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 heart, manufacturing facility, and check 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, patrons, and the model’s workers for a really one-of-a-kind occasion. Thule pulled out all of the stops, beginning with a vogue 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, however it was actually fairly freaking superior.
The next day, we reconvened on the venue to take a better have 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 a little bit 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 just lately noticed at SEMA and reported on simply the opposite day, right here’s a few of the cool new stuff that Thule shall 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 take care of that place with its newest fashions. The model has just about each type of rack coated, catering to the wants of nearly each rider. Whether or not you’re an condo dweller with restricted cupboard space, 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 out there. 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 cupboard space as doable whereas nonetheless accommodating any bike you personal. It folds in half for storage, but it will probably deal with bikes weighing as much as 75 kilos every, together with a novel 3-point attachment system that works with any bike. After all, the Thule Verse got here out earlier this 12 months and is likely one of the most user-friendly tray-style racks in the marketplace.
The large information for spring ‘26 is the all-new Thule Vero. This rack basically combines the tray-style of the Verse with the attachment-style and better, e-bike-friendly weight restrict of the Epos. It may well carry bikes as much as 80 kilos every, is suitable with a loading ramp, and secures the bikes with three factors of contact. It folds flat in opposition to the car to cut back its profile when not in use, and it comes with transport wheels to maneuver it round off your automobile.
Thule additionally had a brand new swing-away attachment on show, though they stated it most likely gained’t be out there on the market till the autumn of subsequent 12 months. I used to be informed that it has a 300-pound weight restrict and it is going to be supplied in each proper and left swing choices. It seemed to be very sturdy, with a big deal with making it straightforward to function.
Final however definitely 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 presumably motorized bikes as effectively. It’s basically an extra-long platform with two fork-mount bike racks hooked up to it. On the show bike, the entrance wheels are mounted up entrance, however it appears there’s potential to suit them between the bikes as effectively. Both approach, fairly nifty for the correct rider.
Panniers and Gear Baggage
Considered one 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 spread of baggage which can be each trendy and practical, each on the bike and off. How are they any totally different than different panniers? Thule eliminated the entire {hardware} from the baggage themselves, so they’re snug to hold, with no exhausting components in opposition to the physique. Mainly, a material sleeve on the bag slides over the InLock bracket on the rack, which then locks into place. The system was very fast and simple 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 the entire luggage appear like on a regular basis luggage — they’ve tremendous clear traces, stable colorways, Scandinavian aesthetics, and high quality weatherproof constructions. The vary of baggage 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 luggage that basically caught my eye was the brand new RoundTrip MTB Duffel. This new gear bag is meant to enhance the prevailing RoundTrip Duffel, which is arguably a greater match for carrying highway or gravel gear. I consider it’s roughly comparable in quantity at ~55 liters, however the MTB model adjustments the storage strategy with an open most important compartment with modular panels inside that help you customise the area. A number of massive exterior pockets are lined for moist gear, and one even folds out right into a mat to face on whereas altering. The most effective half: the semi-rigid, structured opening really stays open, so it’s straightforward to entry your gear.
For individuals who love organized gear, Thule can also be making a brand new lineup they’re calling the Chasm Gear Haulers. These luggage have semi-rigid bottoms and are produced from 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 one of the best bike journey bag in the marketplace with the RoundTrip MTB Bike journey case. This bag is already out there, however 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 probably the most spectacular function might be the bike tray, which converts into a piece stand for meeting/disassembly or upkeep whilst you’re touring.
Trailers and Child Haulers
Displaying off Thule’s new Reacha cargo trailer have been two of the world’s greatest massive wave surfers. Garrett McNamara and Justine Dupont (each starring within the 100-Foot Wave Docuseries) have been readily available to show its functionality. This new trailer can clearly carry a surfboard, however it will probably 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 huge tires, it appears to be like like an superior choice for getting your gear to and from the seaside or different out of doors adventures.
Thule’s Chariot stroller/trailers proceed to be a few of the hottest in the marketplace for good cause. Versatility is likely one of the main elements, as they’ll rapidly and simply convert between a motorbike trailer and a strolling/jogging stroller. I don’t consider that Thule was displaying any new Chariots on the present, however a Chariot accent positively caught my eye. This mini bike rack mounts to the highest of the trailer, so you’ll be able to carry alongside your kiddo’s steadiness bike wherever you go. I don’t have any youngsters, however my pals who do appear fairly darn enthusiastic about it. It appears to be like fairly boss, if nothing else.
Thule’s Yepp youngsters’ seats have been dominating the bike seat marketplace for years. The most recent model, often called the Nexxt 2, isn’t new for spring 2026, however it seems to nonetheless be setting the usual for youngster consolation, security, and integration with numerous bike setups. And if you happen to’ve ever referred to your pet as a “fur child”, you is likely to be on this small pet service, which may match smaller animals and be mounted on entrance or rear cargo racks.
Roof High Tents
For the automobile campers amongst us, Thule is including a model new rooftop tent to its lineup and updating two of its present fashions. The brand new Widesky has a hardshell design and a severe emphasis on user-friendliness. This all-new mannequin elevates the benefit of setup and breakdown to a complete new degree. All it’s important to do is unbuckle two buckles, give it a nudge, and it opens by itself. It’s equally straightforward to shut with a lightweight pull on a strap. You don’t even must tuck in any material.
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 larger emphasis on area and luxury. Thule was additionally displaying off a zip-on cover and partitions to increase the Strategy 2’s coated area 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 packing containers, and extra on show. One factor was abundantly clear: Thule makes nearly all the pieces to help your lively life-style so you’ll be able to “carry your life” — which additionally occurs to be the model’s newest slogan.
Practically the entire merchandise talked about above are scheduled to be launched subsequent spring, and I consider we are able to anticipate to see them displaying up on the Thule web site and retailer cabinets between late January and March. I’m hoping to get my palms on a couple of issues for testing — I’m you MTB Duffel, InLock Panniers, and Vero bike rack — so you should definitely examine again for some critiques over the following couple of months.
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