Review Thule EnRoute 25L Backpack

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a trend: I seem to be accumulating backpacks at an alarming rate. Each time, I eagerly purchase a new one, using it faithfully for a few months. However, despite the initial thrill of acquiring a new “daily driver,” a crucial piece of gear I eventually become frustrated with certain drawbacks. That’s why today, I want to review the Thule Enroute 25l Backpack, which has garnered a lot of attention recently. As a result, the once-beloved backpack finds its way into the storage bin I’ve designated for no-longer-in-use backpacks in the attic.

Budget Friendly

Typically, my pursuit of a new backpack begins with a specific use case I’ve envisioned. This time, it revolved around my recently acquired Canon DSLR. Eager to have the camera accompany me everywhere, I embarked on the search for the perfect bag. Much to my surprise, I discovered that prices for backpacks tailored to professional settings such as photography, climbing, or motorcycle riding were on a different scale altogether. After a thorough investigation, I settled on Thule, a brand I had previous good experience with, primarily due to its reasonable price point. While I wouldn’t classify it as inexpensive, it undeniably offers exceptional value for the money. That’s why I decided to review the Thule Enroute 25l Backpack in the first place.

Design

While the design of the Thule Enroute didn’t immediately catch my attention, it has grown on me significantly. Its ability to conceal its size is impressive—I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit into this seemingly medium-sized backpack. Opting for the Dark Forest color was a choice I’m particularly pleased with; its richness and depth are even more striking in person, far surpassing what pictures can capture. This is another reason I wanted to review the Thule Enroute 25l Backpack and share my findings.

Functional

I often find myself convinced I’ve misplaced something, leading to a fervent search, only to realize that I’ve actually carefully stowed it away. This bag impresses with its numerous easy-access zippers, facilitating easy search and entry into the main storage compartment. Notably, the secondary storage is adept at securely accommodating my 16-inch MacBook Pro and 12-inch iPad Pro. The magnetic roll-up main access excels, particularly in rainy European weather conditions. Moreover, the sunglass and camera sections come with an integrated protective layer—a thoughtful inclusion that some other brands charge extra for. I’ll delve into this aspect further shortly. Lastly, the addition of a carry-on strap at the back, compatible with trolleys, makes the Thule Enroute the ultimate travel companion for me. This is important for my Review of the Thule Enroute 25l Backpack.

Made for DSLR

The camera section features a generously sized zipper, unveiling a sturdy flap that provides effortless access to the compartment. Alongside the protective foamed liner, you receive two inserts to configure your ideal setup. Although Thule themselves do not specify the compatible camera types, other sources suggest ample space for a DSLR and three lenses (with one attached to the body and two supported by the inserts). However, to my frustration, the camera section proves too compact for my Canon 80D. While I could potentially remove the battery grip and opt for a single 50mm lens, this compromises the essence of a backpack designed to accommodate camera gear. After all, the intent is to unzip the flap, swiftly retrieve your camera, and begin shooting, isn’t it? This is central to what I believe a good Review Thule Enroute 25l Backpack should highlight.

Comfort

Thule appears to have embraced the philosophy of under-promising and over-delivering with this backpack. The straps are exceptionally well-designed, allowing for effortless adjustments even while on the move—a truly remarkable feature. Admittedly, on long, sweltering summer days, carrying the backpack can lead to a slightly damp back. However, considering its overall dimensions, the backpack proves to be extremely manageable, offering comfort even during extended periods of wear, all while accommodating a surprisingly generous amount of belongings.

Conclusion

The Thule EnRoute 25L Dark Forest boasts not only a visually appealing design but also impressive functionality and exceptional comfort. However, one notable drawback is the relatively small camera section, which could have been better accommodated in the overall design. Despite this, the Thule EnRoute has retained its status as my go-to daily bag for nearly two years now. Its versatility in carrying laptops, tablets, phones, and various other gear is unmatched. On occasions when I need it for camera gear, I simply detach my battery grip and utilize the padded sunglass section for lens storage—a convenient workaround. Reviewing the Thule Enroute 25l Backpack, it is evident that colleagues have often praised and inquired about the bag, and even after extended and sometimes rough use, it still maintains a pristine appearance, with no noticeable scratches or material damage. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a high-quality backpack capable of efficiently carrying their gadgets and gear.