5 Reasons To Wait for Thule’s New Hardside Luggage

Last month, Thule announced their foray into hardside luggage, and our carry curiosity was immediately piqued. The Swedish brand are known for their dedication to functionality, durability and intuitive ease of use. Values which they incorporate across one of the most diverse product offerings on the market, from car racks and bike trailers to everyday backpacks and camera bags. And while their luggage collection is extensive, they’ve never ventured into hardside cases…until now. And we’re excited!

The Thule Revolve collection features four pieces including the Thule Revolve Global Carry-On 55cm/22″, the Thule Revolve Wide-body Carry-On 55cm/22″, the Thule Revolve Luggage 68cm/27″, and the Thule Revolve Luggage 75cm/30″. There’s a bit of a wait to get your hands on it, as the collection will be available in February 2019.

But it really is worth the wait – here’s 5 reasons why…

It’s not only superiorly styled but durable as all heck

When it comes to sleek, low-key styling, this new range delivers a first-class experience. The attractively understated designs will move smoothly from business trips to holiday getaways. But while adaptable styling is important, so too is durability. And why have Thule got it nailed?

Firstly, it’s made from 100% virgin polycarbonate. What’s that, you ask? It’s a polycarbonate with no recycled content and it’s also ground into uniform chip sizes. Thule’s tight control over their supply chain helps ensure almost no contamination that could affect the plastic’s integrity and impact resistance. Complementing the rugged yet lightweight polycarbonate are interior corner protectors, a rigid frame and a reinforced front panel. The corner reinforcements and front panel are both glued and mechanically fixed in place in a way that maximizes clean, Scandinavian aesthetics without compromising structural rigidity and durability.

Equally important is Thule’s stringent testing protocol. Weight is added to their bags before they’re dropped on all eight corners to test for cracks, dents and material failures. The weighted bags are also tumbled in industrial-sized dryers to simulate them falling off of conveyor belts. Additionally, their bags and materials undergo testing in hot, cold and high humidity environments to determine their ability to handle weather extremes. But they don’t stop there, with further tests ranging from jerk tests on the handles to running the wheels over obstacles on treadmills. Thule not only tests their own bags, but also those of their competitors, to ensure they’re delivering some of the most durable polycarbonate hardside cases in the industry.

Its impressive 8-wheel system glides with ease and over any surface

The collection features an 8-wheel system that includes a combination of oversized rear wheels and smaller front wheels. The larger rear wheels move easily over rough terrain such as cobblestone streets, high pile carpet and curbs or steps, while having smaller wheels in the front of the case maximizes the internal packing space. That way, you can enjoy the rough terrain maneuverability of two wheels and the smooth maneuverability and stability of four wheels, all in a space-saving design.

The wheels are constructed with polcarbonate and ABS with a TPR tire, delivering an optimal balance of strength and quiet rolling. The cases also feature telescoping handles for minimum sway and maximized transfer of power to the wheels.

It’s super secure 

So you’ve got the style, durability and maneuverability, but what about security? The collection thwarts opportunistic thieves with its puncture-resistant zippers. Each case features a frame installed around the opening. The frame backs the case’s top-notch YKK zipper, which makes it exceedingly difficult to puncture with a pen. However, even if someone does manage to open the zipper, a wall is created by the case’s frame and TSA lock that makes access almost impossible without destroying the case. And if a zipper were ever to fail, the frame and TSA lock will keep your belongings safely secured inside the case. So you get the easy closure of a zipper with added peace of mind that your gear is safe on the go.

This isn’t their first rodeo

Thule have an impressive 75-year history of product engineering in metal and plastics. Thule was founded in 1942 in metal fabrication, creating metal Pike fishing traps that were in high demand due to WWII food rationing. Fast-forward to 1955 and Thule have entered the automotive accessories industry, introducing their first ski rack in 1963 and first vacuum formed roof box in 1977. Now a world leader in roof-mounted cargo boxes, Thule owns their own factories and has extensive design and manufacturing experience, both in how plastics react to heat and molding and how to create designs that work within those constraints. Additionally, Thule’s numerous offerings in the luggage sphere have refined their travel design insights even further. It’s safe to say that Thule know their stuff, and this expertise was leveraged to great effect in creating the Revolve collection.

Usable packing space is at a maximum

A lot of luggage ends up sacrificing packing space through awkward construction and poorly thought out designs. So Thule took the time to thoughtfully hone their hardside cases for maximum usable packing space. The cases in the Revolve collection feature custom fitted felt liners that secure your belongings in place while also maximizing the packing space. And with the external recessed smaller front wheels, you benefit from further increased internal packing space. Roll on the flexibility of storing that last-minute souvenir, and the freedom to be a little less ruthless with non-essential items.