I tried the Thule Tact 16L: the small and practical backpack that deters thieves

There is little to say on the security front: if an attacker wanted to steal something from inside the Thule Tact he would have many difficulties. I tried this backpack for a couple of months and today I want to tell you about my experience, aware that this is a particular segment of the market that offers countless solutions, often very cheap.

After so many years of using Thule models, however, I have to admit that quality always pays off and spending a little more has its big advantages in the long run. The model under test is a 16L, therefore small in size and suitable for those who carry a limited amount of accessories and tools with them every day.

Excellent for notebooks, tablets and any medium-sized technological devilry, but less useful when traveling if you are on a budget and want to avoid paying the (exaggerated) surcharge for a second bag with low-cost airlines. If that is the main purpose, that is to travel and using it as the main accessory, then bet on something else. The capacity is in fact “only” 16L but this feature should not necessarily be seen as a limit; for those like me who do not want to turn and risk getting too heavy, then it immediately becomes an advantage.

Inside it is almost complex the first time you use it: in fact there is not a lot of space but the pockets are numerous. In the back, in contact with the backrest, there is room for a laptop (certainly a 14-inch laptop fits comfortably), immediately next to it there is a shallower pocket where you can insert a small tablet or an eReader.

At the top there is room for one of my favorite things, that is a small shallow magnetic pocket (it will be about 15cm) where you can quickly insert keys, accessories, headphones. It has the advantage that it closes in an instant by itself and therefore does not have to fight with zips. Following there is another pocket that would be good for a tablet or even a not too bulky book, finally a mesh pocket with zip, also shallow but obviously safer even if it is visible.

On the opposite side, still inside, there are several other pockets, small and medium, three of which with zip. They are suitable for small objects and accessories, I found them more uncomfortable when you have little time and for this reason I used them less.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions – 28.0 x 21.0 x 42.0 cm
• Weight 1.0 kg
• Volume 16 L
• Black color
• Material bluesign approved, 100% recycled 420D polyester with PU face coat and bluesign approved 100% recycled 150D polyester ripstop lining

I certainly appreciated the compactness very much; as already mentioned it is a small backpack, suitable for accompanying us during a day without excessive stress for our shoulders thanks to an excellent weight distribution. Then there is the chapter safety which certainly represents one of the highlights of the Thule Tact, designed with a double zip main opening that “disappears” once you put on the backpack. In addition, there is an additional safety clip with a pressure clip that closes the access even more.

The only other opening is in the back at the top, and this too is practically inaccessible if you have it on your shoulder. The polyester used is 100% recycled, it is resistant as expected for the Swedish house but it is difficult to say more after only a couple of months. It certainly does not fear water and rain. The external housing hidden between the seams is useful and the two side straps, there is even a one and a half liter bottle of water (provided the backpack is not already exploding from the internal contents) .The two main straps, moreover, can be unhooked at the bottom, so as to tie backpack to something in case of need.

Sorry I don’t have a front strap that allows me to unload part of the weight on the chest too, Thule has occasionally included this element in its even more casual backpacks and I admit to being a big fan (especially on longer days). I honestly can’t find any other negative points.

The Tact 16L is available at a list price of 164 euros, certainly not a few for a notebook backpack and accessories. However, quality pays off and as already stated Thule focuses a lot on the solidity of its products and their longevity, if you then add the anti-theft design and overall comfort, then I realize that the request is not so crazy. It is no coincidence that the Thule Guarantee program covers “any defects or damage to the Thule product, including damage caused by normal wear or natural discoloration of materials for 2 (two) years from the date of purchase“.

I would certainly see it better with a few tens of euros less, but maybe it will be enough to wait for the right offer to be able to take advantage of it. But for those who love small, compact, discreet backpacks and want maximum security, then the Tact 16L becomes an entirely alternative to consider.