Thule

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads.<br><br>By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team.<br><br>Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman.<br><br> Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride. 

Check out our wide selection of Thule racks, boxes, roof rails, bike carriers and trailers. Find great Thule deals on Backcountry.com.

Thule - Roof, Hitch, & Trunk racks for Bikes, Skis, & More

To many outdoor junkies, Thule is best known for vehicle-mounted racks for sporting equipment, but the Swedish brand's history started elsewhere in the outdoors—fishing traps, to be precise. It was 1942 when Erik Thulin designed the aforementioned trap and introduced it to local fishermen; as you may expect, it was the result of an unadulterated passion for spending time outside. The shift to automotive racks didn't come until two decades later, when the first ski rack was introduced in 1962, and it was followed up shortly thereafter by a roof basket. That led the way for the 1977 introduction of Thule's roof box for carrying skis, another product whose descendants remain in production to this day. The focus on versatile, user-friendly carrying solutions led Thule to develop a strong following that has only grown with time.  <br><br>Through a series of acquisitions, Thule has expanded into a wide range of product categories, but despite that growth, the focus on functional products that enhance the outdoor experience remains unchanged. Of course there are the iconic ski racks, and equally beloved bike racks that adorn vehicles at trail heads and resort parking lots every weekend. The luggage line has become widely popular as well, with a range of storage and transit solutions for travelers. And in an effort to ensure that the next generation is connected to the outdoors, Thule has introduced a range of products aimed at parents. It includes joggers, strollers, and car seats, all of which are intended to make getting outside with children easier and more enjoyable. Whatever your destination or your goals when you get there, odds are that Thule offers a well-executed solution to make your journey easier, and that's backed by well over half a century of devotion to the cause of getting outside.

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads.
<br><br>
By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team.
<br><br>
Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman.
<br><br>
Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.


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Accessories

Black

One Size

Xsporter Pro Low Full Size

Xsporter Pro Low Compact

T2 Pro X Fat Tire Holder

T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack - 2 Bike

T2 Classic - 2 Bike Hitch Rack

T2 Pro X 2 Bike 2in Receiver

One Color

Pulse Cargo Box

WingBar Edge 104cm Roof Bar - 1-Pack

WingBar Edge 95cm Roof Bar - 1-Pack

Aluminum

Silver

WingBar Evo Load Bar - 2 Bars

Force XT Cargo Box

UpRide Upright Bike Mount

GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad

TopRide Bike Mount

T2 Pro XT - 2 Bike Hitch Rack Add On

Apex XT Bike Rack - 2 Bike

Helium Platform XT 1 Bike Rack

Apex XT Bike Rack - 4 Bike

Edge Clamp

T2 Pro X 2 Bike 1.25in Receiver

Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack + Load Stops

Cradle Ratchet Strap Kit - 6-Pack

Insta-Gater Pro Truck Tailgate Mount

T1 Single Bike Hitch Rack

145181

145199

145129

145009

145069

145121

145123

145160

145168

145169

145171

145175

145178

145180

145185

145186

145190

145126

145127

145140

145147

145149

145150

145177

145001

145065

145125

145083

145085

145087

145106

145108

145110

145114

145010

145016

145029

145030

145105

145005

EVO Fit Kit- 2 Pair

Black/Silver

EasyFold XT Bike Carrier

Snug-Tite

Snug Tite Lock

Podium Foot Packs - 2 Pair

Upshift Plus

Wheel Tray End Caps - 2-Pack

T2 Pro X 2 Bike Add-On

Helium Platform 1 Bike Hitch Rack - 2021

AeroBlade Edge Flush Mount Load Bar - 1 Bar

Silver/Black

OutWay Platform Bike Mount - 2 Bike

T2 Classic - 2-Bike Hitch Rack Add-On

Evo Raised Rail

OutWay Hanging Bike Mount - 2 Bike

FastRide Bike Mount

Helium Platform XT 2 Bike Rack

Passage 2 Bike Strap Rack w/ Cradles

Evo Flush Fit Kit

SquareBar Load Bar - 2 Bars

Colors

Activity

Size

Rack Type

Location