GearFlogger

Thule AeroBlade Roof Rack System

Ah, the roof rack. Prepare to spend hours figuring out what components of what system will work on your vehicle with what equipment carriers, and then break open your bank account to pay for it all. We're nonetheless pleased to report that after this painful process we found a roof rack that we're happy with: the Thule Aeroblade system.

For both our 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory rails and our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited we needed three things from Thule: bars, feet and fit pack. We chose the AeroBlade bars because they're strong, quiet and they're available in both brushed aluminum (for the GC) and black (for the JKU). These are the bars in the top two pictures. The bar shown in the bottom picture is the AeroBlade Edge, which is an all-in-one system that doesn't require separate feet, so it's cleaner looking but doesn't have the option of extending past the feet for more carrying space. Also available is a contractor bar that's even beefier.

The AeroBlade recommended for the GC was the 47" width, but looking around online we found that we could go a step up to the 53" bar and get a bit more usable space. It mounted fine on a set of Rapid Podium 460R feet attached to the Podium fit kit. Total cost: about $425. Using our 20 percent off coupons helped, but this is still a hefty expenditure, more so considering we can't actually carry anything until we add the appropriate carrier.

That said, we were looking for a solution to mount a roof box so we could throw in a Chariot child carrier, skis, backpacks or whatever else we wanted to cart around for a family of three plus guests. The Jeeps are awesome four-wheel drive vehicles, but interior cargo space is limited, especially when you've got a child seat in the back.

Now, we have to say we love it. It's quiet at highway speeds - we don't even notice any additional wind noise - and it'll mount a roof box and kayak carrier side by side, still leaving room for our hitch-mount bike carrier. The only caveat is the instruction manual, which uses only pictures to guide you to a state of screaming frenzy before you just dive into it and figure it out. It actually doesn't take that long, but beer really, really helps the process go smoothly. Challenging instructions aside, we can highly recommend Thule gear in general and the AeroBlade system specifically. This is a case of getting what you pay for, which is really all you can reasonably ask.

AeroBlade bars $199.95 a pair at REI
Rapid Podium 460R foot pack $199.95 set of 4 at REI
Podium Fit Kit 3142 $109.95 set of four at REI

Thule Guidepost 65L Pack

Here at Gearflogger HQ we see probably more packs than any other piece of gear, so we don't expect to be surprised anymore. Into this complacent world Thule has thrown their Guidepost packs, and now we're all paying attention. We tested the 65L but it's also available in 75L and 88L sizes as well, and all but the 88 are available in both men's and women's formats.

Literally running down all the Guidepost's nooks and crannies would take more wordz then you want to read; we'll cover the highlights, but here is the topline: if you're looking for a pack that takes adjustability and organization to a wicked extreme, and don't mind carrying a little extra weight to get those things. run - don't walk and definitely don't mosey - to the nearest store carrying the Thule Guidepost and give it a carry.

Let's start with the adjustability. First of all, you choose one of three hip belt sizes, with a total range covering 27 to a whopping 51 inches (25 to 50 women's). Then, you adjust the one-size-fits-all torso height from 17 to 23 inches (15 to 21 women's), a full six inches of travel. But wait, there's more! You can also adjust the width of the shoulder straps at the top: each side can adjust a full inch for a total of two inches of full yoking pleasure. Once you've got the fit dialed in with all the usual adjustments to load lifters, etc., stuff that hole on your back to the gills and step out. The plush hipbelt pivots as you walk, and the stout aluminum mainstay effectively distributes the load for a supremely comfortable carry of loads well over fifty pounds.

On to organization. The Guidepost lets you fully express your OCD, starting at the top: the top lid flips inside-out into a 24L summit pack, complete with shoulder and sternum straps and even a hydration bladder loop. You won't forget the instructions, because they're clearly printed on the bottom of the lid. Nice!

Moving on down, there's a hydration bladder compartment between the frame and the main compartment, so no condensation on your stuff. Speaking of the main hole, it has a generous 9-inch storm collar up top and removable divider at the bottom, useful if you're the kind who likes a separate sleeping bag compartment. The front pocket is waterproof and wide enough for a small laptop or tablet device, and directly behind it - toward the main hole - things start to get interesting. There's another shallow space, like a shove-it pocket, open at the top and also able to be unzipped down one side. If you like to stuff a few different layers in this space you'll really like being able to access any of it without pulling all of it out.

And finally, what may be the most useful of features: the j-zip is a zipper that goes all the way down one side of the main compartment, across the bottom and about a quarter of the way up the other side. You can basically unzip it and the entire front of the pack opens like a door, revealing the shadowy glories within. The only way this could possibly be cooler was if they somehow incorporated a Tauntaun theme like this sleeping bag.

Finally, there are two matching mesh zip pockets on the hip belt, and also dual mesh water bottle pockets with openings biased slightly forward for easier access. This concludes our tour. So the weight. We're talking six pounds, probably a pound or so heavier than your average expedition-quality 65L pack. However, when an extra pound translates directly into more comfort, with organizational bliss to boot, even in our ultralight ways we can't hold it against the Guidepost. It's a great pack, check it out and keep an eye on Thule.

$329.95 at Amazon

Thule Capstone 32L Women's Backpack

Thule is the George Carlin company: they make stuff to carry your stuff. Recenty they've expanded their stuff that carries stuff from their familiar car racks to child carriers (formerly Cougar and still our absolute favorite gear for anyone with kids and an active outdoor lifestyle) and backpacks. And not just one backpack, but two different lines with both men's and women's specific models.

The Capstone is their more casual pack, as opposed to their Guidepost packs (review coming soon!), and comes in 22, 32, 40 and 50 liter models for both men and women. First, our overall impression: the Capstone is a very nice pack by any standard, and that's a noteworthy accomplishment for a first effort. If you're looking for a pack in this class, make sure you look at this one. Just make sure it fits, because although there is a lot of adjustment - 28 torso positions, seriously? - it only comes in one size. That said, unless you're way off the scale you should be fine.

One really cool thing - literally - is the back suspension, which is curved and allows a generous amount of airflow across your back. With some packs we see a reduction in interior capacity because of the curve, but the Capstone's interior is a constant curve on both front and back, resulting in a lot of room inside. Enough room, in fact, that we would classify it as a multi-day capable pack; it could hold a week's worth of gear for an ultralight hiker. Put heavier items on the top or bottom of the pack, closer to your back, and lighter, bulkier items in the middle where the extra distance from your back won't affect you as much.

Another thing we like to check is the ability of the water bottle pockets to hold a full quart bottle. The Capstone's will do that, unless you've really stuffed the main compartment full, and the openings are canted forward for easy access to boot. Nice. Other compartments include a stuff it outside pocket perfect for layers, a roomy lunch pocket on top, and a hydration sleeve inside. There is an open stretchy mesh pocket on the left waist belt, just big enough for a gel pack or small energy bar. On the right side is a bigger zippered pocket; we did find ourselves wishing there was one of these on the left side too. Last but not least are two loops top and bottom for an ice axe or trekking pole, and the bottom loop has two openings of different sizes appropriate to each.

The waist belt has a small buckle that feels nicely low-profile, and it can be adjusted from both sides at once with a forward pull on the webbing, our favorite adjustment method. Overall the Capstone carries wonderfully at weights up to 30 pounds and probably beyond. Overall weight is 2lb 13oz, a bit heavier than average but not enough to be a concern given how well the Capstone carries. A pleasant surprise was that you also get a rain cover, tucked in it's own pouch at the bottom of the pack. It slips easily over the pack and those venturing into wetter climes will appreciate the convenience. All this and competitively priced too.

$159.99 at Moosejaw

Thule Slipstream XT kayak roof rack

You can lead a boat to water, but not easily. Thule does a great job of making the pain go away as much as possible with the Slipstream XT roof rack, after two years still the rackatollah.

Like most rack systems assembly takes a little time, but just follow the manual and you'll be fine. The only decision you have to make is which side to mount it on, and the adjustment for that just takes a minute. The Slipstream is typical Thule, built extra tough so you can throw up to 75 pounds of kayak on top. It has the proven Thule roller in back, slick felt saddles in the rear and grippy rubber saddles in the front. Just sit the bow on the rollers, push forward and drop her in. Bonus: Thule does it right and includes four sets of straps, including ratcheting bow/stern tie-downs.

The Slipstream excels in adjustability. The saddles adjust side to side with finger-adjustable screws. Quick release toggles to slide the whole load forward and back for easy loading, unloading and centering, as well as allowing your rear hatch or trunk ample room to lift. The extended design is a boon for short roof lines. It sucks having to secure a kayak with only a couple feet between crossbars, but the Slipstream extends that distance to provide a stable platform on any vehicle, as well as ensuring ample stand-off distance betwixt keel and roof. The Slipstream sets the standard for roof-top kayak racks in every way.

$339.95 at REI

Thule Snowcat Ski Carrier

Just in time for Valentine's Day and Spring skiing: nothing says I love you like a new rack! A roof rack, you gutter snipes. And what's better than a new rack? A rack that locks!

Thule knows racks like a strip club bouncer. The Snowcat is pretty much perfect for mounting on most factory roof rails that are the front-to-rear variety (not the left-to-right). It installs quickly and with no additional hardware required. Just telescope out to the necessary width and lock them down. Stick three pairs of mid-fats or a snowboard on each side and you're good to go.

The best thing about the Snowcat is that it comes with integrated locks. No more buying little lock cores as add-ons. The locks are intelligently designed so that they cover both the mounting hardware and the big old button that releases the scissor-style clamps that hold the skis down. Those add-ons can cost a pretty penny, and the Snowcat does it all for a very reasonable price.

$230.00 at REI

Thule T2 hitch mount bike rack

Thule is the best thing to come out of Sweden since the Swedish Chef: Bork bork bork! If you have something you need to stow on your car, Thule can hook you up: bikes, boards, skis, boats, dead bodies. Yeah, it's true, they make a coffin thing that mounts on the roof. I used it recently when a PowerPoint presentation went horribly awry.

Only slightly less useful than the roof-mounted coffin is the hitch-mounted T2 bike rack, for two bikes with an available extension for two more. I like tray-style hitch mounts because you don't have to break the bike down or worry about your rear suspension getting hung up. The T2 is easy to load, just lift and latch. The rails are fully adjustable, it'll hold 29ers and fat tires, and the whole thing folds up and down easily. It's not clear from the product description, but take out a pin and the whole thing folds down with the bikes on it and I can lift the entire back door on my Ford Escape; pretty trick!

Available for both 2" and 1.25" hitch receivers, and capable of up to 100lb. the T2 assembles in about 30 minutes of drinking and swearing, or even faster if you're competent with the included tools and sober. Locks are not included but are an inexpensive add-on, and you can buy cores that match keys you already have. Nicely done, Thule.

$369.00 at REI