Targus Terra 16 inch Laptop Backpack (TSB226)
A roomy, low cost 16 inch laptop backpack with a rain cover, but an older design.
The short version
- Students who carry a 15 or 16 inch laptop plus books every day
- Commuters who walk or bike and want a rain cover included
- Anyone who likes many small pockets for chargers, pens and cards
- You fly often and want a luggage pass through strap
- You want the lightest possible bag
- You need lockable zippers or other anti theft features
What owners like
- Lots of pockets and compartments for keeping small items organized
- Feels sturdy and well made for the price
- The included rain cover is a useful extra for walking or biking commutes
- Big enough for a laptop, tablet and books while still suiting daily use
Common complaints
- Some buyers find it smaller than expected
- Plain styling and no anti theft or luggage strap features found on newer bags
Based on Targus Australia's product page, the Newegg listing for the US model and Best Buy owner reviews of the closely related 15.6 inch Terra (TSB226LA). Complaint themes were few..
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
A 27 litre polyester laptop backpack from Targus with a padded sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches, a built in rain cover and lots of small pockets.
- Padded laptop compartment with an adjustable strap to hold the laptop in place
- Built in, detachable rain cover that tucks away when not needed
- Organizer panel with pen loops and a card holder, plus a quick access front pocket
- Side mesh pockets for bottles and a media pocket with a headphone port
- Padded back panel with breathable mesh and padded shoulder straps
- Side compression straps to cinch a heavy load
A sensible pick for students and commuters who carry a large laptop plus books and want a rain cover without paying extra for one. The trade-off is that it is an older design: there is no luggage pass through strap or anti theft features, and Targus's newer Terra EcoSmart is lighter if you can live with a slightly smaller bag.
How it compares
Specs
- Laptop fit
- Screens up to 16 inches
- Capacity
- 27 litres, per Targus Australia
- Exterior size
- About 19.5 x 13 x 7.3 inches (48.5 x 38 x 17 cm)
- Laptop compartment
- About 15.25 x 10.5 inches
- Weight
- Listed at 0.9 kg by Targus Australia and 2.6 lb by Newegg
- Material
- 840D polyester with a water resistant bottom panel
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime, per Targus Australia
Questions
Will a 16 inch laptop fit in the Targus Terra?
Yes. Targus rates the padded compartment for laptops with screens up to 16 inches, with a strap to keep the laptop in place.
Does the Targus Terra backpack have a rain cover?
Yes. A detachable rain cover is built in and tucks away in a hidden pocket when not needed.
Is the Targus Terra waterproof?
Not fully. The bottom panel is water resistant and the rain cover adds protection in wet weather.
What is the difference between TSB226CA, TSB226US and TSB226AU?
They are regional codes for the same Terra design; spec sheets for each list the same 16 inch laptop fit.
Sources
- Targus Australia: Targus Terra 16 inch Backpack, 27L (TSB226AU)
- Newegg: Targus Terra TSB226US backpack for 16 inch notebook
- Best Buy: customer reviews, Targus 15.6 inch Terra Backpack with Rain Cover (TSB226LA)
- Targus US: 15 to 16 inch Terra EcoSmart Backpack
Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.