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I noticed final week that I’d used a Thule RoundTrip duffle bag for each journey because the model gifted it to me for making the journey out to the 2023 Sea Otter Traditional. This actually warrants a evaluate, as I can not say that about another biking gear that engulfs my residence and store.

The compartmentalized duffel has eradicated my tendency to neglect small objects, and since I’ve began utilizing it, I’ve been 100% on level with my biking attire, no matter circumstances. During the last 9 months of use, the Thule RoundTrip has been the first catalyst in making my preparation for a journey essentially the most organized motion I carry out. Actually.

Briefly: The Thule RoundTrip is the day by day organizational software to appease the bike owner who lays out their matching kits the day earlier than their deliberate rides. The bag has a devoted spot for every thing, guaranteeing that you just always remember something, particularly on hectic race days. And it retains contemporary attire clear for multiday journeys. It’s actually the one constant piece of substances I exploit for each journey as a biking editor.

Thule RoundTrip Biking Duffel: Evaluation

How Is the Thule RoundTrip Totally different Than Different Duffels?

The Thule RoundTrip saved our biking editor’s van, automobile, and kit organized throughout bike testing outings; (photograph/Seiji Ishii)

The inner divider system is the important thing to the organizational prowess of the Thule RoundTrip and separates it from others. The principle storage space of the 55L gear bag is crisscrossed with versatile nylon partitions that type 22 triangular compartments.

Every “cell” is the right dimension for one to a few biking attire objects. One of many cells is labeled for biking sun shades and is padded on all three sides. Moreover, the inner divider system is detachable to transform the inside of the Thule RoundTrip to a “regular” duffel bag and to ease cleansing.

One finish of the inside compartment has a big storage space particularly labeled and sized for a helmet. The opposite finish of the bag has an externally accessed waterproof shoe compartment with drain holes. Dense closed-cell foam pads the complete perimeter of the bag.

The zipped flap lid has a zipped and waterproof pocket inside for dirty attire, holding them separate from clear objects. It has a vent gap on the skin.

The entrance of the bag has a large, zipped compartment with an inside divided mesh pocket, elastic straps to safe objects like a mini-pump, and a small exterior zipped flat pocket. A padded shoulder strap that connects on reverse corners and three beneficiant seize handles on prime full the Thule RoundTrip.

How I Used the Thule RoundTrip

The Thule RoundTrip‘s tarpaulin-lined shoe compartment saved different gear clear and dry; (photograph/Seiji Ishii)

Packing

I pre-packed a handful of inside cells with objects that I would want however neglect, relying on the season. Issues like arm, knee, and leg heaters, a vest, long-fingered gloves, and a lightweight windbreaker have been everlasting residents within the Thule RoundTrip. This ensured that I had them ought to I make the incorrect name on the climate.

The identical went for my flat tire package, multitool, and coronary heart charge monitor strap. I all the time put these in the identical compartments, so a fast look confirmed their presence.

Earlier than my rides, I packed my chosen package, helmet (a full-face lid didn’t match), gloves, socks, and sun shades of selection, which various relying on which bike and equipment I used to be testing and the place I used to be using. I additionally constantly put these things in the identical pockets.

There have been sufficient cells to deal with sufficient attire to journey for 2-3 days. I positioned the sneakers of the day within the devoted exterior compartment. With all of the zippers open, I might rapidly visually verify I had every thing required.

I additionally put my crammed water bottles within the cubbies, and the bag saved them upright to forestall any potential leaking.

I put my gels, snacks, and different meals objects within the entrance pocket. The divided mesh pockets housed a tire strain gauge, blinker lights, and my credentials for our native bike park. The smaller pocket on the skin was excellent for whichever biking pc I used to be testing.

No extra forgetting something! Since receiving the Thule RoundTrip, not as soon as have I forgotten an merchandise. My coaching buddies will unanimously agree that I used to be that man: “Hey, you bought a spare gel? How about socks? Can I exploit your arm heaters?” By no means once more, because of this bag.

Publish-Using

Ew! After using, socks are moist, nasty, and pungent. The devoted odor and moisture-blocking pocket saved different gear contemporary; (photograph/Seiji Ishii)

After using, I put my sweaty garments within the devoted prime pocket, and it all the time saved the opposite kits from getting contaminated on multiday journeys. I used this pocket to deal with my hydration bladder to forestall leaking onto my different gear. And the lined shoe pocket saved the rest from getting damp from sneakers moist from creek crossings or rain.

The soiled garments pocket, shoe pocket, and entrance pocket are all lined with a tarp-like materials, which made cleansing mud and sweat straightforward. For instance, a gel exploded within the entrance pocket, and cleansing the tarpaulin materials was a breeze.

Dealing with the complete bag was straightforward, because of the three massive handles on prime. I looped the padded strap over one shoulder to haul it from home to automobile. For commuting by bike, the strap labored adequately properly as a cross-body strap, with the bag resting on my again.

Conclusions on the Thule RoundTrip Biking Gear Bag

I don’t usually write standalone critiques for “minor” objects or swag. However I’ve used the Thule RoundTrip for each journey since getting it, and it’s improved my work week and weekend rides. So, I made a decision it was well worth the print.

The Thule RoundTrip has develop into a day by day necessity, like my cellphone. With out it, I inevitably will neglect one thing and should mooch off a buddy or endure alone with out. And it clearly made the method of getting out the door to journey a lot faster. I additionally by no means forgot one thing within the automobile or van or in my coaching companions’ autos or homes.

I discovered solace within the duffel’s group and knew for positive I had every thing required for a productive and pleasurable journey. At $160, the Thule RoundTrip is dear for a smaller duffel bag, however as a working biking editor, I give it the double thumbs up. And others agree; the Thule RoundTrip received an iF design award.