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 staff 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, but it surely was truthfully 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 most recent merchandise had 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 many years, and it goals to keep up that place with its newest fashions. The model has just about each model of rack lined, catering to the wants of just about each rider. Whether or not you’re an house 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 doable whereas nonetheless accommodating any bike you personal. It folds in half for storage, but it may 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 likely one of 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 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 towards the automobile 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 mentioned it in all probability gained’t be obtainable on the market till the autumn of subsequent 12 months. I used to be instructed that it has a 300-pound weight restrict and will probably be supplied in each proper and left swing choices. It seemed 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 just 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 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, but it surely appears there’s potential to suit them between the bikes as effectively. Both method, fairly nifty for the suitable 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 variety of luggage which can be each fashionable and useful, each on the bike and off. How are they any completely different than different panniers? Thule eliminated all the {hardware} from the baggage themselves, so they’re snug to hold, with no onerous components towards the physique. Mainly, 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 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 all the baggage appear to be on a regular basis baggage — they’ve tremendous clear strains, strong 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 prevailing 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 adjustments the storage strategy with an open fundamental compartment with modular panels inside that permit you to customise the area. 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 most effective 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 created from sturdy supplies, with varied sizes of totes and equipment 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 powerful case for the very best bike journey bag in the marketplace with the RoundTrip MTB Bike journey case. This bag is already obtainable, but it surely 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 all the way 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 had been two of the world’s finest huge wave surfers. Garrett McNamara and Justine Dupont (each starring within the 100-Foot Wave Docuseries) had been available to exhibit its functionality. This new trailer can clearly carry a surfboard, however it may additionally carry a wide range of different gadgets and shortly and simply convert between pulling it by bike and pulling it by hand. With good extensive tires, it seems like an superior choice for getting your gear to and from the seashore or different outside 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 major components, as they’ll shortly 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 positively caught my eye. This mini bike rack mounts to the highest of the trailer, so you’ll be able to deliver alongside your kiddo’s steadiness bike wherever you go. I don’t have any children, however my mates who do appear fairly darn enthusiastic about it. It seems fairly boss, if nothing else.
Thule’s Yepp children’ 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, but it surely seems to nonetheless be setting the usual for youngster consolation, security, and integration with varied bike setups. And in case you’ve ever referred to your pet as a “fur child”, you is likely to be on this small pet provider, 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 critical emphasis on user-friendliness. This all-new mannequin elevates the convenience of setup and breakdown to a complete 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 lightweight pull on a strap. You don’t even must tuck in any material.
Thule’s soft-shell rooftop tents additionally obtained 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 Method 2 is the full-size choice, putting a higher emphasis on area and luxury. Thule was additionally exhibiting off a zip-on cover and partitions to increase the Method 2’s lined area all the way 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 every thing to assist your energetic life-style so you’ll be able to “deliver your life” — which additionally occurs to be the model’s newest slogan.
Almost all the merchandise talked about above are scheduled to be launched subsequent spring, and I imagine we are able to 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 just a few issues for testing — I’m you MTB Duffel, InLock Panniers, and Vero bike rack — so you should definitely verify again for some critiques over the following couple of months.
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