Review – Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag

The Scoop: I’ve gone through countless laptop bags, and each one has failed me one way or another.  I needed a bag that had plenty of room for my laptop, accessories, and gadgets, yet was built tough and could withstand the elements.  And since this bag goes everywhere I go, I wanted to carry my gear in style.  I didn’t think that I could find a bag that would meet my requirements until I came across the Laptop Messenger Bag from Timbuk2.

The Setup: Based out of San Francisco, Timbuk2 has been handmaking custom messenger bags for 20 years.  Originally designed for bike messengers, Timbuk2 bags are known for being one of the toughest and most spacious messenger bags available. Combining the tough as nails quality of a Timbuk2 bag with a built-in padded compartment to stow away a laptop, the Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag is the perfect alternative to the run-of-the-mill laptop bag.

What’s Hot: One of the coolest things about any Timbuk2 bag is that you have the option to make your own bag and customize it to your preferences.

• Size – The Laptop Messenger Bag comes in three different sizes and it’s best to choose your bag size based on the size of your laptop.  A small fits laptops with a screen up to 13″, a medium fits laptops with a screen up to 15″, and a large fits laptops with a screen up to 17″.
• Color and fabric – This is what customization is all about.  Choose your favorite color combination as well as the type of fabric.  You also get to choose the color of the waterproof vinyl lining and even the color of the logo.
• Reflector style – This sections allows customers the option to select the type of reflectors that are on the front of the bag, under the bag clips.  Reflector tails are longer and help keep you visible at night while reflector tabs are a bit smaller.  The last option is to get the compression straps, which include the reflector tabs along with the ability to cinch up the bottom of the bag.
• Accessorize – The last part of customization is choosing which Timbuk2 accessorizes you’d like to add to your custom bag. One of the most popular accessories, and one that I highly recommend, is the strap pad. Aside from adding more color and personality to your bag, strap pads help increase comfort.

The Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag that I use is built from Ballistic Nylon, and uses the panel colors Pacific Blue, White, and Navy.  The waterproof vinyl lining is Orange and the Timbuk2 logo is Citron.  I went with the compression straps since it will allow me to adjust the bottom of the bag depending on the type of things I need to carry. And finally, The strap pad was a definite must, and I went with the black and white checkered pattern to add a bit more personality.

The included laptop compartment is made of corduroy and is very well padded.  No need for an additional laptop sleeve as this padded compartment does a great job of protecting the laptop.

The Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag comes equipped with an internal organization panel and zippered pocket.  This is where you can stash things like pens, business cards, cables, flash drives, utility knife, screw driver, and whatever gadgets you like to keep nearby.

Unlike other laptop messenger bags, the Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag comes with room to spare.  Not only can I fit my laptop and accessories in the bag, but I have plenty of room for my lunch and a couple bottles of water.  And I can’t forget about my Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, because there’s plenty of room for those handhelds as well!

The Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger bag also includes 4 large strips of velcro to hold the flap down.  Between the two clips and the velcro, you’re stuff isn’t going anywhere.

All of Timbuk2 bags and accessories are hip and stylish.  Chances are good that you’ll draw some attention with a Timbuk2 bag.

What’s Not: The only issue I had with the Laptop Messenger Bag was the lack of extra pockets and an external water bottle holder.  But if you want those features in a bag, then I’d suggest looking into the Timbuk2 Commute 2.0. Messenger.

Final Verdict: This bag rocks.  In a quest to find the right bag that meets my needs, I’ve discovered a bag that has exceeded my expectations.  Not only does the Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag give me plenty of space to store my laptop and gadgets, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that everything is well protected.  I have a pretty good feeling that this bag is going to stay with me for a very long time.