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 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 lots 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 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 newest merchandise had been on show, permitting us to take extra images and achieve slightly hands-on expertise with the gear. I additionally had the chance to talk with designers, product managers, and testers to realize a bit extra perception into the model’s newest merchandise. Along with the Thule Vero bike rack that we lately noticed at SEMA and reported on simply the opposite day, right here’s a number of the cool new stuff that Thule will probably be providing subsequent yr.
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 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 yr or two and already obtainable. The Revert vertical hitch rack got here out final yr 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 attainable 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 yr 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 primarily combines the tray-style of the Verse with the attachment-style and better, e-bike-friendly weight restrict of the Epos. It could possibly 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 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 most likely gained’t be obtainable on the market till the autumn of subsequent yr. 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 straightforward to function.
Final however definitely not least, Thule made a motorbike rack for bikes. A motorcycle 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 probably motorized bikes as nicely. It’s primarily 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, nevertheless it appears there’s potential to suit them between the bikes as nicely. Both approach, fairly nifty for the precise rider.
Panniers and Gear Luggage
One in all 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 are each trendy and purposeful, 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 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 luggage appear like on a regular basis luggage — they’ve tremendous clear strains, strong 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 street or gravel gear. I consider it’s roughly related in quantity at ~55 liters, however the MTB model adjustments the storage strategy with an open principal compartment with modular panels inside that permit you to 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 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 be making a brand new lineup they’re calling the Chasm Gear Haulers. These luggage have semi-rigid bottoms and are made out of sturdy supplies, with varied sizes of totes and equipment cubes to select from. The storage compartments are additionally modular, so you may 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 obtainable, nevertheless it was on show on the present. It matches bikes with wheelbases as much as 1,300 mm, has a well-designed structure and padding, and it folds right down to nearly 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 whilst you’re touring.
Trailers and Child Haulers
Displaying off Thule’s new Reacha cargo trailer had been two of the world’s greatest large wave surfers. Garrett McNamara and Justine Dupont (each starring within the 100-Foot Wave Docuseries) had been available to reveal 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 extensive tires, it seems to be like an superior possibility for getting your gear to and from the seaside or different out of doors adventures.
Thule’s Chariot stroller/trailers proceed to be a number 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 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 may carry alongside your kiddo’s steadiness bike wherever you go. I don’t have any youngsters, however my buddies who do appear fairly darn enthusiastic about it. It seems to be fairly boss, if nothing else.
Thule’s Yepp youngsters’ seats have been dominating the bike seat marketplace for years. The most recent model, referred to 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 varied bike setups. And when you’ve ever referred to your pet as a “fur child”, you could be on this small pet provider, which might match smaller animals and be mounted on entrance or rear cargo racks.
Roof Prime Tents
For the automobile 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 critical emphasis on user-friendliness. This all-new mannequin elevates the benefit of setup and breakdown to a complete new degree. All you must do is unbuckle two buckles, give it a nudge, and it opens by itself. It’s equally straightforward to shut with a light-weight 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 extra toys or cargo. The Method 2 is the full-size possibility, inserting a larger emphasis on house and luxury. Thule was additionally exhibiting off a zip-on cover and partitions to increase the Method 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 bins, and extra on show. One factor was abundantly clear: Thule makes nearly all the things to assist your lively way of life so you may “carry 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 consider 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 fingers on a number of issues for testing — I’m taking a look at you MTB Duffel, InLock Panniers, and Vero bike rack — so remember to examine again for some opinions over the following couple of months.
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