Review: Thule AllTrail 45
Key Information
Price (at time of writing): R2999
Capacity: 45L
Weight: 1.6kg
Dimensions: 70cm x 36cm x 30cm
Access Points: Top & side
Rain Cover: Yes
Material: 420D Dobby Poly, 330D Ripstop Polyester
Intro
The Thule AllTrail 45 is a mid-sized backpack featuring durable outer fabrics, low-volume padding, and an extremely practical full-length side access zip. It’s ideal for 2–3 day hikes or big day missions where extra food and layers are needed.
Thule is best known for brilliantly engineered vehicle accessories and sleek travel gear, so when they entered the hiking backpack market, I was sceptical. After my first hike with the AllTrail 45, that scepticism turned into praise.
Design
The AllTrail 45 is beautifully designed and expertly constructed, as you’d expect from Thule. The low-volume padding on the shoulder straps, waist belt, and back panel creates a snug, close-to-body fit — offering agility on technical terrain while remaining comfortable and pressure-free.
Low-volume padding keeps the pack close to your body while maintaining comfort.
The adjustable back system allows for 10cm of torso height adjustment, enabling a perfect fit for most builds.
Easy torso length adjustment ensures a customised fit.
There are two main entry points — the standard top-loading lid and a full-length C-shaped side zip. Accidentally buried your stove in the middle of your pack? Just unzip the side and grab it — no need to unpack everything else.
The full-length side zip makes access quick and effortless.
Thoughtful details elevate this pack — like the centrally placed lid zip, which makes contents easier to reach without bending down, and the slightly raised lip that helps prevent items from falling out while rummaging.
Features
The AllTrail 45 includes all the expected features — built-in rain cover, key fob, hydration bladder compatibility, and dual-compartment lid storage — plus a few clever extras.
Smart, functional design in every detail.
The right hip belt has a pocket, while the left side features Thule’s VersaClick system — allowing interchangeable attachments such as a waterproof rolltop pouch or camera bag. The included trekking pole storage strap works well and doesn’t interfere while walking.
VersaClick system allows for interchangeable attachments like camera or gear pouches.
Permanent trekking pole straps on the front add stability for technical routes. The front “stuff pouch” is non-stretch but roomier than most, with a full-length zip for easy access — a feature I really appreciated on the trail.
The full-zip front pouch offers excellent organisation and access.
Instead of traditional bottom straps, the pack uses front daisy-chain loops that can be used to secure a sleeping pad with cord or webbing straps. Compression straps run beneath the water bottle pockets — allowing compression without restricting bottle access. Simple, effective, and smart.
Compression straps run beneath the bottle pockets — thoughtful and practical design.
Weight & Carrying Capacity
At 1.6kg, the AllTrail 45 isn’t ultralight, but its balance of weight, comfort, and carrying capacity makes it an outstanding all-rounder. It’s perfect for 2–3 day hikes or demanding day missions.
Stable and comfortable even when carrying up to 18kg of gear.
Comfort remains solid up to 16–18kg, with only minor shoulder pressure at 19.5kg. It even fits a winter sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad inside, making it surprisingly capable for its size.
Conclusion
The Thule AllTrail 45 is a refined, versatile backpack ideal for regular overnight trips or ambitious single-day hikes. It’s well-built, thoughtfully designed, and adaptable enough to replace both smaller and larger packs in your collection.
At R2999, it’s priced toward the premium end, but the design, durability, and usability justify the investment.
This pack was supplied by Thule South Africa for review purposes and can be purchased from their online store or Thule stockists nationwide.