Thule Backpack

Thule is a premier Swedish brand synonymous with the outdoor and active lifestyle market. Founded in 1942 by Erik Thulin in Hillerstorp, Sweden, the brand initially specialized in products for Swedish fishermen before transitioning into automotive roof racks and outdoor accessories that define its global identity today.

While the brand maintains its soul and rigorous testing centers in Sweden, manufacturing is a global operation. Most soft goods, like their backpacks and luggage, are manufactured in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, to leverage high-tech textile manufacturing capabilities. Hard goods, such as car roof boxes, are often manufactured in the United States or Europe closer to their end markets to reduce logistical complexity.

Thule is currently owned by the Thule Group, a public company listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm. The group has grown into a world leader in products that help people transport their gear safely, easily, and in style, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, such as using recycled materials in their newer backpack lines.