What this review covers
- Travel backpacks and the Subterra and Aion lines
- Duffels and wheeled duffels for trips
- Hard and soft luggage in the range
- The roof-box and car-transport heritage
- Materials, weather resistance and warranty
Verdict
Thule suits a buyer who travels with gear — a photographer, an outdoor traveller, a family with a roof box — and wants luggage from a brand that understands transport and weather. The trade is that Thule's luggage range is narrower than a luggage specialist's, and its prices sit above budget brands. It suits an active traveller who wants durable, weather-resistant packs and duffels. It does not suit someone who wants a huge suitcase catalogue or the lowest price.
Pros
- Durable, weather-resistant materials
- Strong travel backpack and duffel range
- Heritage in car transport and outdoor gear
- Clean, functional Scandinavian design
Cons
- Narrower suitcase range than luggage specialists
- Prices above budget brands
- Some lines are gear-focused rather than general travel
What Thule sells
Thule sells travel luggage alongside its better-known car transport products: travel backpacks, including the Subterra and Aion lines, duffels and wheeled duffels, hard and soft suitcases, and packing accessories. Travel backpacks typically hold 25 to 40 litres, with laptop sleeves, organised compartments and weather-resistant fabrics, while wheeled duffels combine a duffel's soft, packable shape with wheels and a telescopic handle for airports. Hard cases use polycarbonate shells, and soft luggage uses durable nylons with water-resistant coatings.
Thule is a Swedish company founded in 1942, originally making fishing gear, and it grew into roof boxes, bike racks and other car transport products before expanding into luggage and bags. That heritage shapes the luggage: it is built for transport, weather and gear, with a clean Scandinavian design and a focus on function over decoration. Thule luggage is sold in outdoor shops, luggage shops and online in many countries.
Materials, weather and the duffel advantage
Thule's materials are durable nylons and polycarbonates with water-resistant coatings, and many packs include rain covers or weather-resistant zips, reflecting the outdoor heritage. Travel backpacks use padded back panels and hip belts on larger models, though they are not full hiking packs, and the organisation — laptop sleeves, divided compartments, external pockets — suits a traveller carrying electronics and gear. Wheeled duffels are the distinctive format: they pack like a duffel, with a wide opening and flexible shape, but roll like a suitcase, which suits trips where a rigid case is awkward, such as a car boot or a cabin.
Hard cases follow the standard spinner-wheel pattern, with divided interiors, while soft luggage offers expansion and flexibility. Buyers should check the exact volume and laptop fit for the line, since Thule's lines vary, and check whether a rain cover is included, since weather resistance differs by line.
Who it is for
Thule suits an active traveller who carries gear and wants weather-resistant luggage, and it suits a family that already uses Thule roof boxes and wants matching travel bags. It suits a photographer or outdoor traveller who needs a pack that protects gear, and it suits someone who wants a wheeled duffel for trips where a hard case is awkward.
Who should skip it
Skip Thule if the widest suitcase catalogue matters, since luggage specialists offer more case lines, and skip it if the lowest price matters, since Thule sits above budget brands. Skip a hiking pack from Thule if a dedicated hiking brand's fit system is needed, since Thule's travel packs are not expedition packs. Check the warranty terms for the exact line.
How to choose before you buy
Start with trip shape: a backpack suits walking-heavy travel, a wheeled duffel suits car and airport mixes, and a hard case suits checked baggage on flights. Then check weather resistance and volume for the actual gear — a camera kit or outdoor gear needs a different pack from a laptop and clothes.
Compare Thule against luggage specialists on materials and weather resistance, and against outdoor brands on fit and comfort, since Thule sits between the two. If gear protection and weather matter, Thule justifies its price; if a simple holiday case is enough, a budget brand will serve.
Research-based guide using publicly available brand and label information. Based on publicly available information; no testing or personal use is claimed here. Check the current label and price before you buy, as ranges and retailers change.
Frequently asked questions
What is Thule best known for?
Thule is best known for roof boxes, bike racks and car transport products, with a growing travel luggage and backpack range.
Does Thule make suitcases?
Yes, Thule sells hard and soft suitcases alongside its travel backpacks, duffels and wheeled duffels.
What is a wheeled duffel?
A wheeled duffel combines a duffel's soft, packable shape with wheels and a telescopic handle, suiting trips where a rigid case is awkward.
Are Thule bags weather resistant?
Many use water-resistant coatings and some include rain covers, reflecting Thule's outdoor heritage, though resistance varies by line.
Where is Thule from?
Thule is a Swedish company founded in 1942.