Thule's hard-shell trolleys are meticulously crafted, one by one, over time at their own factory in Poland. The design, a blend of straight lines and curves with superfluous elements stripped away, harmonizes with urban landscapes. It also pairs well with the sophisticated casual style of Mr. Washizu, centered around a corduroy jacket.

Mr. Washizu often heads out for surfing on his days off. His first encounter with Thule was through a carrier his friend used to transport a surfboard.

"Until now, when Estnation handled it, I thought of Thule as a brand for car carriers. I had no idea they offered such a wide lineup, including bags and luggage. I really like this trolley, for instance, because it lacks a prominent logo and has a simple design. The fact that not many industry peers use it is also a big draw for me. I got the impression it might be aimed at fashion connoisseurs."

Thule's bags and luggage have been officially sold in Japan since the 2010s. The brand notably eschews professional models in its advertising and visual imagery, instead featuring its own employees and athletes who genuinely use the products.

"For travel bags especially, I prioritize their function as gear over fashion. So, I dislike anything that feels inauthentic. Thule's visuals convey their worldview clearly, and that's why I find them appealing. I didn't know much about them before, but their catalogs are also very sophisticated. As a new kind of bag brand, I think they'll attract attention from outdoor enthusiasts going forward."

The material is 100% virgin polycarbonate, known for its high strength. This is because recycled polycarbonate can develop unevenness during molding, leading to localized degradation. The segmented front panel is a design feature to enhance the strength of the center, which is prone to denting.

Hard-shell trolleys like these are actually quite limited in choice, aren't they?

"When I go abroad, most people in the fashion industry use trolleys from the same brand. Their wheels seem to break often, and I often see people dragging them through airports and streets. Trolleys are handled roughly during international transit. Because of that, I never had a good impression of hard-shell trolleys and had always preferred two-wheeled soft carry-ons."

Left: By varying the size of the front and rear wheels, the rear wheels allow for smooth movement over uneven surfaces. This also creates more space in the front storage compartment. Right: The extendable carry handle uses V-Tube Technology. By making one of the four sides V-shaped, it reduces handle wobble and ensures that pushing force is transmitted effectively.

The Thule Revolve series features a highly rigid body and robust details, leveraging the metal and resin processing technology cultivated through their car carrier business.

"I appreciate that the handle doesn't wobble when extended and pulled. The wheels grip the ground firmly, allowing for smooth movement. These details really spark my desire to own it. Knowing that it undergoes rigorous testing and strict checks through Thule's unique durability tests explains the body's robustness. I carry about 10 days' worth of clothing for a single overseas business trip, which is quite a lot, especially in winter, but this size seems sufficient. I'm already looking forward to using the Revolve on my upcoming trips."

Zippers, the next most likely part to break after wheels, also use extremely high-strength components. Even if forcibly cut with a blade, the internal contents are inaccessible due to a structure with dividers in the interlocking part.

Left: Near the storage area for the extendable handle, there's a slide-out ID holder. Right: The zipper connecting the front and rear compartments uses a durable zipper. The two zipper sliders lock together when their tips are inserted. It is equipped with a TSA-approved lock, an international standard.

How do you see Thule being perceived and growing as a brand in Japan going forward?

"As long as their brand philosophy, cultivated over time, remains consistent, I believe user support will only grow stronger. While travel and outdoor bags are important, I see significant growth potential in the Japanese market for categories demanding professional specifications, such as camera bags and ski/snowboard bags. If they can effectively appeal to a broader audience beyond just the fashion-conscious, they can achieve high recognition without compromising their brand image. The fact that it's an import brand with excellent practicality and a sophisticated image, yet offered at a reasonable price, holds great promise."

Available in four sizes: two carry-on compliant sizes and two larger sizes. Each comes in three colors: black, gray, and navy. Mr. Washizu is shown here with the largest 97L model. The limited edition white version, with a capacity of 33L, is available exclusively in Japan at the pop-up shop held at Estnation Roppongi Hills store. Right: Thule Revolve Spinner 75cm/30” [W51×H75×D31cm] ¥86,000, Left: Thule Revolve Carry On Spinner 55cm/22” Limited Edition [W35×H55×D23cm] ¥58,000.

The refined form, characteristic of a Scandinavian brand, is a major appeal of the Revolve. It is equipped with top and side handles for carrying. The felt-lined interior includes a divider with a mesh pocket, convenient for storing shirts and undergarments. The design minimizes internal protrusions to reduce dead space, allowing for efficient use of luggage capacity.

THULE POPUP STORE
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 – Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Estnation Roppongi Hills Store
Address: 1F-2F, Keyakizaka Complex, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 0120-503-971