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Chaos theory can best be described as the study of systems that, while lawful but nevertheless completely unpredictable are. My bike trips are perhaps the ideal example of this. Helmet, goggles, shoes, protectors, clothes, tools - packing my equipment always follows the same well-rehearsed logic - sorted and structured.
What to do about chaos on a bike trip?
But what happens at the latest in the car park at the trail centre is like the butterfly effect: small cause, huge effect. I pull the pads out of my bag and the goggles roll under the car. A change of clothes piles up like a pile of dirty washing in the boot. And the tools drape around the bike like a prehistoric stone circle.
The more equipment, the more Choas - that's the only constant! But this could now be a thing of the past, as Thule has developed a new travel bag for mountain bikers that could put an end to non-linear dynamics.
The RoundTrip MTB Duffel 70L is designed to create order where chaos is inevitable. Full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, back protector and functional clothing - everything has its rightful place here - linear and predictable.
Thule RoundTrip MTB Duffel 70L - Info & Price
- Volume: 70 litres
- Features: Removable dividers, integrated inside pockets, front pockets
- Opening: spring wire construction for self-supporting stand
- Carrying options: Backpack straps, robust handles
- Extras: Fold-out mat for changing shoes
- Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
Clever travel bag with spring wire opening
A generous opening with spring wire allows the bag to stand on its own when it is open. The view inside remains clear and you finally have an overview when packing and unpacking. This works just as well at home as it does in the car park or directly at the lift entrance. The bag can be carried with one hand using two handles while it is open, enabling quick changes even at the start of the trail.
Customisable interior with partitions
The interior can be individually organised using removable dividers. Pads, helmets and different layers of clothing can thus be stowed separately and clearly organised. Thule supplies three dividers with different structures - a combination of mesh compartments and padded compartments that protect sensitive items such as glasses.
Soaked bike shoes can easily be stowed in the dirt-resistant drawer at the front, while a fold-out waterproof mat prevents your feet from getting wet when changing. Thule has even thought of a compartment for stinky socks - hermetically separated from the rest of the bag contents. Other small items such as pedals, tools or valuables can be stowed in the divided outer compartment.
Backpack straps and robust zips
The RoundTrip MTB Duffel 70L can be transported in two ways: Either you pack the duffel for short journeys using the robust carrying handles, or you strap the bag onto your back like a rucksack using the integrated carrying straps. Clever: The straps can also be easily stowed away in two specially designed drawers so they don't get in the way.
Our verdict on the Thule RoundTrip MTB Duffel
Thule's new RoundTrip MTB Duffel is as clever as Ikea furniture and packed with useful details - how do the Swedes do it? I find the padded compartments for goggles and sports glasses, the changing mat and the outer compartment for dirty shoes particularly practical.
The fact that the RoundTrip is held open by a spring wire is just great - you always have everything in view. I usually only use two of the three dividers because otherwise I lose a lot of space. One compartment for helmet and protectors, one for a change of clothes and one for rarely used items. With its integrated shoulder straps, the fully packed bag can also be carried comfortably over long distances - ideal when travelling by public transport.
The price of just under 150 euros is steep, there's no denying that. But the workmanship is excellent and the durability is correspondingly high. The robust materials are bluesign-certified, the zip loops are reinforced and the zips are sealed. And if you only use the RoundTrip for biking, you've only got yourself to blame - the Thule Duffel performs superbly on any kind of trip.
Stefan Frey
Editor
