A highly-ventilated hiking pack ideal for overnight trips with minimal gear. Check out our review of the Thule Topio below.
Thule Topio 40L rucksack review
- Micro-adjust suspension system offering 10 cm of torso adjustment
- Airy, tensioned-mesh back panel and body-contouring harness
- Stowable gear loops, plenty of pockets and lashing points
- DWR pack coating and rain cover included
- Maximum model volume of 40L
- Volume: 40L
- Dimensions: 31 x 27 x 62 cm
- Weight: 1.2kg
- Suitable for: Hiking, mountaineering
- Gender: Unisex
Thule Topio review
The Thule Topio, available in both 30L and 40L volumes, are technical packs perfect for overnight hiking trips in the UK.
Known for its roof racks, bike carriers and rooftop tents, Thule has been creating some of the highest quality adventure gear for more than 75 years. Their products are smart, stylish, safe and environmentally sound.
It may come as a surprise then, to learn that the Swedish giants produce hiking backpacks – and some of the best we’ve had the pleasure of testing.
The team were kind enough to send us both a 40L Topio and a 40L Stir Alpine to trial in the summer months. We weren’t quite sure what to expect with tough rivalries in Osprey, Gregory and Arc’teryx. But we were blown away with the comfort, quality and attention to detail.
Outside the Thule Topio
First impressions of the pack are great. Unboxing and unwrapping any product from a brand that truly cares is always a treat. It’s even sweeter when the pack looks as good as the Topio.
Pull the pack out of its box and you’ll see that the Topio is littered with pockets, compartments, stowable gear loops, discreet lashing points and compression straps. A large mesh water bottle pocket, something that we always love to see, can be found on either side. The pack is designed with adventure – and all the gear you’ll need – in mind.
It’s the body-contouring harness that adds the most value. A micro-adjust suspension system offers a huge 10 cm of torso adjustment, offering the perfect unisex fit. The tension-mesh back panel keeps the bulk of the pack away from the back, keeping you cool and dry on the trail.
All this is secured with a sturdy sternum strap and a supportive hip belt for fine-tuned load bearing. With convenient storage pockets on either side of the hip belt, must-have gear is easy to reach without removing the pack.
Inside the Thule Topio
The quality continues inside the pack with huge options for storing and organising your gear.
There’s a storage lid, providing exterior access to smaller items whilst protecting the main pack volume. A convenient side zip allows easy access to the middle and bottom of the pack. And an internal hydration sleeve is perfect when packing a bladder for those extra-long hikes.
The front shove-it pocket is a neat solution for packing extra layers in changing conditions or for easy access items. A rain cover, provided in a rather handsome blue, can be removed on dry days for additional storage.
Materials and sustainability
The pack uses a 420d Nylon Oxford fabric with a 1500 mm C-0 DWR coating. The materials are strong, protecting your pack from the elements whilst minimising the impacts on the environment.
Thule is also a partner of the bluesign® system. This is the international standard for textile production focused on reducing the impact on people and the planet from manufacturing.
Overall verdict
We’ve loved having the Topio on test and we’ve been blown away by the quality of the Thule packs. Osprey has long been the default choice for hiking backpacks in the UK but with the top-quality, sensibly-priced gear from Thule – there’s no longer a backpack monopoly.
FAQ – Thule Topio Backpack
Have a question about the Thule Topio backpack range? Check out the FAQ section below.
The Thule Topio backpack is available in 30L and 40L sizes. We used the 40L rucksack for our review and would recommend the pack for overnight hiking trips.
The Thule Topio is a highly-ventilated backpack designed for hiking, climbing and mountaineering. We would highly recommend the pack overnight and wild camping trips with minimal, compact gear.
The Thule Topio uses a 1500 mm C-0 DWR coating to protect the pack from the elements. A rain cover is also stowed in a dedicated side pocket for heavy rain conditions.
The Thule Topio is available in just one colour (black/grey).
Still struggling to find the answer to your question? Reach out to the Adventure Pending team by email or social media for expert advice.