Protective rucksack for e-bike riders: The Thule Rail MTB rucksack put to the test
Stefan Frey
· 04.03.2026
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Did you know that the Swedish bike rack specialist also stocks a wide range of bags and rucksacks? No? Then you really should read on, because with the Thule’s Rail eMTB 18L a touring pack specially equipped for e-bike riders.
What makes the Rail particularly suited to e-MTBs is its integrated, padded battery compartment. To prevent the battery from hitting the rider’s back whilst riding or in the event of a fall, the Thule is fitted as standard with a Koroyd back protector, which is certified to CE Protection Level 1. A 2.5-litre hydration bladder with a magnetic mount is also included as standard.
We tested these 9 mountain bike rucksacks
- Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20 >> available here
- Deuter Compact 14+3 >> available here
- Evoc Stage 18 >> available here
- Osprey Raptor 14 >> available here
- Rockrider MTB Hydration Rucksack 12 L >> available here
- Scott Trail Rocket 20 >> available here
- Tatonka MTB 14 Bike Backpack >> available here
- Thule Rail eMTB 18L >> available here
- Vaude Trailcontrol 20+ >> available here
The design of the Rail differs from that of many other touring rucksacks. There is no separate tool compartment; instead, tools are stored in labelled pockets within the main compartment. There are two further zipped pockets on the front-mounted drawer, whilst the hip belts feature mesh pockets with Velcro fastenings. In addition, protectors and open- or full-face helmets can be secured using compression straps. One final touch: a rain cover in the base compartment.
Thule Rail eMTB 18 – Details & Price
- Price: RRP €229.95 >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 951 grams (+145 / 159 grams protector / hydration bladder)
- Back system: Contact backrest with textured padding
- Facilities: Hydration bladder, back protector, battery compartment, tool compartment, full-face helmet holder, protector straps, rain cover
- Hydration bladder: yes / 2.5 litres
- Volume measured / stated: 17 / 18 litres
Easy to load, good visibility
The Thule features a dedicated organisation system in which all your touring kit can be neatly arranged. The main compartment opens wide enough and, thanks to its light-coloured lining, provides a clear view of the contents. Given the dimensions of modern e-bike batteries, the short battery compartment is likely to prove impractical for most cyclists.
We particularly liked the separate hydration bladder compartment and the handy magnetic system on the drinking tube. The additional pockets on the large drawer are also ideal for stowing items you need to access quickly. Both protective pads and open-face or full-face helmets can be easily attached to the compression straps provided.
The pockets on the hip wings aren’t quite ideal. They’re a bit too small for modern smartphones, and the Velcro fastenings don’t hold them securely enough and come undone very easily.
All the zips run smoothly and reliably, and the handle loops are also secured with heat-shrink tubing. The chest strap adjustment is less successful: it only allows for two positions, and the chest strap has to be removed in order to adjust it.
A slightly less supportive seat on the trail
On the trail, the Thule doesn’t quite live up to its enduro-focused design. Whilst the integrated protector (which, unfortunately, cannot withstand repeated impacts) offers a high level of protection, the Rail doesn’t sit as snugly as it could on your back, particularly when things get going on the downhill sections. This is down, on the one hand, to the slightly short hip wings and the narrow strap, and, on the other, to the inflexible back system combined with the rather stiff protector.
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As a result, the two large structural pads do not lie flat against the back. The Rail therefore tends to rest on the back at specific points and has a slight tendency to bounce on descents. Thanks to its narrow design, ventilation is slightly better on ascents than with many other models.
Review & Verdict – Thule Rail eMTB 18L
| Category | Grade |
| Carrying system (40 per cent) | 2.8 |
| Handling (30 per cent) | 2.0 |
| Weight (15 per cent) | 3.0 |
| Facilities (15 per cent) | 2.0 |
| BIKE-NOTE | 2.5 |
Conclusion
The Thule Rail eMTB 18L stands out thanks to its unique organisation system and extensive range of features, including a back protector, hydration bladder, rain cover and battery compartment. It’s easy to use and offers good visibility, partly because the main compartment opens wide enough and has a light-coloured lining. The back system and padding feel a bit lumpy in places and do not mould neatly to the wearer’s shape; the short hip wings, combined with the narrow hip belt, offer little support – not ideal for enduro riding. Well-ventilated, but the chest strap is fiddly to adjust.
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Stefan Frey
Editor