Following the success of the 2018 Red Dot award-winning Vital collection, Thule adds to its portfolio for 2019 with two new collections for a wide range of riding situations.
The 2019 Thule Rail hydration packs are designed for the downhill and enduro rider. The secure-fit design wraps the torso and eliminates bounce or movement when jumping or railing corners for optimal control, comfort and safety while descending rough trails.
The hands-free ReTrakt magnetic hose return should allow riders to keep hydrated on the go without needing to slow down.
The included 2.5L HydraPak reservoir features a locking valve to prevent leaks and slide closure to simplify cleaning.
Quick-access lash points allow for easy attachment and retrieving of a helmet or detachable chin bar, and the lower-back jersey pockets provide neat storage for nutrition, tools or phone without removing the pack, or having to stop.
You will have plenty of cargo storage with Thule Rail 8L or Thule Rail 12L to carry extra food, clothing and tools with minimal bulk in the main compartment. Interior zippered pockets provide a safe place to store a phone, keys or other small accessories.
A third model, the Thule Rail 12L Pro is the only one in the range that comes equipped with a lightweight, removable spine protector to help reduce impact on crashing. The spine protector is composed of a double layer of semi-laminated koroyd, as seen in the new Endura MT500 helmets, which allows for some flexibility in the rear panel of the pack. This pack is the top of the range and comes in at around $230. We think this is a solid looking pack for enduro riding that will surely offer strong competition to the EVOC range.
The Thule Rail hydration packs are available in an 8L, 12L and 12L Pro version (with spine protection), in either Covert Green or Obsidian.
Thule UpTake Hydration Packs
Thule UpTake is an all-around, versatile hydration pack ready for any excursion. As with all of Thule’s hydration packs, the UpTake features an integrated magnetic ReTrakt hose system, and a 2.5L Hydrapak reservoir featuring a locking valve and slide closure.
With sleek design aesthetics, organizational pockets, and optimal storage, the Thule UpTake is a more versatile pack, suitable for biking, hiking or hitting the slopes. Convenient side pockets offer quick access to smaller items, while dedicated internal pockets are perfect for tools and extra layers.
The Thule UpTake 4L is the most compact model of the collection, offering a low-profile and composed of lightweight materials with a mesh back panel. Thule UpTake 8L includes all the premium features of the 4L model with extra comfort, like articulating shoulder straps and perforated foam back panel to keep the wearer cool. An integrated waist strap provides extra stability as well. The Thule UpTake 12L model offers expandable cargo storage using an exterior compression panel that expands to fit a jacket or gloves for changeable weather conditions.
Rounding out the Thule UpTake collection is a youth specific hydration pack designed to fit younger riders with smaller torsos, ages 8-12. The Thule UpTake Youth pack includes the ReTrakt magnetic hose return along with a 1.75L Hydrapak reservoir. The low-profile design with 6L of cargo storage provides a decent amount of packing space for extra layers and other small items.
The UpTake starts at $80 for the 6L youth version, going up to $115 for the 12L.
