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Japan is a country where outdoor brands from all over the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, are distributed, making it a very favorable environment for mountain gear enthusiasts.However, it is also true that in Japan, despite their excellent quality, there are countless outdoor brands that unfortunately get lost before they reach many people
One of these hidden gems, and one I've personally been recommending ever since I started this website, is the Swedish manufacturer of all-purpose carriers and bags, THULE . Originally a global leader in car carriers and travel bags THULE entered the outdoor backpack market in 2015. the moment it debuted , I couldn't help but feel a breath of fresh air in its sophisticated functionality and innovative design.
the Topio 30 , a lightweight and comfortable hiking backpack released by THULE last year . If you've seen it in stores but haven't heard of it because it's a brand you're not familiar with, then this is the product for you. Here's the review.
table of contents
- Key features of the Thule Topio 30
- Detailed Review
- Comfort: Tension mesh (back ventilation) back panel ensures a comfortable fit
- Stability: The back adjustment mechanism and high center of gravity overcome the weaknesses of tension mesh types
- Weight: Despite being so well-built, it is still "light"
- Storage and functionality: Plenty of storage and attachments for a lightweight model
- Summary: Don't underestimate this unknown brand. This is a great backpack for beginners that will ease your entry into camping, walking, and hiking
Key features of the Thule Topio 30
The Thule Topio is a versatile backpack available in two sizes: 30L and 40L, ideal for day hikes and light overnight mountain trips. The lightweight, breathable, and comfortable framed tension mesh back panel is adjustable for a comfortable fit, suitable for a wide range of body types, regardless of gender. The body-conforming harness and high center of gravity minimize strain on the body, ensuring stable movement. The convenient side zipper provides easy access to the main compartment, while the front, top, sides, and hipbelt compartments are evenly spaced for convenient access without removing the pack. The side zipper pocket also includes an included rain cover. Despite its clean exterior, the backpack's extensive external attachment options, including gear loops and straps for storing trekking poles and discreet lashing points, make it suitable for serious hiking. This all-around hiking and trekking backpack allows you to easily navigate the trails year-round.
Favorite points
- lightweight
- Tension mesh back panel for excellent breathability and comfort
- High center of gravity form for high load stability
- Micro-adjust suspension system for adjustable back length
- Easy-to-access main compartment with plenty of pockets and attachments
- Sleek, modern look
Points of concern
- The hip and shoulder belts are not very stiff, making it difficult to maintain comfort when carrying a heavy load
- It would have been nice if there was a pocket on the shoulder
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | Thule Topio 30 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 30L |
| Actual weight | 1.1 kg |
| material |
|
| Women's model | unisex model |
| size | 29 x 24 x 59 cm |
| Rear Panel |
|
| Hydration sleeve | 〇 |
| Main Access |
|
| Rain cover | 〇 |
| Pocket Attachment |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality (ease of use) | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hiking satisfaction | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
Comfort: Tension mesh (back ventilation) back panel ensures a comfortable fit
The appeal of this backpack is best expressed in its modern appearance, which does not resemble a traditional "mountaineering backpack," and its exquisite comfort when worn
The refined heather black finish and clean look with understated buckles and straps give it a sophisticated look that makes you wonder, "Is this really a mountaineering backpack?" This pack seems like it could be used for everything from traveling to faraway towns to exploring the local nature. It's not just the design that's impressive; the 420d nylon oxford fabric (with an eco-friendly 1500mm C-0 DWR coating) is also durable and weather-resistant
On the other hand, when it comes to comfort when carrying the bag, the overall design adheres to the basics, but the details make it stand out as being unique
First of all, the back structure of this backpack is a so-called tension mesh type (see photo below), which utilizes the tension of a curved frame and mesh fabric. This type has been widely adopted by various manufacturers in recent years and is by no means unusual
This type of back panel generally provides a soft feel and a flat, comfortable fit thanks to the elasticity of the taut mesh. The Topio 's back mesh is slightly coarse and stretches across the entire back, achieving an excellent balance of lightness, feel, fit, and breathability. The seam from the back to the waist is also smooth, providing almost no discomfort when wearing the backpack. It maintains a luxurious feel that even beginners to mountain climbing will appreciate.
Additionally, when wearing the pack, it creates a gap between your back and the pack that allows air to pass through, reducing the discomfort caused by stuffiness on the back, which is prone to sweating (see photo below). Sweating is inevitable when hiking, not only in the hot summer, but even in winter if you walk steadily. By keeping your back, where sweat tends to accumulate, cool and dry at times like these, you can avoid dangerous discomfort such as chilled sweat
In addition, the shoulder straps are made of highly breathable mesh fabric and hollowed-out EVA foam core, and various other lightweight and breathable features have been incorporated into the design (see photo below). However, while the harness is highly breathable and comfortable, it is less rigid, so if you try to walk with a very heavy load, you may find that its softness digs into your shoulders (although this is not a problem for light activities, of course)
Stability: The back adjustment mechanism and high center of gravity overcome the weaknesses of tension mesh types
The tension mesh back certainly improves fit and breathability, and at first glance it seems like it would be comfortable to carry, but it also has a pitfall: its structure tends to pull the center of gravity backward (away from the body)
Topio has carefully considered and addressed this structural weakness, and we will now look at two mechanisms for improving load stability.
One is the harness structure that conforms to the body's shape and contours. It features a Micro-adjust suspension system, which allows for a significant 10cm length adjustment, making it a rare feature for backpacks with small capacity or tension mesh structures. It fits perfectly to a wide range of heights and body types, regardless of gender, and provides a stable, fatigue-free carrying experience (see photo below)
Another factor is the shape of the backpack itself. It's basically a long, thin cylinder, but the base of the pack is slightly narrower, meaning you can't fit much in the lower part, while the upper part (especially around the shoulders) has a larger volume, allowing you to fit more luggage. This means the center of gravity doesn't move too far away from your body, making it easier to position it more stably, near the upper back and shoulders
If you have only a small amount of luggage, you can tighten the bottom strap on the outside to move the small amount of luggage to the top
The pack's high center of gravity design allows for more luggage to be stored at the top
Shoulder stabilizers hold the backpack firmly against your body, minimizing pack sway
Weight: Despite being so well-built, it is still "light"
So far, we've seen the clever structure that maintains the comfortable feel of tension mesh without sacrificing load stability, but the the Topio doesn't end there. What's even more surprising about this backpack is that it's lighter than average despite its luxurious comfort. At 1,100 grams, the Topio 30 the Gregory Zulu 30 (1,420 grams in M/L sizes), which also uses tension mesh and has adjustable back length, and the slightly larger Osprey Stratos 34 (1,430 grams).
Storage and functionality: Plenty of storage and attachments for a lightweight model
Its high quality is also evident in its packing and usability, with a variety of options for organizing and storing your gear
The main compartment is a panel-loading type with a zipper that opens wide to the side (the 40-liter type is a rain cover type). It allows for quick access and easy access to the center and bottom, which is a reasonable shape for a bag of this size (top left in the photo below)
At the top is a top zip pocket (top right in the photo below) for storing small items like maps, wallets, energy bars, and keys. It's a little difficult to open, but otherwise it's perfectly convenient. The hydration sleeve and tube hole are also located around here
There is also a zippered pocket on the side for small items (bottom left in the photo below), which already contains the included rain cover. The left and right hip belts are large enough to even fit a smartphone (bottom right in the photo below)
The front "Shove-it Pocket™" is a large, stretchy pocket that can easily fit even large items (top left in the photo below). It's convenient for storing extra warm clothing, rain gear, and items you want to access quickly, such as snacks. The stretch mesh pockets on both sides are angled so you can access drinks while standing (top right in the photo below). Attachment loops are also securely placed on the bottom and sides to secure trekking poles and other items (left and right in the photo below)
By the way, the compression straps on the sides are equipped with Velcro for securing the poles, and can be quickly removed and repositioned so as not to interfere with opening and closing the zipper of the main compartment, providing options to avoid any hassle. I really think that this kind of attention to detail is what sets the A-Class apart from the rest
This location on the bottom (see photo below) is so hard to find that you have to look hard to find it, but it actually has a fixed loop for attaching a carabiner or bungee cord. Once you move beyond the beginner level and start using it in more advanced ways, having this kind of thing makes a big difference in practicality
The front carry handle adds a little accent and is useful when traveling (see photo below, right)
Summary: Don't underestimate this unknown brand. This is a great backpack for beginners that will ease your entry into camping, walking, and hiking
the Thule Topio backpack is not well known, it is not only well-made, but also exudes Scandinavian simplicity and functional beauty, is smart and stylish, safe, and environmentally friendly, and is a unique and highly refined model with ingenuity built into every detail.As mentioned briefly in the main text, it is not inferior to its competitors with the same concept, the Gregory Zulu 30 and the Osprey Stratos 34 , and it also has the added advantage of being lightweight.
This lightweight, comfortable, and highly breathable backpack is suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking to more serious mountain climbing, and even overnight mountain trips are possible with minimal, compact equipment. The 40-liter model is a little too large for day trips, but it will also be suitable for more serious, multi-day hikes. Overall, this is a highly recommended product for hiking beginners who have discovered the appeal of the outdoors through camping and nature walks and are now looking to try something a little more challenging
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