Review - Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Front Panniers and Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack

thule-pannier-rack
Thule bags have fast become a favourite of mine. I use the Thule Commuter Pack 'n Pedal Rucksack on a daily basis, to carry kit to and from work. I use the Thule Paramount Rucksack, as my 'go-everywhere' travel bag. Then, I use a Thule Pack 'n Pedal Trunk Bag, for shopping runs and errands. The range of bags from the Swedish brand, is outstandingly good quality; and they are designed with intricate details, which make them a pleasure to use, and keep using.

The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers are a more recent addition to the line-up from the brand; adding some colour to their range of panniers, in a simple but very effective design.

The Shield Panniers will work with most pannier racks, but for this test review I've been trialling them with their intended partner - the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack.



Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers - Small

thule-panniers
The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers provide a great waterproof solution to kit transportation on the bike. With some neat features, and bold colourful designs, they have impressed me during my testing to date.

Effective waterproofing

Waterproof panniers don't need to be complicated; they need to keep your kit dry; they need to stay attached to the rack; and ideally they don't weigh a tonne. Thule have followed these requirements well with their Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers; creating a minimalist, but strong performing option.

The bag's design uses the tried-and-tested roll-top closure system; which is now pretty universal for waterproof panniers. The roll-down is secured in place with a smart quick-release buckle strap, which creates a reassuringly sealed closure, no matter how full the bag is. The waterproof coated fabric, with welded seams, then ensures that the contents stays dry, even in the worst downpours.
thule-shield-panniers
The classic roll-top closure provides simple and effective waterproofing


Secure rack mounting

The Thule Shield Panniers use the same mounting system as the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter Pannier, which I have previously reviewed on the blog. It is a unique patented system; using spring-loaded cams to attach the bag to the top rung of the rack, then a strong magnet to keep the lower part of the bag close to the bike's centre line.

The system worked well on the Commuter Pannier; that bag continues to be used off-road by another tester, and I haven't heard of it ever bouncing the bag off the rack. It works equally well on the smaller Shield Pannier, and provides a reassuring, secure attachment.
thule-shield-panniers
The Thule Shield Panniers attach using an innovative cam system

Thule Shield Panniers
The cam system on the Thule Shield Panniers is adjustable to different rail lengths, without tools


Added extras

Thule are great at adding in the little details to their bags; things that make them stand out, and make them a pleasure to use. On their rucksacks, for example, they have neat crush-proof "safe-zones" for sunglasses and valuables, which have proven to be super useful.

On the Shield pannier set, there isn't that much scope to add too much in terms of bells and whistles, as it would add bulk and weight. However, Thule have made some clever additions to the classic roll-top pannier design; the most noteworthy of these are the interior organisation pockets, shoulder straps and light clips; all of which are nice features, which add extra practicality.
thule shield panniers
Useful light attachment points are an example of attention to detail on the Shield panniers


Overall

The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers are another great product from the Swedish company; a bag which could deal with everyday use and abuse, and do so in a smart and sophisticated manner.

The set that I've been testing here is the small version, which works very well as a compact pair of rear panniers (rather than one unbalanced large pannier); but they also work very well as front panniers. It is in this latter position that I intend to use the Shield Panniers most, and they are currently on my shortlist of kit to use for my 'Coasts and Cols Tour'.
Thule Shield Panniers
The Thule Shield Panniers work well as front or rear panniers

Thule Shield Panniers
Smart, well-designed and highly functional - The Thule Shield Pannier Set




Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack

Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Rack
The Thule Shield panniers will work with most pannier racks, and they come with a variety of fixings for various rail diameters and formats. However, they are normally showcased in use with the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack; a unique and very versatile pannier rack.

Fits to everything

The aim of the game with the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack, is universal fitting. It is designed so that it can be pushed into duty on any bike, whether road or mountain; as well as being usable as both a front or rear rack.

The rack achieves this versatility through the design of its 'legs'. The aluminium tubes can be adjusted using various struts, to allow you to fit them to any tube angle - be that vertical forks, or sloped seat-stays.

The legs attach to the tube using strong webbing ratchet straps, and rubber feet. The ratchet straps are tightened up with a hex key, so you can get a really tight hold. The result, is a secure grip and hold onto the chosen surface; it really does feel pretty rock solid. It also means you have the ability to mount the rack on bikes that don't feature frame or fork eyelets, or which have rear suspension; that is highly innovative!

I've fitted the rack to my Kona Private Jake, both as a front and rear option, and in both duties it has performed very well. Unlike some racks that I've tested, there is no disconcerting wobble or vibrations from the Tour rack; it also hasn't moved a millimetre, even with bumpy Isle of Wight roads, and a heavy load. Impressive.
thule pack n pedal tour pannier rack
The Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Rack attaches using strong webbing ratchet straps, making it super versatile

Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Pannier Rack
Varying size struts on the Thule pannier rack, enable a level platform on a variety of mounting surfaces

Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Pannier Rack
Good quality stainless steel hardware and nylon webbing, it is what I've come to expect from Thule


Useful functionality

I have a sneaking suspicion that the design of the top platform on the Thule Tour rack was heavily influenced by the popular Scandinavian cargo bike design; with its solid plate design, allowing you to carry a whole multitude of loads.

The plastic top plate, with its adjustable aluminium rails, clicks into place on the tubular aluminium legs; providing a super solid rack top, which is suitable for rack-top bags, panniers and strapped-on loads. The design does add a bit of weight compared to your traditional style pannier rack, but it also adds wheel spray protection, both for you and your rack-top loads/bag; in my opinion it's worth the extra weight.

There is little doubt that the solid platform and the sliding pannier rails make the Thule Tour Rack very versatile, and add a lot to the functionality. It actually makes me wonder why more brands haven't adopted this solid-platform approach before.
Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Pannier Rack
The solid top platform on the Thule Tour Rack is ideal for a whole manner of stowage solutions


Overall

Overall, the Thule Tour Rack is an innovative and versatile pannier rack. Whether you use it with the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Shield Panniers, other branded bags, or strapped-on loads, it is more than fit for purpose.

The strong aluminium tubing and ratchet straps create a secure and super-solid platform; whilst the adjustable rails, and the solid top-plate, create a versatile carrying solution.

I'm looking forward to really using this rack in earnest for the Coasts and Cols Tour, and I'm sure it will perform well.

View the Thule Pack 'n Pedal range at Thule.com (Link)
Thule Pack n Pedal Tour Pannier Rack
The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack is a very well made piece of kit



Comments

  1. Hi, I cant find a front and rear Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack in my country ( Philippines ) except some department stores selling traveling bags. I have read your review looks fantastic for my moumtain bike. Hope you can direct me to a legit store with a reasonable price. Sir, am looking forward to hear from you. Thank you. Wagmer

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