Final week, I traveled to Scandinavia for the primary time and took part within the “Thule Expertise.” This multi-day occasion concerned a tour of the model’s design and innovation middle, manufacturing facility, and take a look at facility in Hillerstorp, Sweden (extra on that in one other article), in addition to a go to to its headquarters within the port metropolis of Malmö, Sweden. Whereas in Malmö, the Thule Expertise (THEX) introduced collectively members of the press, consumers, and the model’s workers for a really one-of-a-kind occasion. Thule pulled out all of the stops, beginning with a style show-esque, runway-style product demonstration that includes most of the model’s well-known sports activities ambassadors. This was adopted by mingling, drinks, snacks, and even a efficiency of “I Love It” by the Swedish pop duo, Icona Pop. It bordered on being excessive, nevertheless it was actually fairly freaking superior.
The next day, we reconvened on the venue to take a better take a look at what Thule has in retailer for Spring 2026. All the newest merchandise have been on show, permitting us to take extra pictures and achieve somewhat hands-on expertise with the gear. I additionally had the chance to speak with designers, product managers, and testers to achieve a bit extra perception into the model’s newest merchandise. Along with the Thule Vero bike rack that we not too long ago noticed at SEMA and reported on simply the opposite day, right here’s a few of the cool new stuff that Thule can be providing subsequent 12 months.
Bike Racks
Thule has been one of many main gamers within the bike rack marketplace for a long time, and it goals to keep up that place with its newest fashions. The model has just about each fashion of rack lined, catering to the wants of just about each rider. Whether or not you’re an condominium dweller with restricted space for storing, an e-bike rider, or a mountain bike shuttler, Thule’s lineup features a rack designed to fit your wants.
Most of Thule’s bike rack lineup is new within the final 12 months or two and already obtainable. The Revert vertical hitch rack got here out final 12 months and is available in each 4 and 6-bike variations, has a 55-pound per bike weight restrict, and has damper-assisted tilt each up and down. On the different finish of the spectrum, the Thule Epos is designed to occupy as little space for storing as potential whereas nonetheless accommodating any bike you personal. It folds in half for storage, but it could actually deal with bikes weighing as much as 75 kilos every, together with a singular 3-point attachment system that works with any bike. In fact, the Thule Verse got here out earlier this 12 months and is among the most user-friendly tray-style racks in the marketplace.
The massive information for spring ‘26 is the all-new Thule Vero. This rack primarily combines the tray-style of the Verse with the attachment-style and better, e-bike-friendly weight restrict of the Epos. It could actually carry bikes as much as 80 kilos every, is appropriate with a loading ramp, and secures the bikes with three factors of contact. It folds flat in opposition to the automobile to cut back its profile when not in use, and it comes with transport wheels to maneuver it round off your automotive.
Thule additionally had a brand new swing-away attachment on show, though they mentioned it in all probability received’t be obtainable on the market till the autumn of subsequent 12 months. I used to be advised that it has a 300-pound weight restrict and will probably be provided in each proper and left swing choices. It gave the impression to be very sturdy, with a big deal with making it simple to function.
Final however actually not least, Thule made a motorbike rack for bikes. A motorbike bike rack? I’ve seen DIY variations much like this for years, however that is an engineered, examined, and polished-looking rack that may clearly be mounted on the again of a cargo bike and probably motorized bikes as effectively. It’s primarily an extra-long platform with two fork-mount bike racks connected to it. On the show bike, the entrance wheels are mounted up entrance, nevertheless it appears there’s potential to suit them between the bikes as effectively. Both approach, fairly nifty for the correct rider.
Panniers and Gear Luggage
One in every of my favourite issues on the Thule present was the brand new InLock Pannier System. With the InLock panniers, Thule got down to create a variety of luggage which might be each fashionable and useful, each on the bike and off. How are they any totally different than different panniers? Thule eliminated all the {hardware} from the luggage themselves, so they’re snug to hold, with no exhausting elements in opposition to the physique. Principally, a cloth sleeve on the bag slides over the InLock bracket on the rack, which then locks into place. The system was very fast and straightforward to make use of, and instantly had me questioning why panniers like this don’t exist already.
The opposite good thing about the InLock system is that all the baggage appear to be on a regular basis baggage — they’ve tremendous clear strains, stable colorways, Scandinavian aesthetics, and high quality weatherproof constructions. The vary of luggage seems to be well-developed and covers all of the bases, from roll-tops and totes to backpacks and cavernous cargo compartments.
One of many different baggage that basically caught my eye was the brand new RoundTrip MTB Duffel. This new gear bag is meant to enrich the present RoundTrip Duffel, which is arguably a greater match for carrying street or gravel gear. I imagine it’s roughly related in quantity at ~55 liters, however the MTB model modifications the storage method with an open fundamental compartment with modular panels inside that will let you customise the house. A number of giant exterior pockets are lined for moist gear, and one even folds out right into a mat to face on whereas altering. The perfect half: the semi-rigid, structured opening really stays open, so it’s simple to entry your gear.
For many who love organized gear, Thule can be making a brand new lineup they’re calling the Chasm Gear Haulers. These baggage have semi-rigid bottoms and are made out of sturdy supplies, with numerous sizes of totes and kit cubes to select from. The storage compartments are additionally modular, so you’ll be able to dial them in for no matter gear you’re throwing in there.
Thule additionally makes a robust case for the perfect bike journey bag in the marketplace with the RoundTrip MTB Bike journey case. This bag is already obtainable, nevertheless it was on show on the present. It suits bikes with wheelbases as much as 1,300 mm, has a well-designed structure and padding, and it folds right down to virtually nothing for storage. I believe essentially the most spectacular characteristic might be the bike tray, which converts into a piece stand for meeting/disassembly or upkeep when you’re touring.
Trailers and Child Haulers
Exhibiting off Thule’s new Reacha cargo trailer have been two of the world’s greatest huge wave surfers. Garrett McNamara and Justine Dupont (each starring within the 100-Foot Wave Docuseries) have been available to show its functionality. This new trailer can clearly carry a surfboard, however it could actually additionally carry quite a lot of different gadgets and rapidly and simply convert between pulling it by bike and pulling it by hand. With good extensive tires, it appears like an superior choice for getting your gear to and from the seaside or different outside adventures.
Thule’s Chariot stroller/trailers proceed to be a few of the hottest in the marketplace for good purpose. Versatility is among the main components, as they’ll rapidly and simply convert between a motorbike trailer and a strolling/jogging stroller. I don’t imagine that Thule was exhibiting any new Chariots on the present, however a Chariot accent undoubtedly caught my eye. This mini bike rack mounts to the highest of the trailer, so you’ll be able to convey alongside your kiddo’s steadiness bike wherever you go. I don’t have any children, however my buddies who do appear fairly darn enthusiastic about it. It appears fairly boss, if nothing else.
Thule’s Yepp children’ seats have been dominating the bike seat marketplace for years. The newest model, often known as the Nexxt 2, isn’t new for spring 2026, nevertheless it seems to nonetheless be setting the usual for youngster consolation, security, and integration with numerous bike setups. And should you’ve ever referred to your pet as a “fur child”, you is perhaps on this small pet service, which may match smaller animals and be mounted on entrance or rear cargo racks.
Roof High Tents
For the automotive campers amongst us, Thule is including a model new rooftop tent to its lineup and updating two of its current fashions. The brand new Widesky has a hardshell design and a severe emphasis on user-friendliness. This all-new mannequin elevates the convenience of setup and breakdown to an entire new degree. All you need to do is unbuckle two buckles, give it a nudge, and it opens by itself. It’s equally simple to shut with a light-weight pull on a strap. You don’t even must tuck in any cloth.
Thule’s soft-shell rooftop tents additionally acquired updates. The Foothill 2 is the compact model that folds in half, occupying solely half of the roof, leaving loads of room for added toys or cargo. The Strategy 2 is the full-size choice, inserting a higher emphasis on house and luxury. Thule was additionally exhibiting off a zip-on cover and partitions to increase the Strategy 2’s lined house right down to the bottom. The accent ecosystem and integration was fairly spectacular.
Coming Quickly
There was fairly a bit extra to see on the present than what I’ve listed right here. Thule had its full lineup of strollers, baggage, daypacks, campervan canopies, cargo containers, and extra on show. One factor was abundantly clear: Thule makes nearly all the pieces to help your lively way of life so you’ll be able to “convey your life” — which additionally occurs to be the model’s newest slogan.
Practically all the merchandise talked about above are scheduled to be launched subsequent spring, and I imagine we will count on to see them exhibiting up on the Thule web site and retailer cabinets between late January and March. I’m hoping to get my arms on a number of issues for testing — I’m you MTB Duffel, InLock Panniers, and Vero bike rack — so make sure to examine again for some opinions over the following couple of months.
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