Thule has a new line of technical backpacks designed for weekend and multi-day adventures!
The company has a long history of making high quality roof racks that helped you get your gear to the trail head. Now their backpack line integrates technical design and functionality to enable you to carry your gear on the trail!
Thule’s backpacking packs for are called the Guidepost, and come in gender specific packs and a range of sizes from 65L-88L.
The women’s Thule Guidepost backpacks come in 65L and 75L.
What Hiking Lady Likes About the Thule Guidepost 65L Backpack?
- Adjustability! You order the hipbelt size of your choice, and after that everything else is customizable on the backpack.
- The suspension system is adjustable with a range of 6 inches
- The shoulder straps can be adjusted to 3 different widths
- Comfortable. In my testing the Thule Guidepost is a very comfortable backpack, and the hipbelt pivots with movement. Therefore, as I walked along the trail the backpack moved with me, rather than rubbing against my hips.
- One amazing summit bag! The Thule Guidepost has a removeable lid, that quickly transforms into a decently sized summit sack/day sack. The quality of the summit sack is impressive (see pictures!)
- Lots of attention to detail by the designers.
- There are rubberized loops for attaching trekking poles, an ice ax, snowshoes, or other extra gear.
- The main panel is easy to open through a huge zipper that makes a “J” shape around the front of the bag. No need to unpack everything to pull out your stove!
- Zippered hip belt pockets are actually large enough to hold a snack bar, unlike a lot of backpacks on the market where the pockets just aren’t quite big enough for anything but some chapstick
What is this Backpack Best Used for?
Given it’s size, it can easily handle a weekend trip with it’s 65L capacity. However, given the durable attachment loops and efficient design, the Guidepost 65L could handle a weeklong trip.
What Are the Shortcomings of the Thule Guidepost 65L Backpack?
- It’s heavy. Yes, it weighs in at a hefty 6 pounds, but that is the sacrifice you’ll have to pay to have all of the neat features like the summit pack, 210D Cordura Nylon fabric, rubberized attachment loops, durable zippers, and large hipbelt pockets.
- It’s pricey. Not a surprise; Thule makes excellent quality products, and if you want something that will last a lifetime, then you’ll have to pay up.
Specs of the Thule Guidepost 65L
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Sizes: Hipbelts for women come in XS (25-29 inch waist), Small (29-35 inch waist), and Medium (35-50 inch waist).
- Price: $329.95
- Where to Buy: You’ll have to buy it at your local mountain shop or online. Major chains like REI aren’t selling it yet.
- Colors: Gray, Purple
No detail was spared in designing the Thule Guidepost backpacks, and the Thule line-up of backpacks are solid competition to Gregory’s leading backpacks.
Happy trails!
See More Hiking Lady Gear Reviews:
Hi Annabel, great question. A dry bag is typically used by people in super wet conditions (like kayakers), but I like your idea if you’re going to be in Iceland and hiking in the rain, especially if you are carrying electronics that just can’t get wet. A 10L dry bag like this one from SealLine could work for you.
A backpack with a rain cover will be sufficient if you secure it properly, but if you want the extra peace of mind and don’t care about the extra weight of the dry bag, then go for it!
Happy trails!
Hi,
Would advise me to use a 10L dry bag instead of a day pack with a cover for rainy days in Iceland?
I’m planning a trip overseas this summer and looking for equipment like a light weight backpack, shoes, and sleeping bag. We will be hiking about 5 miles a day mostly around tourist attractions. Can you suggest the best and lightweight items? I wear narrow shoes and would like a hiking shoe in narrow to protect my weak ankles.
I enjoy your site and thank you for all the suggestions.