Thule solutions for the modern traveler

MANILA, Philippines - Swedish brand Thule has long been acclaimed for its classy, quality auto racks, boxes, baskets, and carriers for your bike, ski, snowboard, watersport, and luggage. Since 1942, the Malmö-based marque has been enabling generations answer the ever-beckoning outdoors.

Thus, it makes perfect sense for Thule to get into the business of conceptualizing and making its own camera bags, laptop sleeves, luggage, duffels, daypacks, and messengers for an infinite variety of needs. These tasty travel companions are on display at the country’s first Thule store that opened recently at the fourth level of SM North Edsa’s The Block.

Thule bags distributor Jake Bros, Inc.’s Melvin Sua says at a Thule press conference that the bags and storage solutions are “about bringing your passions with you,” enabling you to transport stuff that matter to you safely, easily, and with style.

Thule director of sales for Asia-Pacific Örjan Pettersson, also on hand, admits to STAR Motoring that while the brand has unmistakable recall, some younger people may not remember what it is about. This, the new Thule line bags and storage solutions, also effectively introduces it to a new demographic while keeping the Thule identity of being protective, functional, and stylish.

“This may be the affluent, typical Apple or Samsung user who wants something special for his or her gear,” Pettersson explains. Yes, you read that correctly. Thule’s range of bags also includes specific features to store and protect your electronics of all kinds – laptops, smartphones, mp3 players, digital cameras, action cameras, and tablets – not in a general sense, but in a very purposive, tailor-fit manner. This is relatively new territory for Thule, readily and handily executes it with panache and aplomb.

The company’s proficiency for bags and storage solutions was increased in no small way when it acquired Boulder, Colorado-headquartered Case Logic. Pettersson says the former head of Thule decided to annex the company when they kept running into Case Logic patents in the process of Thule’s own product development. “We have the same idea in consumer electronics protection,” he declares.

Even if the two companies are now siblings, Pettersson maintains there are significant differences between them. “Case Logic is more about functionality – not about expensive materials. Thule is more for the outdoors, tough, yet still very innovative. We have a distinct heritage when it comes to design,” he says.

Thule makes a number of distinct lines available to Pinoy travelers, students, and professionals.

The Crossover Collection features duffel bags, rucksacks, and rolling luggage with compartments for helmets, gloves, and whatever you might want to take with you. Oversized wheels and proprietary V-tubing telescopic make the rolling luggage durable and light.

The Gauntlet Collection, comprised of ruggedly designed sleeves and attachés, is Thule’s transportation solution specific to Macbook Pros and Airs.

Meawhile, the EnRoute Collection is a range of daypacks “perfect for commuters and individuals on the go.” All have Thule’s SafeZone compartment that protects eyewear, small electronic gadgets, and other fragile gear. The line features generous space that is smartly compartmentalized for a sundry of items, including iPads and MacBooks.

For cameraphiles, Thule’s Perspektiv Collection is a definitive solution for on-the-go lensmen who need ultimate protection and convenience for their equipment. Four bag types – the GoPro case, Daypack, Toploader, and Messenger – are available for varying tastes and uses. All feature sterling defense from the elements and rugged use through welded and taped critical seams, and DWR (durable water resistant) treated fabric – as well as the SafeZone compartment.

One thing’s for sure: the next time the road beckons, there’s a wealth of options available for bringing and protecting your stuff.

* * *

Thule products are also available at Power Mac Center outlets and Tripologie branches at Eastwood Citywalk 2, Alabang Town Center, and Bonifacio Global City.