Thule Enroute Backpack 23L Pelican/Vetiver - Organized Travel Pack

Our review of the Thule Enroute Backpack 23L finds it best for commuters and short-trip travelers who need organized storage without bulk. The single biggest reason to buy is its thoughtful compartment layout: a protected sleeve for a 15.6in laptop and a separate soft-lined quick-access pocket for a phone or sunglasses make daily carry efficient and secure. Build quality and travel-friendly features stand out in real use, so anyone who wants a durable, comfortable pack with clear organization will appreciate what this bag delivers.

Key Features

• Dedicated laptop and tablet pockets: The elevated, dedicated pockets protect up to a 15.6in laptop and up to a 10.5in tablet so devices are secure in transit.
• Quick-access soft-lined pocket: A soft-lined pocket provides fast access and safeguards a phone, sunglasses, or other valuables from scratches.
• Organizational panel: The front organization panel keeps small accessories, pens, and keys easily accessible and prevents items from shifting around.
• Water-resistant TPU pocket: The secondary compartment includes a zipped TPU pocket that is water-resistant and opaque for privacy when you store chargers or toiletries.
• Expandable side pockets: Mesh exterior side pockets stretch to hold a water bottle, power brick, or umbrella for quick grab-and-go use.

Who It's For

The Thule Enroute Backpack 23L is ideal for daily commuters, students, and weekend travelers who need a mid-sized pack with secure device protection and plenty of internal pockets. Its layout suits people who carry a laptop plus chargers, a small change of clothes, and a few personal items without wanting a bulky hiking pack.

Those who should look elsewhere include travelers who require large expedition capacity or specialized hiking features; this bag is not intended as a multi-day backpacking load carrier. Also, users who need extreme weatherproofing for prolonged exposure should consider purpose-built waterproof packs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thoughtful organization with a dedicated laptop sleeve and soft-lined quick-access pocket for valuables.
• Durable build quality and comfortable size make it practical for daily use and short trips.
• Water-resistant zipped TPU pocket adds protection and privacy for sensitive items.

Cons

• Not designed for long-distance backpacking or heavy expedition loads, so capacity is modest compared with larger packs.

Specifications

Brand	Thule
Model	Enroute Backpack 23L
Capacity	23 L
Laptop fit	Up to 15.6in laptop
Tablet fit	Up to 10.5in tablet
Special pockets	Soft-lined quick-access pocket; zipped water-resistant TPU pocket
Exterior	Mesh stretch side pockets for bottle or power brick

Our Verdict

The Thule Enroute Backpack 23L is a smartly designed everyday and travel pack that balances protection, organization, and comfort. It offers excellent value for commuters and short-trip travelers who need reliable device protection and a practical pocket layout without excess bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this pack hold a full-size laptop?
Yes, it includes a dedicated padded sleeve that fits up to a 15.6in laptop securely.

Is the TPU pocket waterproof?
The zipped TPU pocket is water-resistant to protect contents from light moisture and spills, and it is opaque for privacy.

Will it fit a water bottle?
Yes, the mesh exterior side pockets stretch to accommodate a water bottle, power brick, or umbrella.