Pack Smart with Thule This Holiday Season

December holidays—a glorious time of road trips, sandy toes, and endless playlists where Mariah Carey reminds us she wants you. For South Africans, it’s a chance to escape city life, revel in our beautiful landscapes, and cram enough gear into the car to rival a moving truck. Because let’s be honest, packing for a family holiday is less “Pinterest aesthetic” and more “real-life Tetris on a time limit.” Enter: Thule, the Swedish savior of car packing.

Let’s unpack (pun intended) how Thule can save your holiday, your sanity, and possibly your marriage.

Rooftop Cargo Carriers: Turning Your Roof Into the Penthouse Suite

Picture this: you’re mid-pack, and the car boot looks like it lost a fight with your kid’s swimming bag. Here’s where Thule’s rooftop cargo carriers swoop in like a Scandinavian superhero. These slick contraptions add up to 610 litres of extra space. That’s more than double the boot space of your average sedan—and enough room to finally let the golf clubs ride in style.

Need more context? Think of it this way: that 610 litres could hold:

• 612 litres of boxed wine (no judgment),

• 122 small dogs (but don’t),

• Or one teenager’s shoe collection.

Not to mention, Thule’s Motion 3 rooftop carrier comes with a glossy finish—Black or Titan—so your car stays bougie, even when it’s stuffed like a mince pie. Dual-side openings and intuitive locks mean you won’t spend precious minutes wrestling with it in a petrol station parking lot. Efficiency? Style? Swedish vibes? Yes, please.

Bicycle Carriers: Because Two Wheels Are Better Than Your Toddler's Tantrum

Whether you’re a Lycra-loving cyclist or just like taking your bike for leisurely rolls to justify dessert, Thule’s got your back (or towbar, to be precise). The Thule Epos towbar-mounted carrier is the Beyoncé of bike racks—sleek, innovative, and handling curves like a pro.

Its standout feature? Telescopic arms. No, not the kind you wish you had to grab the snacks from the back seat, but innovative bike attachments that let you mount up to three bikes in any order. Yes, that means no more "last bike on, first bike off" drama. And if you’re lugging an e-bike or a chonky mountain bike, it’s got you covered with a 30kg-per-bike capacity and extra-long wheel holders. Thule thought of everything. Except how to deal with your kid asking, “Are we there yet?”

Pet Carriers: For Your Four-Legged Co-Pilot

We all know the family dog loves a road trip—head out the window, ears flapping, living its best life. But for longer journeys, safety matters. Enter the Thule Allax, a state-of-the-art dog crate that’s basically a first-class cabin for Fido. Crash-tested and featuring crumple zones (because even Rover deserves Swedish safety standards), it keeps your pup secure while you focus on navigating to that farm stall with the amazing koeksisters.

Added bonus? Rounded edges, adjustable sizes, and windows mean your dog stays comfy, and you don’t have to field 500 questions about whether they’re "bored" or "hungry." That’s reserved for the kids.

The Caprock: For When Regular Roof Racks Aren’t Adventurous Enough

If your idea of a “holiday” involves the words “off-road” or “gearhead,” you need the Thule Caprock. It’s not just a roof rack; it’s a lifestyle choice. A modular platform designed to handle everything from kayaks to camp kitchens, it’s perfect for adventure seekers. Load it up with your tent, your braai grid, and that cooler full of biltong—it’s basically a safari on wheels.

Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thule’s accessory game is strong. Their GoPack duffel bags are practically TARDISes for packing, while extras like battery-powered lights and bespoke rooftop covers make you wonder how you ever survived without them. And for the fat-bike crowd, extra-long straps ensure your oversized wheels are snug and secure.

Warranty: Because Thule Has Your Back

In a world of planned obsolescence, Thule stands out by offering a five-year warranty on most of its products. Lose a bolt or scratch a key part? Thule South Africa stocks spares galore, ensuring your gear works beautifully for years. In Thule terms, that's like an eternity.

Available Everywhere You Need It

Whether you’re in Joburg, Cape Town, or Durban, Thule’s got you sorted with concept stores across the country. You can also browse their offerings online at www.thulestore.co.za—perfect for shopping while dodging packing duties.

Conclusion: Pack Smart, Laugh Often

Packing doesn’t have to be the holiday grinch. With Thule, you can reclaim your car space, your peace of mind, and possibly the front seat (sorry, strollers). So this holiday season, channel your inner Swedish minimalist and let Thule do the heavy lifting—literally.

Because a holiday should start when you hit the road, not when you finally close the boot.