Thule luggage and backpacks range from convertible duffels to urban roller bags. The brand continues its emphasis on protecting gear on travels near and far.
If you associate Thule with rooftop carriers, it shouldn’t be a stretch to see its luggage collections as an extension of that same protective design. The hardshell rollers and weatherproof bags cater to athletes’ roaming lifestyles and diverse activities.
For more than 75 years, Thule has grown to meet the needs of active users, be it bike commutes, road trips, or air travel. Below is an overview of three of the brand’s luggage collections, from duffel bags and backpacks to traditional carry-on luggage. Here’s an overview of the series…
Thule Chasm Collection
The Thule Chasm Collection is the most outdoorsy of the three luggage collections. The rugged materials and on-the-go design make it a great carryall for weekend camping or ski trips or a weekday gym bag.
Chasm Duffel 70L
The Thule Chasm Duffels have reinforced, weather-resistant panels on the front and base for durability and protection. Stowable backpack straps can be pulled out for hands-free carrying.
The top panel overlaps the zippers, which when unzipped, opens the bag wide. Inside, the top panel is lined with a mesh pocket to hold accessories or organize electronics, pens, and other work-life staples.
We’ve been hauling riding gear back-and-forth to races and far-flung riding locales with one of the early generation (since updated) 70L Chasm duffels for more than seven years now, and can attest to its versatility and durability. That old yellow bag is still going strong many years later, still looks great, and still is our first choice when packing up a ton of gear – especially in wet or wintery weather conditions.
Check out our old Thule Chasm review here, which still rings true today!
The Chasm Duffel is also available in 40L, 90L, and 130L sizes.
Thule Chasm Backpack 26L
Like the duffel, the backpack’s front and rear panels use a sturdy laminate, with water-resistant nylon on the top and sides. A side zipper lets you grab your laptop without opening the entire pack.
The breathable shoulder straps are contoured to disperse weight, while a padded back panel and adjustable sternum straps offer other comfort-minded touches.
Additionally, there’s an exterior water bottle pocket, daisy chain straps, and a loop for hooking on a bike light.
Thule Subterra Collection
Thule Subterra brings a sleeker profile to bags and carry-ons for all types of travelers.
Thule Subterra Carry-On
The Subterra carry-on won an iF Design Award in 2017 and complies with the carry-on size requirements of most airlines.
It has oversized wheels and a telescoping handle to roll easily through airports and piggyback straps to hook on another bag while you go. Thule gave the Subterra Carry on a durable exoskeleton and a molded back panel for protection.
Inside, a compression panel lets you divide clean and dirty clothes or simply pack more. Other useful features include grab handles on the side and top, water-resistant materials, and a quick-stash pocket for keeping keys, wallet, and small essentials within reach.
Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel 30″
This wheeled duffel is a bit of a twofer, as it can zip together for two compartments of a larger bag or unzip as one rolling band and one duffel. Either way, it meets airline carry-on requirements.
A molded back panel and reinforced exoskeleton help absorb impacts from luggage handlers. The Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel also has oversized wheels for rolling on more surfaces than just the glossy floors of airports and hotels.
Thule Crossover 2 Collection
The Crossover 2 luggage prioritizes organization, quick access, and protection for frequent air travelers.
Thule Crossover 2 Backpack 30L
The Thule Crossover 2 backpack bolsters its zippered, easy-access pocket with a heat-molded and reinforced SafeZone compartment.
A padded laptop compartment holds laptops up to 15.6 inches and a lined sleeve can hold a 10-inch tablet. Smaller electronics can be stored in its front panel’s slip pockets, elastic loops, or zippered mesh pocket.
Organize small electronics and accessories in the front panel with a variety of pockets and loops. There’s even a dedicated PowerPocket space to organize power cords so you can charge on the go.
Other design touches include an RFID-blocking pocket, gusseted side pockets, and a pass-through panel for strapping it to rolling luggage.
Thule Crossover 2 Carry-On Spinner
Similar to the Thule Subterra Carry On, the Thule Crossover 2 Carry-On Spinner has two separate packing areas and can be expanded 2.5 inches for more space. Internal compression straps help secure your belongings.
It has an easy-access panel inside and a crush-resistant SafeZone compartment for stashing sunglasses or other delicate items. A molded base adds protection (and perhaps stability) to the bag.
Thule gave it a wide wheelbase with oversized rear wheels and recessed front wheels, to preserve interior packing space.
Beyond Protection
Each luggage collection is designed with different uses, and users, in mind. The Thule Chasm may rub up against muddy bike shoes or wake up to condensation at the campsite. Thule’s Subterra holds plenty on the inside but presents a tidy exterior for a clean look. The Thule Crossover 2 collection is for frequent travelers that like to sidestep airport hassles with an everything-in-its-place approach.
If you trust your bike on a Thule rack or like the look and functionality of your Thule rooftop carrier, rest assured the brand has applied the same design and development principles to its packs and luggage. After all, travel bags, luggage, and rooftop carriers are just different ways to help you carry the gear you care about.
