Test/Review: Thule Chasm Duffel Bag
As many of you know, I use a wide range of bags and cases to carry various kit in various situations. There is never a ‘perfect’ solution (at least, I’ve not found it yet), but years of testing and experimentation have told me what works best for me.
For example, there are occasions when Peli roller cases are perfect for my camera equipment but nothing else. At other times, a rucksack might be the only viable option because of terrain, distance covered and the amount of outdoor kit I also need to transport.
So where does something like a duffel fit in?
Well now, here’s where we pick up the story. My starting point for testing the Chasm was this year’s family camping trips – many of which, regular readers will know, were made whilst under commission for magazine features.
The original plan had been to go with the largest (130-litre) model, as this size bag is what we typically use for holding everyone’s clothes (2 adults, 1 child) for a 1-week camping trip. That would have given the perfect like-for-like comparison. In the event, it is the small (40L) and medium (70L) bags which have been the subject of my real-world testing – so just short of that maximum capacity.
Realistically, and for the sake of convenience if nothing else, you’d probably want to choose the 130L in the above scenario. But, as with everything, this may well come down to personal preference.
For the sake of this review, I’m going to refer to the medium option, but note that all features are carried across to the small, too (with the exception of the free-hanging internal pocket mentioned below)
The basics
Perhaps the first thing that jumps out is the build quality; these things feel like they’re made to last! It’s not surprising, either.
The materials are reassuringly thick to the touch (for those interested, phthalate-free TPE laminate with a 1000D nylon base is used), with large YKK zips and incredibly tough webbing throughout.
Measuring 67 x 37 x 32cm for the medium, I’d say its weight of 1.7kg is still relatively light for a bag of this size. By comparison, I have heavier equivalents from other manufacturers in my collection.
And frankly, if you’re going to be throwing these around in the back of your Land Rover or a cargo hold, it’s a small price to pay for the protection offered for the contents.
Thule has thankfully kept the styling simple and functional, which always scores highly with me.
Access to the main compartment is via a two-way lockable zip which runs along the front and side top edges, with a good-sized overhanging storm flap. In my experience, the zip has always run completely smoothly and not once has it got stuck. The addition of a little cordage is also nice touch, aiding access in the dark, in colder weather or when wearing gloves.
At each end you get a sturdy webbing grab handle and at one, a zipped pocket for smaller items. In itself, this does a great job, but be aware that the inner lining is quite thin, so pointy objects would be best stored elsewhere.
As you’d expect, the standard 2-strap carry option is provided, with a lightly-padded popper-fastened wrap-around. Again, totally solid and this stayed firmly fastened under strain when carrying.
Now here’s the clever bit…
Most bags of this type allow these straps to flop around when not in use. This can be an inconvenience at best, but also a liability at worst. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve caught my foot or snagged straps on objects when shifting packs around.
The Chasm, though, comes fitted with a couple of popper-fastened tabs on each side, allowing the straps to be secured when not in use. Great for general use, but especially handy when passing through airports or areas such as woodland.
On the inside
This is not a feature-heavy bag on the inside. It doesn’t need to be. A single main compartment does what it should, with the addition of 3 mesh zip-fastening compartments. These are: 2 on the underside of the lid and one which hangs freely just below.
The clever thing with the smaller of the lid pockets is that it can be accessed from the outside of the bag. You simply unzip a little at that end (the left, as viewed from the front) and the pocket is there to be opened.
This is super convenient – and I’ve personally found it a time-/frustration-saver when the car has been loaded up, with the Chasm typically nestled in the smallest, furthest-back recess of the boot!
The base of the bag is padded for extra protection – albeit only to the extent of a few millimetres. The underside is very durable, though, so the two aspects combined do a great job.
Backpack conversion
It seems to be commonplace now for these kinds of packs to come with fixtures that allow them to be worn on the back. Actually, the concept has been around for quite some time, but I’ve been very impressed by Thule’s take on it.
Very often, shoulder straps are attached via a fiddly process of clipping on clunky webbing/buckle combinations in order to position them.
Here, though, is a different approach – one which is altogether more elegant.
It’s a kind of tab-and-bar arrangement (sorry Thule – I’m sure you have a fancier way of putting it!). Simply, you pass a metal bar through your chosen webbing tabs (4 times in total, one for each attachment point) and it stays completely in situ when under strain.
The shoulder straps themselves are lightly padded, with excellent stitching to take the strain, and adjusting them is a breeze.
And if you choose to take the shoulder-carry route? Just use a single strap in the same manner.
So simple, so effective.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a hard-wearing duffel which does exactly what it says on the tin, take a look at the Chasm. It has some great features, simply designed and practical in execution.
I love the solid construction, and the fact that it is made from waterproof fabric. I’ve so far been very fortunate with the weather when using it, but on occasions when the heavens have opened (typically, when moving kit across wide open spaces!), I’ve felt nicely smug watching the water just trickle off.
It’s worth noting that I haven’t just used these bags for camping activities – they’ve also come into play on photo shoots and in day-to-day work activities, too, offering great protection for all manner of kit including props, lightweight electronics, clothing and more.
Colour should never be a deciding factor, of course, but… well… I’m only human and it has to be said that the Deep Teal/Blue Grass combo you see here offers a certain smartness to the overall finish. Other colours area available.
Finally… For peace of mind, if you should need it, the Chasm is also covered by a 2-year guarantee which even takes into account damage caused by normal wear and tear and natural discolouration of materials.
Oh, and it also comes supplied in a draw-string mesh bag – so storage is convenient, too.
All in all, a great product from Thule. For further details, check out their website here.
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Category: Camping, Family activity, Location photography, Microadventure, Test/Review
