The Thule Paramount Commuter Rucksack 27L is an excellent commuter backpack that is great on and off the bike. It has all the features and pockets you might want, and is comfortable to wear. The heavy-duty fabrics and construction suggest excellent durability, albeit at the cost of some weight. It’s not the cheapest option out there either, but the clever design and impressive quality make it feel worth it.
Beneath the roll-top opening there are two zipped main compartments. The first has two sleeves: a laptop sleeve (up to 16in) that’s fleece-lined and padded at the bottom, and another, unlined sleeve for documents, a tablet, or whatever else. You also get a zipped mesh pocket with compartments for ancillaries: mouse, hard drive, screen connector thingy and so on.
The second main compartment is similar in size, but doesn’t have dividers, though it does have an unzipped mesh pocket at the top that’s big enough for clothes and lunch stuff.
On the front, there’s a zip/strap-adjustable helmet pocket (shoes will also go in there) and it’s good for wet stuff too, as there are drain holes in the bottom. Inside this pocket is a horizontal strap to keep your D-lock in.
Above the helmet bit, there’s a magnetic flap that covers a small, padded, zipped pocket for valuables. There’s a mesh divider and a keyring clip. Plenty of space for your wallet, sunglasses, painkillers, keys etc.
The Paramount even has a separate zipped and lined pocket on the righthand side to store your phone, supposedly within easily access, but I didn’t find that easy to reach. I ended up not really using it.
There’s a generous bottle pocket on either side of the backpack. These pockets are elasticated, and flexible enough to accommodate up to a 1.5L bottle securely. Or (more) shoes. Or a small umbrella. They have drain holes too, so they’re also handy for storing wet stuff.
This bag swallows everything I’d want to take to work, in an organised, protective manner.
I’ve found the Paramount very comfortable. The shoulder straps are nicely padded and well spaced, and the height adjustable chest strap works well. The back panel features horizontally-ridged foam under mesh, allowing a bit of ventilation to help keep sweat at bay.
You don’t get a waist strap, which some people might take issue with. I can’t say I missed it, as I had no problems with stability. There is a strap to slide over the handle of a roller suitcase, however, if you’re taking this through airports. The dimensions (31 x 28 x 52cm) are pushing easyJet carry-on luggage guidelines, and are definitely too big for Ryanair (surprise), if that’s important to you.
Weather
The main fabric is hardwearing and showerproof, and the main compartment zips are rubber-coated, as are the base and three-quarters of the front of the bag; it’s very usefully water-resistant, and if you need full waterproofing there’s a rain cover which pulls from a pocket at the bottom. The cover is made entirely from reflective fabric and detaches completely, making drying and cleaning easy.
The zip toggles are also reflective, as are some strap details, while both the bag and its cover feature loops for attaching lights.
The Paramount only comes in this Olivine colour scheme, and even the cover is grey, so while its (probably) conservative enough for business environments where everybody dresses as if for a funeral, it’s not the most visible on daylight roads. The rain cover, if nothing else, could be brighter.
Value
At £150 this competes with ruggedly-built designer luggage from the likes of Chrome Industries, Timbuk2 and Osprey, but it’s still a step below the really premium stuff.
Osprey’s Metron 24 got ‘Best money-no-object cycling backpack’ in our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Cycling Backpacks, and is now the same price as the Paramount as £150. It’s a little smaller at 24L, though.
You could, of course, spend more. Jez recently reviewed Mous’s UltraTex Optimal Lid Backpack, and that one’s now more than twice as much at £309.99. It’s also slightly smaller than the Thule at 25L.
Don’t want to spend so much you can’t afford anything to put inside? The Proviz Reflective Rolltop Backpack is bigger at 30L, very reflective even without a rain cover, and is now £69.99.
Alternatively, if you really like the look of the Thule but don’t need quite so much capacity, there’s an 18L version for £104.99.
Overall
Thule’s Paramount is really well made, very nicely designed for its role and feels like it’ll last you a very long time indeed. It’ll carry everything you might want to take to the office in an organised and protected manner, and it’s comfortable both on and off the bike. It’s not cheap but, in my opinion at least, you’re getting good value here for your money.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Thule says, “A commuter backpack for any every bike commute. The bag’s expandable front pocket is perfect for a bike helmet or shoes and a bike lock, while the side pocket help you quickly reach your phone while on the go. The backpack provides maximum comfort when riding, thanks to the shoulder strap shape and sternum strap position which compliments the natural bike-riding position. A unique feature is the integrated rain cover with a reflective finish that ensures complete rain protection and visibility to oncoming traffic at night.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Thule says:
Waterproof materials and coated zips provide reliable weather protection
Integrated rain cover with stylish, all-over reflective coating offers full rain protection in severe weather and exceptional visibility in low-light conditions
Access your phone easily from dedicated pocket while in riding position
Floating laptop sleeve fits comfortably on back while in natural riding position, holding up to 16″ laptop
Front expansion pocket holds helmet while off the bike or a jacket or extra pair of shoes while riding
27L storage space is ideal for the wide range of contents a bicycle commuter needs – whether a change of clothes, a jacket, lunch or a few groceries on the way home
Integration of shoulder strap shape and sternum strap position enhance stability while riding, improving safety, comfort and convenience without the need for a hip belt
Large side pocket holds a water bottle or insulated container securely while riding or walking
Magnetic flap protects quick access pocket for convenient access to essentials during quick stops during or after commute
Ventilated back panel and shoulder straps stay comfortable on warm days
Dimensions: 31 x 28 x 52 cm
Weight: 1.43 kg
Volume: 27 L
Colour: Olivine
Material: 420D nylon
Country of origin: Vietnam
Any further comments on performance?:
All the features you might possibly want for a commuter backpack.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
It’s towards the upper end of the market, but below true ‘premium’ level.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
This takes everything you might need to the office, it’s comfortable to carry and it has protection for laptops and valuables. It’s packed with thoughtful touches, too. The lack of a waist strap or any hi-viz colour options may be negatives for some, but they’re fairly minor issues.
About the tester
Age: 49Height: 178cmWeight: 77kg
I usually ride: All of them!My best bike is: Ribble Endurance SL disc
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Most daysI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Cyclocross, Commuting, Touring, Club riding, Mountain bike XC, Mountain bike Enduro, Mountain bike downhill/freeride
