Are Thule backpacks still good?

[Looks at the price...] Yeah, for 300 dollars you could get something custom made with double stitching . I've spent less on a hyper specialized mountaineering Osprey pack.

Have you contacted Thule? M not even joking. I have an 11 year old Thule laptop backpack, the little rubber covers on the zipper handles perished. I called them to ask if there were replacements available and they said to bring it in and then replaced them for free.

Can’t hurt to ask.

I went with Trash Bags when picking a new bag about 6 years ago. No complaints. It's one of the best things I own. I've ordered other small stuff from them and it's always been superb quality.

I would legit shill this company for merch.

https://trashmessengerbags.com/

The Synik 30 by Tom Bihn might be a good option for you. I've had a similar model for about 10 years and it's still in great shape.

It allows me to comfortably carry my stuff around on my back and looks pretty cool, which is all I really ask from a backpack.

Lots of people mention Osprey. They're not so good if you have long hair. I recommend Gregory.

Were you hard on it? I feel like a zipper should last longer than that, but I'm pretty easy on my stuff.

I wouldn't call 8 years a great backpack. I have a North Face backpack that has seen heavy abuse and is still good to go after 19 years. So maybe check out North Face, assuming they're still making them like they used to.

I'm a staunch advocate for Osprey and Peak Design. Only had those 2 for backpacks. Been taking them on so many trips without an issue.

As other people mentioned, an Osprey. I recently gave away an old shoulder bag by them that I got back in the early 2000s. That's 20 years ago! Still works, just didn't need that kind of bag any more. Currently have one of their newer Arcane bags, and so far, it's been promising after a year.

Do you hate money but love backpacks? Then check out Hillpeople Gear. I have a Connor, but Umlindi might be up your alley. They're not light backpacks, but they're sturdy and the load bearing system is second to none. Super comfortable even without a hip belt.

Also check out Mystery Ranch. If you can find a used one that's be best, but even after getting bought by Yeti they still make really good shit.

I had a Thule 32L before, it was pretty good! Now I have an Osprey 26/32L, and it's really fantastic. I used Osprey in the Alps (a big hiking bag) and was really impressed so I switched when the Thule finally died.

Never were

I've got a victorinox that I've had for almost 20 years. I got it in school, and it lasted several years with almost 50lbs of books in it (yes, really. It was a private school).

One strap gave way in the first year, but my mom restitched it and everything else has held since. Only other people I have is that it smells kinda funky because I can't figure out how to wash it.

I recently got a Thule Paramount 24L and it's quite nice, I have no complaints about it.

I’ve had a chrome brand backpack for about 10 years and it’s still going strong with medium use. Chrome has a lifetime warranty on their bags also.

https://chromeindustries.com/collections/backpacks