Travel

I have the Thule Paramount 27 l backpack since summer of 2021 and I am satisfied with it so far. I mainly use it for either carrying my laptop and peripherals around or for grocery shopping. It also can substitute a suitcase for a long weekend trip.

Pros:

• the excess straps on the shoulder straps, where you can adjust them, can be folded away neatly so that they don't dangle around
• many compartments that are cushioned, so that a laptop can be transported softly
• durable (on average I use the backpack 3 times per week, oftentimes filled to the brim with groceries)
• the main lid that covers the zipper is held by magnets on each side; also there are magnets on the lid of the front compartment (there is also a zipper behind)

Cons:

• the excess straps are held by an elastic ribbon, which loses its elasticity over time. I helped myself with an additional placement of velcro zip ties
• the magnets that hold the main lid are a bit weak. When the backpack is filled up, the magnets do not align. The magnets on the lid of the front compartment are stronger and hold up fine
• although the backpacks surface is treated as water repelling (similar to a rain coat), this doesn't apply for both handles (up and side) as well as for the shoulder straps. When used it heavy rain, especially the handles soak up water. The whole backpack stays dry from the inside, however.

The backpack: