As a 30+ year traveling music technology professional, I have owned and disowned more bags and backpacks than I care to count, and am known by my friends as being “particular” (my word) about those that make the cut and stay with me for months or years. While probably known more for their outdoor gear, Thule (pronounced “toolee”) has earned a special place of admiration and trust with me, and the Accent 26L Backpack is the fourth of their products I have owned (2 bags, 2 backpacks). In short, after 2 weeks of ownership (not a long time, but well outside my typical reject window), I like this backpack a lot and have made it my main bag.
The Challenge (What’s in the bag, baby?)
My everyday work gear reflects years of refinement (again, my word). My MacBook Pro is the center of all things, and is sometimes accompanied by an iPad Mini for digital note taking, although right now I am in an analog pen and paper mode. The presence of a Kindle and physical reading material may seem contradictory (and it is), but I prefer my main reading to be in physical form, while the Kindle allows me to bounce around when I need a change of focus. The Rabbit R1 is an experiment, and being truthful, has not yet become “cultural” for me. The rest of the kit is pretty standard fare, and yes, the Victorinox knife does come out for air travel!
Why I chose the Thule Accent 26L
With so many name and no-name backpacks to choose from, I tend to stay with brands I have come to trust, and Thule is in this group. For me, the Thule bags I’ve owned have reflected a good balance between practical and innovative, and while not “Tumi quality” (again, firsthand experience), they are well made using materials that last. And a personal positive point for me: Thule bags use little to no Velcro for fastening.
Speaking specifically of the Thule Accent purchase, I have been using a Tumi backpack for years, and while it still looks like it did the day I bought it, the design is a bit too traditional (my kids would call it a “Dad Bag”). Working in Music Technology and having recently moved into a more public-facing role, I was looking for a bag that had a more contemporary and techie image, and hopefully was made using at least some recycled materials. I stalked different bags online for weeks, spending hours on the Timbuk2 and Thule websites. Finally, a well-timed email from Amazon offering the Thule Accent at a considerable savings brought me to a decision (and of course, if I did not like the bag, I could always return it).
Good: Shape, Size, Weight
Thule offers the Accent in an amazing array of sizes/capacities including 17, 20, 23, 26, and 28L. I chose the 26L as the minimum size I imagined would accommodate my Apple MacBook Pro 16, and I am very happy with this decision. The bag is small enough to fit under airplane seats, but large enough to carry everything I like to have with me. Fully-loaded with all my gear the Accent weighs-in at just under 13 pounds and is a comfortable backpack to wear.
Good: Straps and Handles
While other reviews have complained that the Accent’s straps are stiff and perhaps a bit uncomfortable, I disagree. While the straps are indeed firm, I don’t find them to be uncomfortable at all, and adjusting while wearing is quite easy. One complaint of mine common to many backpacks is the top carry handle, which is often unpadded. If you’re at all like me, this top handle gets regular use, and it never ceases to amaze me how so many brands “go cheap” with this feature. Fortunately, Thule equipped the Accent with a large and very comfortable top handle. But wait, there’s more! As a clear sign that Thule invests in UX (user experience) research, the Accent also includes a padded side handle which allows the backpack to be lifted and carried like a traditional carry bag- fantastic!
Good: Main Compartment and Overall Capacity
The main compartment has a deceptively high capacity to accommodate a computer, tablet device, documents, books, and more, and there’s plenty of additional storage compartments- more on this soon. I’m not sure if the additional 2L brings the largest 28L Accent into daypack territory- if you’re an owner, let us know in the comments below. Surprising Bonus Feature: the main compartment features a second side-access zippered opening, allowing for easy, direct access to one’s computer.
Good: Additional Compartments
I’m an “everything in its place” person- some would call this compulsive, but in my family the friendly term is “bento”, taken from the Japanese Bento Box meal style. Thule has done a good job of appointing the Accent with additional storage compartments including a front pouch (keys, wallet etc.), a side pouch (battery pack, ear buds etc.), a “secret” back pouch which Thule suggests may be good for travel documents, and a “SafeZone” compartment which will get its own focus in a moment. As one might expect, there’s also an expandable sleeve for a water bottle or possibly an umbrella.
Not Sure: SafetyZone Compartment
The SafetyZone is a standard feature for most, if not all, Thule backpacks, and as a wearer of multiple eyeglasses, I really like the idea a lot. The Accent version of the SafetyZone features a removable clamshell tray which, at least as of this writing, I find a bit strange (it reminds me of the container In-N-Out fries are served in). Behind this removable tray is a sleeve for storage of additional small items, but alas, it is secured by Velcro (the other Velcro instance is on the small flap which holds a computer in place). Perhaps I am way off with this, but this all feels like an afterthought when someone recognized the original design did not offer protection on the inside of the compartment. This is by no means a dealbreaker, just a bit of a strange design IMHO.
Could be better: Zipper Pulls and Phone Access
To be very clear, the Zipper Pulls on the Accent may ultimately stand the test of time, but when compared other bags I have owned, they feel flimsy and like they could bend and break with use over time. I hope I am proven wrong with this. Phone storage and access could also be improved. While more than one compartment, including the SafetyZone, could be used for a phone, all are zippered and somewhat inconvenient when considering typical smartphone use, especially when on the go. Thule may want to take a page from the Tumi playbook here, as the magnetically sealed top-facing sleeve found on the “dad bag” backpack I own is basically perfect (and the design not likely to have been patented!). Just saying…
Conclusion
As an admitted “bag snob” it takes a lot to impress me and even more to have me spend my own money. With the Accent 26L, Thule has achieved both by creating a well-constructed bag that offers the modern “techie” appearance I was after, is comfortable to wear and carry, organizes contents well, and won’t break the bank. Recommended.
Thoughts from the surface... 