BEYOND THE BRANDS: VOL.8 | THULE

Backpacks are the perfect adventure companion, from the airport to the office to the mountains.

Backpacks are the perfect adventure companion, from the airport to the office to the mountains. Most bags have the standard features: laptop pocket, water bottle holder, travel handle, etc., but a padded back panel, eco-friendly materials, and Scandanavian attention-to-detail? Those are few and far between. 

Founded in 1942, Thule started out making roof baskets and ski racks for cars, before expanding into other areas of outdoor recreation including surfboard, bicycle, and kayak carriers. In the early 2010s, Thule entered the backpack market and has been a household name in the world of outdoor and technical bags ever since. With ever-expanding product lines that encompass everything from camera and laptop bags to technical hiking packs, Thule does it all. 

As a brand with sustainability in mind, Thule is a participant in the UN Global Compact, a bluesign system partner, and a supporter of several conservation and ecological initiatives and organizations, including Leave No Trace, The Conservation Alliance, and the European Outdoor Conservation Association. 

In 2019, Thule announced that more than 94% of their used electricity came from renewable sources, with a goal of 100% by 2030. The brand has also committed to a reduction of more than 45% of their greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, along with a 28% reduction in associated emissions. 

Aside from their sustainability efforts, Thule has invested heavily in their Thule Pathos program, which provides support for a variety of initiatives. Thule works with organizations in localities around the world on projects from building a bicycle park at an orphanage in El Salvador to supporting school food programs in Nepal, and working with disabled youth in their native Sweden.

The brand also retains a roster of athletes in a variety of disciplines, who assist not only with extreme product testing, but also with Thule Pathos programs and other outdoor initiatives. 

Thule has been a noteworthy brand in the backpack space for years now, and their impact on the market is clear. With diverse product lines that provide great branding space, along with positive company messaging, Thule presents a perfect opportunity for promoting your brand or event. 

Hirsch is the premier family owned and operated supplier of leading retail brands in the promotional products industry. Located in Houston, Texas, Hirsch employs over 100 dedicated people who thrive in a company culture of sustainability, giving back, and caring. For more information on who we are and what we do, follow us on social media @hirschpromo.  For more information on the other 45+ retail brands we partner with, visit our website at hirschpromo.com.