Timbuk2 Commute TSA Friendly Messenger Bag
Face it, laptop bags aren't exactly the most exciting thing on earth, but if you pack a laptop around, they are essential to protect your expensive piece of equipment. They aren't all created equally though!
I've had a number of laptop bags over the years, including the traditional black leather look, a backpack, and a messenger bag. The messenger bag was a huge favorite, it just seemed to work easier and take up less space when it wasn't in use. The Timbuk2 bag manages to take the messenger bag style up a step by adding some great features, such as the luggage pass through, the TSA speedy access, and great organization. It doesn't hurt that it is put into a package with some seriously sturdy fabric and weather protection either.
There really aren't any "cons" to this bag, other than the fact that it isn't the cheapest one on the market. About all I can say about that is that we tend to get what we pay for. I've had cheap bags, and they consistently have poor quality workmanship resulting in failure in seams or hardware. I have no worries about that with this bag--I think I'll see it outlive a number of laptops, actually.
The workmanship is top notch, the materials are the same high quality. If you are looking for a quality bag for commuting or traveling with your laptop and other electronic gadgets, this is the answer. It holds a lot and packs it with an eye to both quality and capacity. Sure it isn't going to rate as "trendy" and it won't hold your chihuahua, but it will hold what it's supposed to!
Get your Timbuk2 Commute TSA Friendly Messenger Bag Now!
I bought this bag about 1 year ago on sale from Amazon, and I can proudly say that it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. The bag still looks brand new despite the massive amount of punishment I've put it through. It isn't even fraying at the edges.
BalasHapusI've put this bag down in puddles, carried it in storms with my iPad in the laptop sleeve, and taken it on trips. It is definitely TSA approved, no need to take the laptop/tablet out.
PROS:
Sturdy material
Expert construction
Well-thought-out details (such as an extra strip of soft velcro inside the laptop compartment, so that when you open to velcro strap and it falls back down, it doesn't land of the felt lining and fray it)
TONS of pockets that are expertly laid out
Key ribbon. I use this all the time. I'm terrible at keeping track of my keys, so I leave them attached to my bag. It's the perfect length, you can use the keys to unlock doors and the like without any inconvenience.
CONS:
The water bottle holder is not very convenient, as you have to bring the bag to the front to get at it because of the side it is on.
Size. I bought a small, which is generally okay, except I have found myself wishing for more storage on plenty of occasions. I should have just bucked up and got the medium for an extra $15 or so
The strap pad that comes with the bag is a little thin. I had read plenty of other reviews and bought the extra-padded one that Timbuk2 sells and it was worth it. Especially when the bag is completely full.
TL;DR: Lots of great features and sturdy construction make this well worth the price, but get at least a Medium size and buy the extra thick add-on strap pad.
I purchased this bag for a 13" Macbook Pro and it works splendidly. Following are the Pros and Cons I've noted thus far:
BalasHapusPros:
Well made and stylish. Durable ballistic nylon with plenty of internal compartments. The rear-load compartment is padded and can easily accommodate a 13" laptop in one side, and an iPad or similar device in the other. The front compartment area has plenty of spaces for tag-along gadgets and accessories. Divider pockets are secured with velcro which makes those storage spaces flexible - you can keep things subdivided, or loose the velcro fasteners and expand the usable area for larger items. This bag has much more room than my older version Timbuk2 Commuter Bag.
Cons:
When placing the laptop in the rear internal padded pocket, you need to take care when unzipping this area to access, as the rear padded flap has a tendency to flop backward. This is handy for going through airport security checkpoints, but has the potential to allow the laptop to plunk out unexpectedly.
If I could give it 4.5 stars on account of the issue above I would, but overall this is a great bag so I'll round up to 5.
I don't like calling this a messenger bag since the shape and straps are really not designed for use when bicycling (like Timbuk2's real messenger bags). As a commuter briefcase, it works great. The fabric is very heavy duty and the construction is very high quality. There are several small pockets on the inside to keep your business gear organized, as well as one big internal pocket, and a well padded laptop pocket. The laptop pocket zips open for TSA airport checks, which is really great for keeping your laptop safe and secure. The big internal pocket could easily hold several books or a big pile of papers, though not really bulky items like Timbuk2's regular messenger bags. This bag works well for the intended use (business people commuting by planes, trains, and automobiles), so I'm giving it 5 stars.
BalasHapusFace it, laptop bags aren't exactly the most exciting thing on earth, but if you pack a laptop around, they are essential to protect your expensive piece of equipment. They aren't all created equally though!
BalasHapusI've had a number of laptop bags over the years, including the traditional black leather look, a backpack, and a messenger bag. The messenger bag was a huge favorite, it just seemed to work easier and take up less space when it wasn't in use. The Timbuk2 bag manages to take the messenger bag style up a step by adding some great features, such as the luggage pass through, the TSA speedy access, and great organization. It doesn't hurt that it is put into a package with some seriously sturdy fabric and weather protection either.
There really aren't any "cons" to this bag, other than the fact that it isn't the cheapest one on the market. About all I can say about that is that we tend to get what we pay for. I've had cheap bags, and they consistently have poor quality workmanship resulting in failure in seams or hardware. I have no worries about that with this bag--I think I'll see it outlive a number of laptops, actually.
The workmanship is top notch, the materials are the same high quality. If you are looking for a quality bag for commuting or traveling with your laptop and other electronic gadgets, this is the answer. It holds a lot and packs it with an eye to both quality and capacity. Sure it isn't going to rate as "trendy" and it won't hold your chihuahua, but it will hold what it's supposed to!
This is my first foray into the world of Timbuk2, and I have to say that I am impressed. Yeah, its just a bag, but many of us use bags like these everyday. Having one that is convenient, comfortable, durable, and professional is very important. I am happy to say this bag not only fits all these criteria, but excels in each.
BalasHapusThe nylon is extremely tough. I haven't been dragging mine across gravel, but I think that you probably could without doing much damage. It has a nice texture that repels water well. I find I don't have to worry about where I set my bag down because I know the nylon is tough and weatherproof enough to withstand anything I encounter in the course of the day.
The bag is very roomy. I have the medium size, and it is large enough to fit a 15" laptop, an ipad, a couple of large textbooks, a few other miscellaneous items (blood pressure cuff, etc.) and many small odds and ends. If you have a very large 15" laptop with an extended battery that pokes up, it may not fit in the dedicated laptop section and will have to be placed in the main compartment. I haven't seen other sizes, but I would think the medium would be sufficient for most people. It fits comfortably across my shoulder (I am a thin, 6 ft male) and doesn't feel too big across my body.
It has a couple of small zipper pocket, including the napoleon pocket which can be accessed under the flap without undoing the buckle. I like how one of the small zipper pockets has the red timbuk2 key ribbon, so keys can be used and stored without un-clipping them from the bag (for doors, not cars of course). This is great for me, as I have a tendency to misplace my keys.
The shoulder pad that comes with the bag is a little lacking. It's not uncomfortable, but for long periods with my bag I would like some more padding. I have heard that the deluxe shoulder strap pad that timbuk2 sells for $15 is a worthwhile investment. I will order that item and update this review when it comes.
This bag, unlike the Timbuk2 command, does not come with velcro silencers. These can be ordered for $3 directly from Timbuk2. I ordered the silencers so that when I open the flap during class there isn't a loud velcro sound. The velcro and buckles are redundant for closing the flap. This is useful for those who want extra security, but not necessary most of the time.
This bag is quite similar to the command line of bags. the command line has a slightly different look, and has a differently oriented laptop compartment. My friend has the command, and honestly they are similar enough that I don't think you could go wrong with either one. The command has metal hooks to keep the flap closed instead of buckles. This is supposedly quieter (though the buckles are easy to open and close silently), but command's the metal hooks don't stay closed nearly as well and sometimes flap loose. Overall, order either one with confidence.
This bag comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects from Timbuk2. From what I've heard, they have great customer support, but I have not yet dealt with them personally.
I haven't found any negatives with this bag yet, but if I do I will update this review.
I was absolutely positive this small-sized Timbuk2 case wouldn't hold my 15 inch MacBook Pro. The measurements on the page indicated that I had an eighth of an inch width to spare but that the computer was several eighths too tall. I was hoping that I'd at least be able to squeeze the computer inside.
BalasHapusMy fears were laid to rest the moment the bag arrived. It's an excellent fit, neither loose nor tight, but just right, and the velcro strap that holds the computer firmly in its sleeve is adjustable and forgiving of my slightly tall computer. Most importantly, the case zippers up over the sleeve containing the computer without any problem or hesitation. I would guess most 15" PCs will easily fit this small (but quite large) bag, though you would definitely need the medium bag for a 17" laptop.
Of course, you could always put your larger computer in the main part of the bag, but the beauty of the sleeve is that the bag zips open to lie flat so you don't have to get your computer out in the airport security line. While I only fly a couple times a year, that perk alone is worth its weight in gold.
The rest of the bag is as well-constructed and luxurious as the company claims. There are padded compartments to slip an iPad or notebook in, which work great for cameras, camcorders and other electronics, or old-fashioned paper books. I especially like the flat divided pocket directly under the front flap because I can keep my phone or digital recorder and a compact camera in easy reach. (And while the reaching is easy, you're in no danger of losing anything because the big openings have both clasps and Velcro fasteners, while interior pockets are equipped with Velcro.) There's also a very room flat holder for pens and other office supplies and a net bag built into the interior side that can be used for most anything. I'm thinking I'll pop an apple into it more often than not.
There's a huge amount of room in the main compartment. I'm using this messenger bag in a few days when I fly as my carryon and have no doubt I can easily fit a change of clothes and important toiletries in it as well as the computer, cameras, notepads and books I'll be needing. Not only that, this will slide under the seat - I don't like putting things in the overhead compartment.
On the outside, this is a beautiful, sleek bag with a pocket on one side to hold a bottle of water. There is a luggage pass-through so you don't have to carry it while pulling along a suitcase, but if you do, the removable, easy-to-adjust shoulder strap has a removable padded sleeve to save your shoulder. Without the strap, there's a built-in handle so you can carry it like a briefcase. It's comfortable as well.
From the fasteners that make snapping the shoulder strap off and on easier than I thought possible, to the feel of the zippers and the padded interiors, this bag is both elegant and imminently utilitarian. The company guarantees it and I can see why: I expect to use this bag daily for many years. It's absolutely the best I've ever had.