watch video on youtube »
product Review
Thule Snowpack Review
At Roof Racks Calgary, we’ve seen a lot of ski and snowboard carriers come and go. But the Thule SnowPack has been around for a long time—and for good reason. Over the years, it’s gone through a number of iterations, refining what was already a very solid design.
In short, it’s a premium, low-profile, scissor-style ski and snowboard carrier that does exactly what it’s meant to do—secure your gear, keep things simple, and look sharp doing it.
Let’s take a closer look.
Navagate To:
- Sizes and Capacity
- Key Features
- Other Carrying Solutions
- Pro and Cons
- Carries two snowboards or four sets of skis
- Carries up to four snowboards or six sets of skis
Thule SnowPack Sizes and Ski / Snowboard Capacity
The Thule SnowPack comes in a few different sizes to suit your needs.
Medium
A great fit for solo riders, couples, or small families who want reliable carrying capacity without taking up too much roof space.
Large
Ideal for larger groups or anyone who prefers a bit of extra room for those deep-powder days.
Key Features of the Thule SnowPack
Lockable for Peace of Mind
Security matters—especially when your skis or snowboard represent a significant investment.
The SnowPack allows you to lock the clamp in place for added security. It also locks to your load bars, giving you a fully secure system. When you park and head in for après-ski, you can do so with confidence.
Easy to Use (Even with Gloves On)
Let’s be honest: ski days are cold. Fumbling with complicated hardware at 7:00 a.m. or after a long day on the hill is not anyone’s idea of fun.
The Thule SnowPack is extremely easy to open and close, even with gloved hands. The oversized push-button release makes loading and unloading quick and painless—just the way it should be.
Ski Protection and Grip
This rack features reinforced rubber strips that both protect your skis and provide a very firm grip.
The result? No shifting. No rattling. No risk of your skis or snowboards moving around or coming loose during transit. Your gear stays exactly where it should—secure and protected all the way to the mountains.
Multiple Fastening Options
Another strong point of the SnowPack is its versatility when it comes to mounting.
In the box, you’ll find different fastening options:
- For traditional square or round bars, there’s a fastening piece that loops around the bar from underneath and tightens securely.
- For aero blade or wing-style bars, there’s a fastener that allows the SnowPack to sit flush on top of the load bar.
This flexibility makes it compatible with most modern roof rack systems without the need for extra adapters.
How to Carry Skis and Snowboards on Your Vehicle
While the Thule SnowPack is an excellent solution, it’s not the only option. Let’s briefly look at the alternatives.
Carrying Skis and Snowboards Inside Your Vehicle
The simplest approach is to put your skis or snowboard in the back of your vehicle.
If you’re driving solo or with minimal passengers, that can work. However, from both a safety and comfort standpoint, it’s often worth considering transporting your gear outside the vehicle. Loose equipment in the cabin isn’t ideal—and neither is sacrificing legroom.
Using a Cargo Box
A cargo box is another popular option.
One of the main advantages of a cargo box over a scissor-style rack like the SnowPack is that your gear is out of sight. If someone is looking for an opportunity, they can’t see what’s inside a roof box.
Cargo boxes are also more versatile. You can use them year-round, and they easily accommodate ski boots, poles, and other gear. That said, they are bulky. They can affect fuel consumption, and they add significant height to your vehicle. If you drive a taller SUV or truck, you may run into clearance issues in parking garages—or even your own garage at home.
They’re also more cumbersome to install and remove compared to a low-profile ski carrier.
Thule SnowPack Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lockable system
- Super low profile
- Minimal impact on overall vehicle height
- Quick and simple to use
There’s also the Thule SnowPack Extender, which functions like the large version but slides out from the vehicle. This extension allows the rack to overhang slightly, so you don’t have to reach up and over the roof to load your gear.
Instead, you can load and unload at eye level, outside the vehicle’s roofline—making the process even easier.
Cons
- Not as versatile as a cargo box
That said, in the off-season, you could still use it to carry fishing rods, hockey sticks, kayak paddles, and similar long items if needed. It’s not a one-trick pony—but it is purpose-built for winter.
Final Thoughts on the Thule SnowPack
The Thule SnowPack remains one of the most reliable and refined scissor-style ski and snowboard carriers on the market. It’s low-profile, secure, easy to use, and thoughtfully designed for real-world winter conditions.
If you’re looking for a clean, dependable way to transport your skis or snowboard without adding unnecessary bulk to your vehicle, this is a strong contender.
And that's about it. If you have any questions about fitment or compatibility, feel free to contact us or visit in-store. At Roof Racks Calgary, we’re always happy to help you gear up for your next trip to the mountains.
RELATED ARTICLES
View all
