Timbuk2

SRP / SP:	$60 / $60
Requirements:	None
What’s Hot:	Tough and attractive
What’s Not:	Clasp controlling strap length

Across the backs of bike messengers, college students, and hipsters in general around the nation, Timbuk2 bags have gained a major following. With a reputation for making bags that are tough, versatile, and attractive, I thought I’d take the small size of their staple product, the Classic Messenger, out for a spin.

If this bag looks familiar, that’s no surprise, as it’s hard to go a day without seeing them. It turns out there’s a good reason for this ubiquity. I was impressed with the bag’s construction, with tough ballistic nylon that I wouldn’t worry about ripping from a little snag. The nylon is lined with vinyl, and after going through several days of nearly non-stop raining, I’ve been very pleased with the resistance to water. Not only was my PowerBook completely dry after walking through heavy rain, but books and paper documents showed no ill effects.

Of course, the real question we’re trying to answer here is the suitability of this bag for PowerBook users. On the Timbuk2 website, the 743 cubic inch bag is described as “[…] a big purse, or a small briefcase.” This is a great description of the bag, as it is definitely not a backpack replacement for those of you who are hauling around not only a PowerBook, but accessories, books, etc. Additionally, for those of you with a 15″ or 17″ PowerBook, this bag will be too small for you. The upside is that the sizing is almost perfect for a 12″ PowerBook in a fitted sleeve, in my opinion. The bag also has enough depth to hold some smaller accessories, a notebook, or that sort of thing; keep in mind, though, that if you’re hoping to carry your PowerBook and some textbooks, it could be a tight squeeze.

Underneath the flap and inside the bag are a variety of pouches and slots for storing things. I’m not certain what each of them is intended for, but for those who need ID for work or the gym, the card holder should be appreciated, and some of the pouches lend themselves well to holding a cell phone, PDA, or iPod, making the utility belt a thing of the past.

One thing has cropped up a couple times during my time with this bag, and that is the clasp which is used to maintain the length of the shoulder strap. The adjustment system is clever and easy to use, but the clasp which locks the strap length in place comes undone a little more easily than I’d like. While it doesn’t happen frequently, and perhaps I just need to be more careful, it is obnoxious to have to readjust the strap length to where I had it set, and having something a little more robust would be appreciated.

The quality of this bag is unquestionable, and the variety of colors and accessories is always appealing. The only real concern for the potential buyer is whether they want something that can store more than just their 12″ PowerBook. For those who need to carry folders, books, or a lot of peripherals with them, this bag is likely not big enough, but for those with fewer burdens, this is a solid performer.

Filed under: Reviews