Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag Review

Reason for Purchase
I used to have a Wenger SwissArmy Gear Messenger Bag that was absolutely fantastic, and a bag I highly recommend. However, I stepped on one of the buckles twice, which despite attempts to super glue together was irreparably damaged, and would no longer hold the bag closed. I made due with a backpack and a sleeve for a while, but decided to look for something more permanent.

Requirements
I wanted a messenger-style bag first and foremost. That would serve me longer than a backpack should I be forced to enter the real world after this year. Since I might be working, I wanted something that also wouldn't embarrass me in most office situations. I have another, more briefcase-style bag for more conservative office environments, like law firms, so I would not be deterred by something that looked a little funky.

I also wanted to address the two biggest shortcomings of the Wenger bag: laptop security and bike riding. The bag had a large, universal laptop compartment designed to fit the largest laptops. So my 15.4" laptop would bounce around. Additionally, the compartment had padding on only the back. Even the bottom was not padded. Finally, there was only the single shoulder strap to secure the bag while riding my bike to school, which even when tightened would still allow the bag to slip to the side.

I was willing to spend approximately $100 (not including shipping) on the bag.

Other Models Considered
I looked at a couple Crumpler bags, but there were just not my style. I looked at some Bihn bags like the Super Ego and the ID, but they were out of my price range especially after you add the Brain Cell. In the end, I got an amazing deal on my Timbuk2 bag, saving more than 25% off the regular price and getting free two-day shipping. So it was something of an impulse buy.

Bag Basics

The bag I ordered was a medium Laptop Messenger in this navy/slate/navy color combination. The bag is constructed out of ballistic nylon, with a waterproof vinyl interior. Two accessories are included: buckle-on reflector tails and a stabilizing cross-strap. The exterior of the bag includes a grab handle, quick-release strap system for tightening and loosening the strap, multiple clip points, and a loop for attaching a bike flasher.



The bag closes with four large Velcro strips and two buckles. On the front of the bag, under the flap, there are two small pockets, one with a zipper.





The front interior panel includes a organizer with a large zippered pocket with key strap, a smaller zippered pocket, two small pockets for mp3 players or cell phones, three pencil pen pouches, and an ID window. The laptop compartment is padded on every side but the top, and is lined with soft corduroy. The strap securing the laptop attaches via Velcro either outside the compartment, or on the compartment's back wall, thus keeping it out of the way if you don't want to use it.





Timbuk2 offers three sizes: small, medium, and large. The medium's external dimensions are 18.8"x10.5"x7.8". The maximum laptop size is 14.2"x10"x1.8". My HP DV1000 series fits well with enough room to spare that when in the sleeve, it fits like a glove. Any sort of 17" laptop would require the large, while the small is more suited to ultracompact notebooks. Timbuk2 recommends the medium for 13" Macbooks and 15" Macbook Pros.

Impressions
The bag is extremely well-made, even over-constructed in some places, like where the strap is sewn onto the bag. The bag is fairly light (2.3 lbs) but feels substantial. When you put your laptop in, you feel like it's well protected and secure. The bag is also very convenient, as it stands up on its own even when empty. The zippers are on the small side, but are not on the outside of the bag, so won't take as much abuse as say backpack zippers. The grab handle is thick and comfortable. I thought it was oddly placed, and it causes the bag to hang oddly when grabbed, but if you have a thin handle on a rolling bag, it would be in an ideal position to slide over it and allow the bag to piggyback.

The medium bag holds quite a bit. In addition to filling the organizer and the laptop, it can hold three of my law books easily, or one law book and a statutory supplement. Even loaded like that, pushing 25 or 30 lbs, the bag is fairly comfortable, especially when worn all the way around on your behind. The wide, heavy strap distributes the weight well across your entire shoulder. One odd thing about Timbuk2 bags is that they are left- or right-handed. This bag is right handed, so it hangs on your left shoulder across to your right hip, so your right hand operates the quick release buckle and can rummage around. I was left-handed when it comes to bags until I bought this (even though I'm right-handed in everything else), so wearing it the other way is a change, but not a big deal for me. If the stabilizing strap is used, you can also transfer some of that weight to your legs.

All of that space is in one, big hole. Other than the organizer and laptop compartment, there are no other internal dividers in the bag. I might like a divider or maybe a compartment on the bag of the bag for a folder or papers, but that's just me. It's not a major beef with the bag.





Once you get the hang of the quick-release strap adjustment, it's very easy to tighten the bag for bike riding and loosen it for casual strolling. The stabilizing strap has a buckle on it so it can remain on the bag, then unclipped and wrapped around you when you're ready to go. The reflector tails are also easy to put on and take off. I normally keep them one of the bag's front pocket unless needed.

The Strap Pad
The reviews on the internet suggest that strap pad vs. no strap pad is very much personal preference. Some find that the strap pad is a lifesaver, others find that it's a waste of money or less comfortable than the strap. Timbuk 2 sells two strap pads. One is the ballistic nylon pad I bought, and the other is has a grippy, rubberized exterior surface. Both are $10. I found it very comfortable. It's well padded, and long, so you don't need to place it on your shoulder accurately, and it distributes weight very well. My advice is to try the bag with no strap pad, then order it if the bag is just a little too uncomfortable.

Trends and Customization
Timbuk2 bags are extremely trendy, popular items. Funky logo, good construction, great looks, and being linked with a subculture like bike messengers all make the bags really popular. Now that I own one, I'm seeing them all over the place. Another big reason for the popularity is that some Timbuk2 bags are completely customizable, including the laptop messenger.

The customized laptop messenger starts at $130 for the medium size, vs. $110 for a stock medium bag. Two fabrics are offered: ballistic nylon and cordura, which is a more matte, traditional-looking nylon canvas material. Each of the three panels can be one of 26 different colors, the interior can be one of five colors, and the logo can be one of 12 colors, resulting in 1,054,560 unique color combinations. If you don't like hassling with the reflector tails, shorter reflector tabs that are permanently attached are offered. As I said before, you can also have a left- or right-handed bag. Finally, accessories like the strap pad, phone holster, and accessory cases can be added for additional money. Expect to spend $150 on any custom bag, and up to $200 for one that's fully decked out.

Conclusion
The Timbuk2 laptop messenger is an excellent choice for someone who wants something more than you can find off the rack at a big box store. When sized right, laptops are secure in the bag, and there's ample room for most anything a student or young office worker would need. The biggest drawbacks are those that generally apply to messenger bags. They sway more than backpacks, you carry all the weight on one shoulder, and most don't have the same level of organization as a true briefcase or backpack. If you're in the market for a very good messenger bag and aren't willing to spend the $150 for something like a Bihn bag and Brain Cell, the Timbuk2 laptop messenger is a great option. Finally, if you are willing to spend $150-$200, and want something uniquely you, Timbuk2 offers you the ability to customize bags to your exact tastes and needs.

Pros:
- Tough ballistic nylon exterior/waterproof vinyl interior
- Secure, padded laptop compartment
- Large internal capacity
- Organization for smaller objects
- Very comfortable when walking or riding (with strap pad for me)
- Fully customizable
- Popular and trendy

Cons:
- Never as back-friendly as a backpack
- No included padding on strap
- No internal organization for larger items like folders and papers
- Customized bags cost as much as the next level of premium bags
- Maybe too popular and trendy

Also posted here. If a moderator sees it fit to move this to the review forum, I would appreciate that.

 

Nice review, Thanks.

I dont know if I like that ballistic nylon finish though. Looks a bit too shiny for me at least in the pictures. I prefer personally that matte/cordura kind of material. Btw, In Timbuk Bagbuilder, you can only choose from 13 different colors if you take that cordura material.

 

Nice job on the review.

 

This...needs a serious bump! Excellent review this is!

 

will the big one hold the 1720?

 

Awesome review, great pic's