The Thule Landmark stands out for single-bag travel thanks to its two-piece design that meets airline requirements. However, there is a clear quality gap between the sturdy main pack and the smaller, less well-made companion bag.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 78.29/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Good
- Review Count: 783
STRENGTHS
- Carry-On System: Successfully accepted on all flights for month-long trips, splitting into overhead and under-seat items.
- Suitcase Access: The main pack opens flat like a duffel, making packing cubes and clothes easy to organize and access.
- Security Features: Lockable zippers and a dedicated, hidden compartment for passports and valuables.
- Fit for Small Frames: Its narrow profile and short harness are a better fit for women 5’3″ than competitor packs.
LIMITATIONS
- Waist Buckle: The main waist buckle is cheaply made and reportedly cracks or breaks after only the third use.
- Daypack Quality: The smaller secondary bag has thin straps, minimal padding, and is not reported to be waterproof.
- Top Pocket Flap: The hardshell ‘Safe Zone’ top pocket opens awkwardly, causing small items like glasses to fall out upon unzipping.
- Torso Fit: The waist belt rides too high on torsos longer than 19.5 inches, making the pack uncomfortable for extended walking.
- DVSS Score: 78.29/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Good
- Review Count: 783
The Landmark is a strong choice for international carry-on travel because of its dual-bag design. The main bag’s clamshell opening makes packing simple. However, users often find the 40L main pack feels closer to 30 liters, and the waist buckle can break easily.
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Contents
Landmark Earns 78.29 Despite Fragile Waist Buckle
The Landmark gets a Good satisfaction rating because its two-piece carry-on system works well. The dual-bag setup is a smart choice for travelers who want to avoid checking bags. However, many buyers mention that the plastic used for important buckles feels cheap.
Product Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 78.29
- Satisfaction Tier: Good
- Review Count: 783
- Average Rating: 4.50
- Ideal For: Carry-On-Only International Travel for multi-city, 3-week excursions.
This score, based on our DVSS Methodology, shows how well the main pack works as a carry-on. However, repeated quality problems with the waist buckle and detachable daypack lower the overall rating.
Detachable Daypack Enables True Two-Bag Travel
The detachable 20L daypack is a standout feature for maximizing carry-on space. You can put the main pack in the overhead bin and keep the smaller bag under your seat. Its slim shape helps it pass airline checks and fit on smaller planes.
The small bag is handy for items you need quickly, like laptops and passports. Many users say the daypack works well for day trips. However, some buyers found the shoulder clips “tricky” and “buried deep” when attaching the two bags.
Main Pack Opens Flat Like a Suitcase for Easy Access
The main compartment opens fully from the front, like a duffel or suitcase. This clamshell design makes it easy to organize packing cubes, shoes, and clothes. It also prevents the “black hole” issue found in top-loading packs.
The 40L size can fit five days of clothes, two pairs of shoes, and toiletries for short trips. The main pack features a secure laptop compartment and a hidden valuables pocket. Reviewers say it holds “more stuff than a cabin-size suitcase.”
Load Harness Comfort is Best Suited for Short Torsos
The backpack harness fits shorter women well, especially those around 5’3”. Many found it comfortable and not bulky. The waist strap helps spread the weight for people who carry the bag long distances.
On the other hand, people with longer torsos, about 19.5 inches, say the waist belt sits too high and feels uncomfortable. Some also found the shoulder straps “kind of stiff” at first, and a few said the harness rubs their neck.
Daypack Construction Suffers From Cheaply Made Components
Several buyers say the detachable daypack is not as well-made as the main pack. Its straps are thin, and the material feels “cheap” compared to the main pack’s sturdy fabric. One reviewer was disappointed that the bag “was not waterproof” in the rain.
The daypack’s chest strap often falls off and gets lost because it is not well-attached. Another big issue is the main pack’s waist buckle, which reportedly “cracked literally the 3rd time” it was used. These weak parts can make the pack uncomfortable or even unusable over time.
Hard Shell Top Pocket Is Awkward to Use for Packing
The hard shell top compartment, called the ‘Safe Zone,’ is great for protecting fragile items like glasses or a phone. It keeps them from being “smushed” during travel. It also works well for documents and small electronics.
The main problem is the zipper, which opens downward when the bag is flat. This makes things “fall out” while packing. One reviewer said it seemed like a “poor choice of how to use the space.”
40L Capacity Holds Up To Five Days of Travel Gear
Some users say the 40L version is actually closer to 30 liters. Even so, it works well for short to mid-length trips. The bag fits four days of clothes, sneakers, and a laptop with accessories.
The main pack fits three large Amazon Basics packing cubes. The 60L version can hold clothes for about four days on a tropical trip. Its narrow shape makes it easy to move through crowds without feeling bulky.
Landmark Secures Your Trip, But Can You Handle the Buckle Risk?
This system is designed to get around carry-on rules and provide security and comfort for people with shorter torsos. The main question is whether you are willing to accept the risk of lower-quality parts for the benefits of the two-bag setup.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Fits a 14-inch laptop (in daypack) and a tablet (in main pack) and easily accommodates a full-size headphone case.
- Gear: Holds a 32oz Hydro Flask in the water bottle pocket (though it may hang loose), Amazon Basics large packing cubes (three fit), and a Garment Sleeve for business clothes.
- Result: The system lets you balance heavy items between your back and front, but the daypack does not adequately protect sensitive electronics.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You prioritize carrying on both bags on every flight.
- Your torso length is 19 inches or shorter (fits women well).
- Your trips are under three weeks with frequent repacking.
✗ Skip This If You:
- You are a male with a long torso who needs proper load-lifter support.
- You plan to carry the fully loaded pack for more than 1 hour daily.
- You depend on your daypack to be fully waterproof.
Choosing the Right Landmark Capacity
The main factor in choosing a model is whether you plan to check your bag, not just how much it holds. The 40L, 60L, and 70L versions each suit different travel needs based on airline rules.
40L: The Carry-On Champion
- Best For: Guaranteed carry-on acceptance, even on smaller regional jets (e.g., CRJ700).
- Capacity Threshold: Comfortably handles up to 5 days of clothing and accessories for temperate climates.
- Key Feature: The main pack includes a dedicated padded laptop sleeve.
60L: The Long Weekend Workhorse
- Best For: Trips requiring 3-4 days of clothes in bulky or summer climates, where the high risk of needing to check the main bag is accepted.
- Capacity Threshold: Users report the main compartment feels closer to 30L of usable volume than 40L.
- Key Feature: The laptop sleeve is moved entirely to the detachable daypack.
70L: The Long-Term Checked Bag
- Best For: Extended, multi-week trips that require maximum volume and are prepared to be checked.
- Capacity Threshold: The 70L pack measures 60 cm high, exceeding most standard carry-on limits of 55–56 cm.
- Key Feature: Offers the largest volume for long journeys, but you must plan on checking it in.
The Thule Landmark for Two-Bag Flight Strategy with Sleek Carry-On Profile
This setup is ideal for travelers who want to skip check-in lines around the world. The main bag’s slim shape and the daypack’s under-seat size make flying easier. To keep the harness comfortable, avoid overpacking the smaller bag.
The Thule Landmark for Urban Security Despite Awkward Top Pocket
This system is great for travelers who care about security, thanks to its anti-theft zippers and hidden passport pockets. The pack’s tough shell is made from materials that “will last for long.” The main downside is the top pocket, which needs careful packing so things don’t fall out when you open it.
Landmark Excels at Carry-On-Only International Travel
This is the best choice for travelers who want to use only carry-on bags on international trips. The two-bag system covers both overhead and under-seat storage needs.
The main drawback is the weak waist buckle, which can break and put all the weight on your shoulders. This pack is best for people who value carry-on convenience over heavy-duty durability.
Check the price and availability of the Thule Landmark now and explore the Best Check-In backpacks (46L+) for more options.
