As with everything Thule make, the men's All Trail 35L is top notch. It's primarily a large day bag, but its 35L capacity and well thought out external straps make it perfect for longer overnight hikes.
Thule design a bag, like Dyson design a vacuum cleaner - simple, functional and clean, yet keen on the eye too. The main sack is narrower at the bottom, so that when full, much of the weight stays on your shoulders - rather than on the hip belt. The torso length is adjusted simply by one large Velcro section; the access zip to the main section comes halfway down the bag on both sides, enabling very easy access.
The front stash pocket is flush enough to slip a map into, yet big enough to take a waterproof coat. The top pocket is well lined, helping the waterproofing, and if you're in serious weather, the built in detachable raincover is simple to access and easy to pull on.
What we like most about this pack is the functionality of the external straps. Both sides have two extendable side straps - the top ones also have a wrapping Velcro section to stop movement of smaller items or poles. The base of each side has two loops, one small for pole tips, the other easily big enough to take an iceaxe. With this adaptability, you could easily carry all but the fattest powder skis on the side of the All Trail 35L.
There's one belt pocket, which could be bigger, whilst on the other side there's a detachable "Versa Clip": this as you may guess is a clip that you can plug various attachments into; the bag comes with a pole holder attachment, so you can strap in your hiking poles without taking the bag off. Sold separately and then compatible with the Versa Clip are a large accessory pouch (which could of simply been another fixed belt pocket), a water bottle (the All Trail has an H2O sleeve...) and a DSLR camera bag (ok that could be useful).
Having never tested a Thule backpack before, we found it to be right up there with the best, but couldn't really see the point in the Versa Clip.
