Thule is best known for roof racks and baby strollers, but over the last several years, the Swedish company has earned a reputation for its high-quality, simple yet well-designed backpacks and duffel bags. Recentlywe got a sneak peek at a handful of new Thule packs launching in February, including an enduro mountain-biking hydration vest, an adventure travel duffel, and a hiking pack. Here’s a preview of products to get excited about.
Landmark Travel Duffel ($180 and up)
Thule’s take on the adventure duffel keeps the long-term traveler in mind. The Landmark duffels (available in 40, 60, and 70 liters, $180, $200, and $220, not yet online) feature padded hipbelts and contoured, adjustable backpack straps just like a typical backpacking bag’s. They’recomfortable for heavy loads yet tuck away when you want to check the bag at an airport. An included small daypack buckles onto the outside of the60- and 70-literversions,so you can clip your carry-on and personal item together to get out of the airport, ditch the duffel at your hostel, and then take the daypack for a whirl through downtown. The Landmark also has a hard-sided pocket for stashing electronics and other breakables, internal straps for keeping your clothes in place, and a hidden passport pocket (the daypack has one too) for peace of mind.
Rail 12 Pro ($200)
The Rail 12 Pro furthers Thule’s foray into the bike-bag market after last year’s launch of the cross-country-oriented . Designed for enduro riding, the 12-liter Rail ramps it up a notch with exterior straps capable of carrying a full-face helmet and knee and elbow pads. Inside are the standard mesh organizational pockets as well as a lightweight, double-layer Koroyd back shieldfor serious protection. But thanks to its honeycomb construction, it doesn’t compromise on ventilation. The best part isThule’sproprietary Retrakt water-bladder hose-return system, which uses a series of magnets to keep the hose secured to the shoulderstrap butstill easy to grab for on-the-bikehydration.
հ25($100)
Rounding out Thule’s AllTrailhiking-packline, which already includes45-liter ($180) and 35-liter ($160) packs, the new AllTrail25-liter ($100) is simpler than its predecessors, trading in the long, bell-shaped top zipper for a classic buckled flip-top with a brain pocket. A cavernous front stretch-mesh pocket adds even more quick-access storage than the larger packs get. However, the 25-liter forgoes the adjustable torso, built-in pack cover, and padding on the hipbelt. It has what you need for a single day on the trail, without the heft and extra bells and whistles you might want for longer trips or heavier loads.