Review of Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag
By: Timbuk2 Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 18
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The best money can buy

On: 2008-09-01

I got my first Timbuk2 (large classic messenger) back in college, and its about 3 years old now. Still going strong and getting better with age i.e less stiff, more seasoned look and feel. Timbuk2 makes amazing bags in a wide range of designs, and the classic messenger is, in my opinion, the best of the lot.

I own a large sized classic messenger, and it carries everything I need to bring around (lots of junk) and more. The only thing that you have to be careful is not to be too happy tossing stuff in, only to realise that the bag is just wayyyy to heavy to lug around without causing sore shoulders/back. A strap pad is essential if youre carrying anything larger than a medium-sized classic messenger.

These bags are sturdy, practical (very well-designed pockets, slots, keyrings etc) and look good to boot. Ive also got a small classic messenger and a large cargo tote that I bought for my mom who complained about her other bags not having enough compartments (typical womens purses) or being too small to hold all her stuff in an organized way.

While Crumpler bags are also an alternative in a similar price range, Timbuk2 bags seem more suited for serious messenger bag users, while Crumpler bags are more like casual, fashion accessories.

All in all, I seriously recommend Timbuk2 bags for their design and durability. Go Timbuk2!

Great bag for every day use

On: 2008-08-26

I have the XS size and I love it. It fits my personal essentials, a bottle of water and a book. Its also light enough that it doesnt strain my shoulder. I can access my things easily by swinging it around vs using a backpack. I just wish it had a pocket on the back of the outside (for mail), a big open pocket on the inside and a handle on the top. The padded strap that came along with it kept sliding around so I took it off. It worked much better for me that way. It retains its shape with a bottle or a book inside it unlike the bigger models.

Timbuk2 Purchase

On: 2008-07-30

I was very pleased with my purchase. It was exactly what I ordered and wanted. Price was great too.

The perfect bag for traveling

On: 2008-07-28

I just took this bag out for the first time to a 2 week trip through Brazil and the bag was even better than expected. I bought the medium-sized bag and was able to fit more than I could possibly ever need out and about on the streets. The bag is well-constructed and heavy-duty and shows no use whatsoever after using it for 12+ hours everyday for 2 weeks. The weight distribution works really well and my back never tired even with carry a lot of weight in the bag. If you are looking at buying a bag, I would seriously check out each size, because the medium was even bigger than I anticipated. This bag would be great for any traveler or person on the go.

High quality, very functional, well designed

On: 2008-06-26

I came late to the Timbuk2 brand. Ive usually used backpacks for my daily commute. But I got this bag and havent looked back. I just throw my stuff in it, throw it over my shoulder, secure the waist strap and Im off. No packing or unpacking.

The bag is made of very sturdy material and the inside is lined with a waterproof liner that keeps everything dry. There is an organizer pocket on the inside of the bag for the small stuff too. The bag stays secure on my back and doesnt swing left or right as long as I secure the waist strap.

It would be the perfect bag if they had some kind of pocket on the outside that held a water bottle or other small item so that you didnt have to open the bag to get to anything. Other than that, it is a really great bag.

Need a messenger to go with that bag?

On: 2008-05-20

I was a messenger in NY, NY before I joined the Army and I used a Timbuk2 purple and green bag then and loved it. Now that Im in the army purple and green are out of the question but this bag will due. It is the strongest easy to use multipurpose bag you will ever need. Just be careful how you pack it for maximum comfort. On the negative side the waist band is too short.Timbuk2 Classic Messenger BagTimbuk2 Strap Pad - Grip (Black (Grip)-one size)

I LOVE this bag!

On: 2008-05-20

This is the best investment in a bag I have ever made. It looks brand new and I have had it for almost 8 months. Its waterproof, durable, and I can fit a lot of heavy school books into it. The strap is thick and comfortable to strap around your body. I love having it on my bike rides to the grocery store, because you can fit so much into it and not have to put plastic bags on your handle bars and hope they dont break on the way home!

LOVE IT. I plan to get a smaller one for shopping and travel.

This is the Bag to Get

On: 2008-04-21

This bag really amazed me when I got it. It was the perfect size with a little extra room just in case. Im able to take it downtown when I commute and bring a textbook and change of shoes to work, as well as carry all my textbooks, notebooks, and binders to school. It is extremely versatile and I love that its waterproof and very durable. This bag will also be extremely useful when Im able to go away for the weekend. :) This was definitely the bag for me.

The last messenger bag you'll ever need

On: 2008-04-18

Ive been using my medium timbuk2 messenger bag for the past 2 years. Frankly, I think large is way too big. Even medium is a bit much for my 53" frame. Let me give you an idea of how much a medium bag can hold: 2 thick textbooks, a 15" laptop in casing, lunch, portable mug/water bottle, gym clothes + sneakers. So in short, its perfect for those who leave early in the morning and dont get home until the evening. It has enough various-sized pockets on the inside and outside of the bag to feed all my compulsive needs. It works also exceptionally well as a carry-on and overnight or weekend trips. The bag is certainly durable and stylish with an added bonus of having the option to customize the color blocks. I liked that about timbuk2 bags -- crumpler bags seemed a little boring. And to clarify, timbuk2 bags are waterproof in a sense that the contents of your bag will not get wet; but the bag will, because it is the inner lining of the bag that is waterproof, not the outer material. Once the bag dries, its as good as new, but I now spray my bag with a water-repellent from time to time.

If you decide to buy a medium or large, definitely shell out a few more bucks for a padded strap, because while the strap is nice and wide, it provides zero cushioning for your shoulders.

Good, Durable Bag

On: 2008-04-11

I got the small one.

Pros
1) Heavy-Duty Construction
2) Lots of pockets inside
3) Detachable Reflectors
4) Detachable Cross Strap

Cons
1) The velcro can be disruptive in quiet situations
2) It might not be good for protecting things that get creased easily (e.g. loose sheets paper), esp. when its relatively empty (as it has no structure)

I use it every day. Looks like a good investment.

Timbuk2 Bag

On: 2007-12-30

This is a great bag. Lots of room. The small is bigger than I thought it would be. I also bought a medium sized Timbuk2 bag and it would be great for traveling. I like the bag so much I bought a few for friends and family. Nicely made with lots of compartments for cell phones and PDAs.

GREAT BAG

On: 2007-12-08

This bag is great. Sturdy. Stylish. I love the quality. Works great as a purse, diaper bag, or carry-all. Highly recommend it!

11 years and counting

On: 2007-12-07

I bought this bag 11 years ago when I was in college. It has more than withstood the test of time - I still use this bag on a daily basis with only some mild wear on the inside vinyl waterproof lining that has affected its waterproof-ness (though based on what I read on the company website, this is covered as part of their lifetime warranty!). Pick your colors carefully because youll never need to buy a new bag.

Timbuck2 Bag

On: 2007-11-26

This is an awesome bag. Works great for a laptop and is easy to carry.

worth it!

On: 2007-10-29

This bag is amazing. Yes, its definitely on the expensive side, but totally worth it to save the money. I doubt I will need to buy another bag of this type for a many, many years, if at all. I dont use it for bike riding. I got it more because I live in the Seattle area and bus everywhere so I needed something thats totally waterproof, can hold EVERYTHING (I got the medium size and yeah, it holds everything. As in, all my text books, a change of clothes for work, some food for work, and maybe toiletries if I decide to stay at my boyfriends that night), and hold up to the wear and tear of life and heavy college text books. It does all of these things perfectly. Ive been using it everyday for the past month or so and have no gripes about it what-so-ever.
I am a poor college kid but saving up for this bag was well worth it.

worth it!

On: 2007-10-28

This bag is amazing. Yes, its definitely on the expensive side, but totally worth it to save the money. I doubt I will need to buy another bag of this type for a many, many years, if at all. I dont use it for bike riding. I got it more because I live in the Seattle area and bus everywhere so I needed something thats totally waterproof, can hold EVERYTHING (I got the medium size and yeah, it holds everything. As in, all my text books, a change of clothes for work, some food for work, and maybe toiletries if I decide to stay at my boyfriends that night), and hold up to the wear and tear of life and heavy college text books. It does all of these things perfectly. Ive been using it everyday for the past month or so and have no gripes about it what-so-ever.
I am a poor college kid but saving up for this bag was well worth it.

The almost perfect laptop bag

On: 2007-10-24

Im using this bag to hold my 15" MacBook Pro. It has the right amount of padding and convenient pockets. The strap, however, just hurt my shoulder and annoyed me! No worries, I replaced it with the SKOOBA superbungee strap, and now its the perfect laptop bag!

Excellent design

On: 2007-10-14

Every feature of this bag is practical and efficient. While some bags and full of pockets and key rings and flaps that serve only to confuse, tangle and annoy, the Timbuk2 Messenger Bag was clearly designed by someone who actually USES this bag.

The front flap is big enough to safely cover the contents, yet flexible enough to quickly retrieve something. The key ring is on a red cord, making it easy to find, and the cord is attached to the opening of the large zip pocket so you can keep it in or out of the pocket but always find and access your keys even when the bag is full. Pockets within pockets make for sensible organization, and theres a great cell phone pocket and ID or security card pocket. The side of the bag with the pockets is the one thats AWAY from your body as you wear the bag, which at first seems strange. You then realize it is far easier to get in the pockets when you can see them!
I cant say enough about this great bag. Oh yes I can . . .
It looks great too!

Can't beat a classic

On: 2007-09-06

Timbuk2 bags are awesome and nearly indestructible just like the T2. I bought this for my girlfriend and she loves it. The only thing missing is a side pocket for a water bottle. But I suppose the bike messengers didnt have time for frilly extras like that. If you can take the time to visit the companys website to custom design your own bag or check out the cool artist designed limited ones.