contents of the luggage. Of course, the suitcase also has the so-called drawstring straps, with the help of which all packed items can be compressed and the storage space maximized. This way, even those who need to pack a few stylish outfits with matching shoes (and a swimsuit) for a few days can pack into the limited size of the cabin bag for a long weekend.
Considering our chosen destination, we also appreciated the possibility to place sunglasses in the outer shaped compartment of the suitcase (they came in handy right after arrival), the integrated pocket for a tag with the owner's identification data, where a business card can be easily inserted, and the "grip" that is at the bottom of the suitcase are also very practical. This makes it very easy to handle the luggage and lift it onto a stool for example when packing and unpacking.
Since the conditions regarding cabin baggage vary from airline to airline (and we were flying there with a different airline than we were flying back), we had no choice but to check this handy cabin bag as well. Fortunately, though, a suitcase just doesn't come as a surprise, and neither do the often not-so-gentle practices of some airline staff. Its construction is durable and even consists of moulded polycarbonate at the back, making the suitcase almost rock solid. Moreover, it's also perfectly easy to handle (even when fully loaded - about 12 kg), the telescopic handle with a V profile is really solid and thanks to the four wheels the suitcase rolls comfortably on all surfaces, so easily that you can operate it with one hand (which is doubly useful if you hold an umbrella in the other).
During the flight, we also appreciated the water-resistant surface material of both suitcases due to the rainy weather in the Czech Republic. It should be added that this finish is free of PFCs and environmentally harmful chemicals - and the Thule Subterra 2 luggage is also certified to bluedesign® standards, a strict international criterion that ensures the protection of workers, consumers and the environment.
A backpack that never creates "luggage chaos"
The backpack also meets the requirements of the discerning traveller. In addition to the practical placement of a number of pockets (one of the side pockets was very handy for the aforementioned umbrella, while the hidden security pocket in the back served perfectly for travel documents and passport), the volume of the backpack when filled is pleasantly surprising - and given its dimensions, it de facto meets the criteria for the permitted 8 kg of luggage on board.
Although our trip was a work trip, it was more about the experience than the work - so we left the laptop at home, as well as the removable organizer, which can be used to practically "compress" things in the backpack. Either way, the backpack manages to absorb an unprecedented amount of stuff, which will please anyone who is not used to travelling exactly "light", but also likes to have a system and overview in all their belongings. We appreciated, among other things, the side hinged hidden pocket, where we could fit not only our car keys, but also our phone, charger and power bank. Thanks to the precise workmanship, we even transported a box of Turkish goodies in the backpack without any difficulties (and without any harm) on the way back...
In terms of handling and actual use, we can mention the chest straps, which transfer part of the weight of the backpack to the chest area, as well as the so-called pass-through strap in the back area, so that the backpack can be safely placed on the suitcase and secured by its handle.
Once - and never again
So if you're looking for (sustainable) luggage that you can take on a wellness weekend in the Czech Republic or even a few days abroad - by train, car or even by air - the Thule Subterra 2 series is a great choice. They're as practical as few others (especially the internal compartmentalization is bound to delight anyone who likes all their belongings neatly organized and clearly arranged), yet they look stylish and minimalist on the outside. Moreover, the workmanship is of such a high quality that the particular suitcase we had the opportunity to test travels almost "by itself" and the backpack is virtually unnoticeable under a reasonable load on the back. By the way, try to guess who liked the backpack so much that they would like to go on a business trip with it?
