silverorange stuff

I don't own one, but I love them. I bought a bag about a year and a half ago from YakPak, which I thought was a 'core' cycling company that made a product almost as good as Timbuk2, man was I ever wrong.

The material started to break down within a few months from wrinkling against itself where it folds, the strap began to rip away from the side of the bag within a month (the stitching used looks like it's of the weight you'd use on a teeshirt, and not a pack.) NO shoulder padding, and really an overall lack of compartments and storage, nut just in terms of quantity, but in design as well.

Hey, I'm thinking about getting one... what features should i consider and not consider?

Thanks a ton, I'll reply when I get mine, I just ordered it (green-grey-navy blue) with all of that and the divider my teacher suggested. How's yours holding up?

This bag rocks!! looks great, big, carries all my stuff, sturdy, comfortable!! ooh:) sounds like the boyfriend i never had...

I will use my bag mostly for school, what size do you guys recomend?

Want mine? It's 10 years old looks like brand new, I carried it on a bike comute for years and it never failed,leaked,dissappointed. I am looking to buy a more modern color(mine is purple and gold big blocks) You can't miss with this brand!

I use my bag for school and traveling. I've found that a large works well - as long as you have a lot of books/notebooks/other stuff to carry around. Medium isn't quite big enough to handle full-size notebooks, but the I can load up the large to full capacity without any problems.

I just ordered one and was shocked to see that Timbuk2's international shipping costs are 35$US, thats about 50$Canadian, for shipping!! I love godd quality gear and rspect Timbuk2 also for their ethical manufacturing practices (big points), but 35$ shipping to Canada seems a little inflated. I cannot see how they can justify charging so much.
For internationals, Beware shipping+handling

Hi! I am going to get on for the next school year. My dad has one and he got the medium size... it's kinda small. It's a good size, but I think that ALL my school things will ever fit in it. So I am getting a large. I don't know if I should get the middle divider?? I'm pretty sure I am going to get it in Light Green, Yellow, Light Green.

i am making enquiry about your, tulbuk bag i base in uk please get back to me asap!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love these bags. I have had three and looking for another. I use mine for everyday stuff because its like a purse on steroids. I live where it rains hard sometimes and this bag kept all dry including my me. It has carried everything from school books to groceries to dog treats to knife kits, and all in cool urban style. And the fact that you can design your own, well thats just way cool, cause who wants a bag everyone else is carrying?

I will soon be buying a custom-made Timbuk2 bag, created using the company's online program. What frabic should the bag be made out of? The site offers two options, Cordura or Ballistic, and I am looking for the most water-resistant material. If any of you wouldn't mind, please email me with your personal recommendations, thoughts, or experiences. Thanks.

HoldiayInCambodia, I wouldn't recommend the center divider. Basically, it divides the bag in half down the middle, which pretty much halves the amount of storage space--things wider than half the bag won't be able to fit. Unless, of course, you're using the bag to hold papers, folders, or other similar things, in which case you might find the center divider useful for organizational purposes. But whatever.

holidayincambodia, i agree with anonymous0one about the middle divider. i have a small timbuk2 classic messenger bag to travel, and as a everyday 'around town' bag. my bag doesn't have a middle divider, but since it is a small (i'm not sure if this is the same for all classic messengers) it did come with interior pockets which stores all my things in very nicely. i do have a kipling backpack that has a divider down the middle and i just find it very annoying when i just want to stuff a sweatshirt/light jacket and a few things that is larger than one divided side would hold. if you are going to use it for school i think if you had a folder or binder it will keep all your papers seperate. in high school and college i decided to ditch the bulky binders and used different colored folders by mead five star (they had four different sections to hold papers in one folder) or the accordian folders and some notebooks for notes.

I am thinking of buying from Timbuk2 and want to use the bag to carry, generally, the following:

- 12" Mac Powerbook with its a/c plug and cord
- iPod in a small case, with its a/c plug and firewire cord
- a small paperback book
- a legal pad in a pretty flat portfolio (about 1/2" thick)
- my cell phone

Is the Classic Medium the right size? I would put the Powerbook in a really snug neoprene sleeve for extra padding. This would make its dimensions 12" x 9.5" x 1.75". I'm trying to be oh-so-cool-and-hip but also not carry one more square inch than strictly necessary. Thanks.

at a guess, Tux, should be fine. I have a large and you can wedge an awful lot more stuff than that in....
Have had my large classic deedog for nearly 5 yrs now and it still looks new.
that said, there are a few things to look out for when buying a classic at least.....
1) they are waterproof due to the heavy vinyl lining (probably the best feature) but if you bike hard in it this means your back will get very sweaty very fast.

2) no back padding...... not too bad but you have to pack flat things like pads or the laptop sleeve next to your back otherwise your shopping will dig in and hurt like hell....

3) if you have only (a few) flat things in there eg just a notebook, they do not sit upright very well due to the depth of the bag....this is the point of the centre divider but that has it's own problems when you want to chuck something more bulky (bike helmet etc) in there. When I bought mine they offered bottom compression straps to keep the bag flat but they seem to have stopped doing this now.

if you bear in mind the limitations caused by the simplicity of the design, you will not be dissappointed. One of the laptop bags could be a better bet tho......

What about the sizes? I'm looking at a Timbuk2 Classic bag and have no idea whether to get the El Ocho or the Dee Dog...The description on the website sucks (who's gonna carry encyclopidias with then everyday?), and I'm trying to see whether or not its worth it to get the Dee Dog...

Anyone carrying camera equipment with these bags? I have a Sony F717 in a custom fitted case, but I also have a Holga and a Holgaroid + film, batteries, cellphone, etc. that I want to cart around.

Does anyone have any experience with the laptop bags vs. the classic & laptop sleeve combo? I will be commuting on bike with a larger laptop (about 14.25" long) and I don't know if it will fit into a large laptop bag. I don't think I want an extra large laptop bag (too big, and they only come in black!) so I was thinking about a extra large sleeve and a large custom classic bag. However if the laptop bags are safer or better for that purpose, I would be into trying it. Any ideas?

I am very intrested in the timbuk2 bags and am very impressed by reviews. Are the bags really water proff and if not will they withstand a walk home in the rain? My books don't really fit in my bookbag (i have a smaller swiss army bag) as well as books i have cross country gear. I ma in high school and i have 2 large text books and a medium book, all rather tall, and two one inch binders. Should i go for the large? i read the other review on the clasp, does it work as well as that person said. please post the comments as they will benfit not onnly me i hope, or if you email them to me i will post them, either or works. Thank you so much. I also have a question on the fabric and how much rain stays out because of the flip over top, and also is velcro the only closure, does the lining rip up, and are there little pockets inside as well.

Hey, I posted above (Sept. 5) about getting a T2 bag, and finally decided to get the Commute Bag (black/red/black) after looking it over in the Apple Store. I bought it online from Timbuk2 so I could get the one I wanted. It arrived within 2 days, which was amazing. I bought the shoulder strap padding. This pad is very soft, but doesn't have any "grippiness" so it tends to slip off your shoulder if you are wearing the strap over one shoulder, and not wearing the strap across your chest.

This bag is NICE. I am very impressed with the quality of the construction, the design, the light weight, and the stitching is especially strong and accurate. I use it mostly for the items here:

- 12" Mac Powerbook with its a/c plug and cord
- iPod in a small case, with its a/c plug and firewire cord
- a medium size paperback book
- a legal pad in a pretty flat portfolio (about 1/2" thick)
- my cell phone and its recharging cord
- noice canceling headphones

There is plenty of room for all these items and more. To answer a specific question above: YES, it's waterproof. The inside is lined with a rubbery material that is strongly water resistant in normal rain.

REMEMBER these comments are about the COMMUTE BAG, not the classic messenger bag.

I bought at TM2 back a couple months ago and love it. I got the medium (el ocho) size and it's perfect. I use it mostly for school (college) and can carry a few books and notebooks. When I got it I was surprised to find lots of storage inside that is standard. It has 1 really big pocket and 2 or 3 other ones too. I wish I had gotten the cell phone holder though, which I still might order. It's hard to answer your phone if it's always in the back of the bag. The bags are definitely pricy, but well worth it.

I just ordered a medium messenger bag (blk/olive/blk) and I had a hard time determining the size. I picked medium because the site said it was the most popular. Is medium good for everday use in anyones opinion. I plan to take it everywhere I go! I usually carry my planner, a novel or hardcover book, palm,phone, pens. I know the small would probably fit those items but figured it would be too small. DOes anyone have a medium they can tell me about? Is it just the right size in your opinion? I may break and buy a small too. Thanks!

Waterproof? Yes, with a couple of but's:

#1 The interior lining is waterproof, but the outer shell is not. This can be simply remedied, if you want, by spraying the outside with Nikwax waterproof treatment (or any similar outdoors waterproofing product) BEFORE you first use it. These treatments all have to be applied to a clean surface, which is why it is better to to it at the beginning.

#2 This bag is a "bin with a flap," they don't zipper shut, so if you have the flap OVER the ends, you will be OK, but if the flap doesn't cover one or both ends, water can enter.

In practice, I don't bother to water proof mine, they just get a little damp and dry off. YMMV, especially if you really use them on a bike (I use mine in lieu of a briefcase for work - benefit of the new business casual ethic. Just don't call it a man-purse.)

I saw mention of DeeDogs and Ochos. Yes, I have some of those, but I am impressed by the current line, there are a lot of nice design updates. For example, without adding much bulk or, seemingly, much weight, the utility flap has extra zipper pockets, pen slots, a warmfuzzy lined pouch big enough for sunglasses or iPod etc., the front mini-pouch is marginally more useful, you can order it with reflectors on the tabs instead of buckle on reflectors, you can order it with a dark colored (navy) lining instead of light grey (after a while the light colored liners get pretty dirty), you can order it with a stealthy black Timbuk2 logo instead of bright yellow, you can get a handle - finally - that actually adds utiltity without ruining the look of the bag (it is on the "out of sight" side of the bag instead of on the "side out" side, so it doesn't look geeky).

Yes, there is progress. And non-progress: the strap is an uncomfortable as ever, and as slippery as ever. I have been told that the strap is deliberately slippery so that when the bag is worn cross body, an anti-slip patch won't drag on your clothing. Since most of us just sling the darn things across our shoulders, they slip off. (Wouldn't it be nice if they made an antislip option, or an antislip pad to fit over? Or would that be too "Samsonite" of them?

Small or Medium?

Don't underestimate the size of the Small. Go by the cubic inches, not the measurements, the measurements can mislead. After all, a 12" wide bottom on the Small sounds way too dinky to hold much, right? Surely adding a measly 2.5" to the bottom (on the Medium) won't make the bag too large, right?

But guess what, the Small holds 743 cubic inches, and the Medium holds 1474. 734 cubic inches is actually a lot. I use the Black Diamond "Bullet" pack which is only 600 cubic inches, and that can hold a lot. It won't hold a pair of gymn shoes plus gymn clothes, but it'll handle everything that you are likely to need for a whole day, on foot, in the City. Any City. Ditto for the Small Timbuk2.

The Medium will double as a gym bag, or a law student bag (have you seen how thick case books are?). The Small is good if you have just run out of pockets and don't want a fanny pack or two.

Why not just get a Medium? Because Timbuk2's work best when filled to a certain point where they have a "shape." Less than that and they get in the way. More than that and they're too heavy. Filling 743 cubic inches to that point is a lot easier than filling 1474 cubic inches...unless you are planning on staying out overnight and want a change of clothes (you can easily stay out overnight with the Small if you are just interested in bathroom stuff and a change of underwear).

OK, so get both and take the one you need for the occasion you need. Build Your Own Bag is the way to go, unless you have a friendly local retailer who orders somewhat regularly, in which case they will probably order a custom bag for you and you can save the shipping charge. That's what I did.

I'd recommend the handle, which is pretty discrete and non-geeky, for the Small - it makes the bag a lot easier to grab or set down in a car. I am not sure if the handle would work well on a Medium, my suspicion is the bag would sag too much on the ends (think: long sausage).

I also like the middle divider, unlike some other commentators. It doesn't really bifurcate the bag, if you don't want to use it, it fits flush against the back (body side) panel and doesn't take up or waste any space. If you want to carry papers or a trade paperback or graphic novel, it keeps the corners from getting dog eared. It is a double sidede centerpanel, two thin panels of nylon velcroed across at the top. So if you have something that absolutely, positively can't fall out (or be pilfered by a stealthy hand), and it's too bid to fit in the much smaller front flap pouches, that's the place for it.

Have fun. These are really unique products and to a certain degree you CAN have them your way, unlike a lot of other (every other) piece of luggage/bags out there.

Oh yeah, I only recommend the center divider for the Small bag, not for the Medium. Because on the Medium, the bag is much wider and the center divider tends to flop around and get in the way. On the Small bag it is very useful, though.

The thing I like about the Timbuk2's is that, if you need your hands free, you can wear them cross body. So far, no advantage over a back pack. But, unlike a back pack you can swifty rotate them around front, without taking them off, and access the pouch. You can also elect where on the body to hang the bag - front, rear or side - which helps if you are in a bookstore, say, and people are trying to get around you (sometimes I forget how much extra width the backpack adds to me, and people end up knocking against it), or if you are trying to navigate an airplane aisle.

There are also some security points. The Timbuk2 can easily be switched for front carry, which helps in some environments. The material is tougher, plus double layered, compared to most backpacks, so if you bury a passport or wallet in there (in the center divider or a front inside zipper pocket) it isn't so easy for a pickpocket or "slash artist" to reach. Unlike a backpack, which will let stuff fall out if you forget to zip all the way shut, the Timbuk2 is a "bucket" which will hold your stuff (absent a lot of twisting movements etc.) even if you forget to secure the flap (which is somewhat secure thanks to velcro). Also velcro is noisy when "ripped" while zippers are surprisingly hard to hear, say, on a bus. The one security downside is, it's ridiculously easy to plant stuff in a Timbuk2, because the flap leaves a slight open gap at each end, but does that really happen except in movies?

One safety caution: If you don't use the "body strap" (who does?) on the Timbuk2, it can easily shift around your body, and may cause a balance problem. This isn't a problem with a back pack. Also, if you plan on doing extended walking (more than an hour, say) Timbuk2 messenger style bags are not nearly as comfortable as traditional backpacks. On the other hand, a Timbuk2 in a city is a lot easier to get stuff in an out of (and to find) than a backpack.

I have been a baggie (bag-obsessed person) all my life. I have probably bought over a hundred bags in my lifetime always looking for the "perfect" bag to carry all my "stuff". I am on the road 4-5 days a week and I have a "core" group of personal stuff that I take everywhere. I find that the Timbuk2 messenger bag is "THE BAG" I have the medium, red/gold/green, very soiled and worn and would not trade it for any other bag in the world. What sold me on the bag, besides the company's cool website and attitude was the simplicity of the design and the 3 panel colors. I have used this bag as a grocery bag, a gym bag, an overnight clothes bag, a book bag, and once as a water carrier. It has held my climbing rope on numerous trips to the crags, airplane parts from the salvage yard, dirty laundry, and just about everything inbetween. The ONLY thing I would like to see as an option would be a longer strap pad (about 3 feet). Otherwize it is PERFECT for me. Thanks Timbuk2 for creating my "other" life partner.

Hi all
I want to buy timbuk2 Graphic London bag, Medium
but it's so hard to find..
i did searched for timbuk2 london.. but what i've found was from http://store.gearguys.com/250008.html
but this company doesnt carry timbuk2 products anymore
i've contacted the timbuk2 website but they discontinued this item
please please .. let me know if you know where i can buy it..
big thx to all of you

Well I was a bike messnger for 3 yrs and I'll say this about the waterproofing, dont even worry about it. Everything will stay dry as long as the flap is closed, but if you spill a drink in it; it will stay in it. As far as size goes I have the XL and can carry a case of beer and some other stuff at one time on my bike. The large I think will fit that as well. So go from there. You should definitly consider the volume of the bag, That makes a huge differnce.

These bags are practically bulletproff as well. If you can brake it please tell me how you did it cause I've still got the same one and it has seen massive abuse. The bag also works as a good road-rash preventer ;)

I just finished an online order for a large Classic Messenger after a year of trying to squeeze everything into a small. Don't get me wrong -- I love my small bag (it was free; what's not to love?) as a daily companion, a carry-on bag, and a conversation piece -- but as a dancer, I need more space for pointe shoes, jazz sneakers, notebooks, the occasional crumpled costume, all the tape and bandaids, and a change of non-stinky clothes. As a compulsive reader, a book or three HAS to fit in there as well. And if I can truly sneak a cold pack of beer in there (oh-so-necessary for some of our late night rehearsals), well hell, I've got it made. The dance bags I've seen in catalogues or on fellow bunheads just look too boring and black, and none can offer water-resistant protection. Sucked it up, spent some money online, and picked out some purty colors -- but not one speck of pink. No way, no how. Any other dancers out there happy with a large size?

So I just got a Timbuk2 Medium fro the beginning of my next school term and these are the things I need to fit in it, two 80 page notebooks, five folders (thinks hanging ones in the desk) my iPod and charger, cell phone, gym clothes. And one textbook, very thin. Will it all fit?

<b>Drowsy Criticism: Large Timbuk2 Messenger Bag</b>

Salve all,

I recently purchased a large Timbuk2 messenger bag with shoulder strap and centre divider. It arrived on Friday, and yesterday, a late-night trip to the grocery store taught me one thing: this bag can hold an obscene amount! Don't believe me? Here's what I biked home with last night:

- Five 14 oz boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- Two 6-packs of soda
- A jar of pickles
- A liter of milk

A few random comments:

1) I don't advise anyone to fill the bag to capacity with hard, pointy objects; even flat against my back, those boxes of cereal were like knives, and now, I'm sad to admit that the plastic bags within were popped during the ride home. The bag cannot be blamed for this.

2) The large Timbuk2 is huge. So huge, in fact, that I almost wish I had gone with a medium instead. Sure, a large can hold a lot of stuff, but unless the items contained therein are soft and cushiony, one may be in for a painful ride. Given that it lacks any kind of padding or a framework to help maintain a spine-friendly structure, filling a large to maximum capacity just seems like a bad idea. A medium may be all you really need. (I must admit that I am a bit biased against the large, since it is, indeed, kind of bulky, and so, less stylish than the medium or small.)

3) The shoulder strap is well-padded, and doesn't slide much, so long as there is enough weight inside the bag to keep it tight against your shoulder.

4) The centre divider is pretty handy, even in a large. In fact, it divides the bag into three compartments, the centre one being sealable with velcro. If you decide to purchase a large Timbuk2, I advise you to opt for the centre divider, as the interior is so spacious that most items will slide around without some way of limiting their movement.

I just bought the Laptop messenger in Navy/Silver/Navy. It's the classic Medium with a laptop sleeve sewn in. It's handy. I've been carrying my wallet, change, laptop/charger, two books, DVDs and my digital camera. I have the cellphone holster on the strap as well as the strap-pad. Overall, i'm pleased. Still trying to get used to is since I've only seen messenger bags in pictures, but oh well. I'm discovering new sections every day. Does anyone know what this interior lined pouch is for. I'm thinking sunglasses, but not sure.

Rosko

I needed a bag that could handle my work stuff (laptop, papers, wireless mouse, the damn power brick for the laptop) as well as other stuff like gym clothes & shoes, lunch, or whatever. I went with the "Bolo," Timbuk2's extra large bag. It's crazy-big, and can hold way more than I want to be carrying most of the time. Perfect for what I wanted, although now I want a smaller one too!

I kind of like the center divider. Mine's actually attached at the rear seam of the bag - so its not really right in the middle. When it's not needed, it just sits against the back of the bag. Since it's so big, I also went with the bottom compression straps, which are nice too. The inside front pockets which come standard are great for smaller stuff like the iPod, wallet, mobile phone, etc.

Quality of materials and workmanship are excellent.

I just picked up a medium sized Timbuk 2 bag, and I'm thinking that perhaps I should have snagged a large instead. I had a tough time trying to figure out exactly what size I should get: as a public service, I took a few pics of what I was trying to get into the bag (and how well it worked!) and posted them here.

Anyone tried carrying two laptops in one of these bags? Which would you recommend? I'm basically looking for a lightweight laptop bag that will hold two laptops and accessories. Any suggestions?

I just want to say thanks to everyone who posted their opinion about Timbuk2's bags. After much consideration (what size, what color, do I need a shoulder pad, etc!!!), I chose the dk green/lt green/lime Classic Messenger in the small size. I figured if I liked it but didn't love it, I could send it back and get a custom bag. But I love this bag! I took it to Chicago for a week of walking, traveling by bus and train, and attending a conference. At the end of my first day of sightseeing and shopping, it bulged beyond capacity, but still did a great job of containing: a Chicago Cubs souvenir t-shirt, 2 Cubs hats, a bottle of water, my digital camera w/extra batteries, a Chicago guidebook, two skirts, three shirts, makeup, wallet, a notebook, various maps, a newspaper, my conference materials, and my cell phone. I was amazed.

Quick comments on the bag itself: everyone is right--the strap is terribly uncomfortable without some sort of padding. Luckily I had another bag with me on the trip that I could steal the strap pad from. (At the end of the first day without the pad, my shoulder was very sore.) The bag is much more comfortable when not filled to capacity, but about halfway. Keep this in mind when choosing your size. It will hold a lot, but you don't want to carry it around stuffed all the time. If I did a custom bag this time, I'd get the top handle, it would make it easier to get in it in and out of a car when you're not actually wearing it. A cell phone holster might be a good idea (although I just clipped mine to the strap) if you want quick access. All in all, it's a great bag and I'm so glad I got it for my trip. I'd never used a messenger bag before and was very pleased with its versatility and ease of use compared to using a backpack. They are addictive, I think, because now I want a larger one, too!

I have been an avid follower of the timbuk2 trend, having owned both a small and medium size
timbuk2 messenger bag. However, I am wondering if they still manufacture the old style "el ocho" medium-sized messenger bag; when the dimensions were smaller than the current model out in the market today. I had bought and used the "older version" of the el ocho back in the mid-to-late 90s but had to finally retire it. I love the size of that smaller medium-sized bag and have been searching around for that exact size but to no avail; it was perfect...slightly larger than the current "pee wee" but not as big as the current "el ocho." Anyone know of any places online where they might carry the older model?

A brief note to attest to longevity and waterproofness:

I bought mine custom made longer ago than I can remember (10 years, maybe). Before they had laptop sleeves and all the other mumbo jumbo. I think it's called a DeeDog or something like that. Anyway, I've lived internationally since then, traveled all over, carried everything (15" Powerbook, cases of beer, groceries, dry cleaning, video cameras, etc) in it, literally every day, on the bike (daily), on the plane (monthly), on a boat up the Mekong Delta (only once...), etc, etc, and it just only now had it's first failure- the cam buckle on the strap broke getting off the Narita Express at Tokyo airport. 2 weeks prior, I was at Fuji Rock festival, it rained (downpoured) everyday, and the very expensive camera gear that I had inside remained dry. STILL completely waterproof after all these years. I toss it in the washing machine about once a month. BTW, the replacement cam buckle is $4.00, and on the way from Timbuk2 as I type. If you consider getting any other brand of bag, you have rocks in your head.
thanks for listening.

P.S. From John:
I highly recommend getting the shoulder pad strap from Crumpler- it fits the strap perfectly, and is better than the Timbuk2 one.

Any comment on what fabric is better? Nylon or cordura? My boyfriend says cordura... but what does he know? Haha.

I'm interested in ordering a Timbuk2 medium bag online but I'm having a hard time trying to decide what material to use? I noticed that most posts indicate only size but any advice on materials?

Since I'm located in Taiwan, I was hoping to get some feedback before I spend some hard earned money (on shipping) for the bag.

Help!!

Hi, I'm a college student and I'm thinking of getting a Timbuk2 bag. Basically, I would like 2-4 spiral notebooks, a medium sized novel, one paperback textbook of about 600 pages, and my 12 in PowerBook (about 10 ins long) to fit at once (an maybe a mini tote umbrella on those rainy days). Any suggestions on which size to get and whether or not I should add the center divider and grab strap?

Thanks.

I am going to be ordering a custom bag soon and I am not sure if I should get the medium or large. I am going to be commuting to work with a change of clothes and using it for groceries, etc as well. I am also thinking of going with ballistic over Cordura. Anyone have any ideas or opinions?

Thanks

Hi,

REI has some Timbuk2 bags on sale now (no, I don't work for REI).

http://www.rei.com/outlet/index.html

Matt

I just got my large timbuk2 bag in the mail today (I ordered from ebags, since it's the only company that had the color combo I wanted -- dark green, green, and light green). And it's AWESOME. I'm in love with it already. It's definitely very well made. L and Mandy, I don't know if you've ordered your bags yet, but large is pretty darn big. and unless you are very strong and wanted to stuff it with books, it's not worth getting. It will be too heavy and the shape will be ruined if you just put books in it (books = heavy for small volume). For me, it's perfect, since I can carry all my gym clothes, shoes, laptop, books, AND occasionally groceries. Since Mandy wants to carry clothes and books, I think large is a good choice. From many pictures I have seen online, medium would be too small to be able to fit everything I (and Mandy) need. If you get a large bag, definitely get a shoulder pad strap, too. I'm 5'3", and when I wear the bag, it looks like I can fit into it... It's ginormous. I don't mind, but if you are not a big person, I think you might be happier with a medium size bag. The large bag can definitely fit in a lot of groceries.

Ballistic is definitely the way to go. Cordura is pretty old school. Plus, ballistic has a nice sheen to it, and as they advertise, it won't "pill your duds."

I went on line to Timbuk2's website and ordered the xl bag with the custom build and got everythign I wanted. After completing the order, I started thinking that I had gone too big. I sent an e-mail to the change order with a list of my usual items to carry and got a phone call back saying thet cancelled my order and suggest the large bag for me. Also, when I got to my PC that day and checked e-mail, they had responded with the same info and referenced our conversation. AWESOME Customer Service.

I ordered my new Large messenger bag and the laptop sleeve to go in it and can not wait to get it as my current bag's shoulder strap broke.

My one remaining question is on color selection. From looking at it on the custom build, it looks cool, but what do you think about Navy, black and gray?

I'm really thinking about getting a medium bag but I do have one question...I'm 6'8", would the strap be long enough for someone my heaight?

Hey hey,

i first purchased my Timbuk2 bag 6 years ago... and never left it !

It's my all-purposes bag. Tough, well built, perfect. I use it to carry
my photo equipment all around : it's a size medium bag, and there is room enough to put inside a dedicated yet non waterproof photo bag. My Timbuk2 is my "no rain&dust" insurance ! Proven !

I recently bought an XL size, custom made (black black steel, black logo, blue liner)... It's reeeeally big. All my photo gear fits in it, plus clothes, laptop, and there's even more space ! Amazingly huge.

On the neg side, the bag is so big, that when you open it, the folder is usually bent, and it's not very convenient. And the third leg looks less tough than on my 6 years old model. It's yet, to me, the best bag I ever owned. Even if it's not been designed to carry photo gear, the Timbuk2 beats any Crumpler...

Can't wait Timbuk make a photo dedicated bag.... Come on, designers !

Has anyone used theTimbuk2 pro series bags? How does the material differ from the ballistic material found on the classic messenger bags?

From the Timbuk2 website:

What's the difference between the x-Pac material and Ballistic or Cordura?

x-Pac, like our Ballistic and Cordura is a durable nylon. However, due to a three part laminate process it is three times lighter than Ballistic and Cordura and it is waterproof up to 200 pounds per square inch.

Hi! I'm thinking of getting a medium or small messenger bag to use as a day bag/carry-on for a trip to Africa. My only concern is that there is no zipper closure to the main compartment. Anyone have any problems with things falling out or dust getting in? I live in NYC so am a little paranoid about hands getting into the bag.

So on the size...I'll probably be carrying around a bottle of water, two digital cameras, light jacket, hat, snacks, and small binoculars. I'm petite (5'2") and don't want a bag that will look awkwardly big on me. Any other smaller people who use the medium?

Also, from reading the above comments, anyone have experience with the center pocket on the medium size? I read someone said it is good for the small the large.

Thanks!

I have had the Medium version of this bag for 8 years. All I have to do is wash it once every year, and it looks new. Timbuk2 bags are so long lasting that the website actually sells spare parts for them. Can you say that about Tumi or Kensington? Didn't think so.

I now have the XL messenger bag, and a Sager NP9750 17" laptop that I use for statistical simulations and GIS, in an XL Tom Bihn Brain Cell. There's room to spare.

The XL bag makes me feel a bit like Felix the Cat - Carry a 19" LCD monitor? No problem. 6 pistol cases plus 500 rounds of ammunition and spare magazines? No problem. HP Laserjet 6P? No problem. Box of copy paper? No problem. In all cases, the loads are balanced well low on the back and do not shift.

In reply to Sandra, I would be OK taking the bag to Africa, even though there is no zipper. Nothing has ever fallen out of mine or had dust get in it, and I bike to work every day. I have traveled with the medium to South America, and had no problems even though it rained quite a bit. My sister has the medium as well, and she's about your height. It doesn't look big on her at all.

I received a metro mini in silver for Christmas. Recently, I spent two weeks in England. While there it rained nine days out of fourteen, with very strong winds. My bag stayed perfectly dry inside. My complaints-this bag needs more pockets and an outside water holder desperately. It would also benefit by being a couple of inches wider and taller. I had already purchased a shoulder pad for this and that is very helpful.

Alright, so i'm a middle school kid. Exept, in my school, when they pile on the homework, they really, really do. Currently, I have 2 large textbooks (about 1 inch thick each), a large 5 subject notebook with folders (about 1 inch thick), a small 70 page notebook (1/4 of an inch..), a book for reading, a language arts textbook (it's thick, 1 inch +, but not large), a book for school, a science textbook (about 1/3 of an inch), a planner (1/2 inch), a 1.5 inch binder for spanish, a spanish textbook (1 inch), and my gym clothes and the occasional lunch box. I don't take everything home at one time.. that would be hell. Daily, I take home my planner, 5 sub. notebook, small notebook, reading book, and spanish binder. For 1-2 days of the week i take home/bring my social studies textbook, gym clothes, and lunch box. I'm gonna take this bag through high school, maybe even college. I should get the large, right?

I purchased a custom small in October of 2005 with all of the crap, handle and divider, love the size & the handle. The divider I could take or leave. Ballistic was my first choice in fabric, sent it back due to some issues with the bag. Timbuk2 customer service made it easy for my return. Naked with out the bag waiting every day for it's return. Next time cordura a proven product with a proven track record.

Hi. I just ordered a timbuk2 Pro series messenger in a large. I will be using this bag for school. I can't wait until it gets here!

The quality of the bag is great, very strong. the strap is pretty short, i have it at the longest possible for my comfort. padding on the strap would be nice but it not too bad compared to other since the strap is pretty wide.

when thinking about getting one i was debating between medium and large. The school i go to requires me to carry many books so i was thinking about getting a large. i have looked at many other messenger bags and they were much too small, thats why i was thinking large. but when i finally saw one of these in a store i was surprised. These bags are big!!!! even medium. after seeing this i got the medium. this is what i can fit in it. 6 school textbooks standing so i fit 2 side by side so 2x3 block of book and a big 3ring binder (this is like one of thoes zipper binder with lots of pockets and stuff inside( about 2 inches). the large to me looked too big you will only be able to fit 2 books standing up side by side just like medium (so there will be wasted space unless u need to carry another small thing) and the bottom width will only alow like 1 more inch which isnt much.

ya this bag is alot more basic then other especially for 70$!! but i think its worth it. its very strong it carry my sometimes 30 pounds of junk easy. the thing i like most is the amount of stuff u can fit and how it looks with all that stuff in there. is still looks like a normal size nice bag were others would big like bulging out.

After reading all the posts, it seems like there are a lot of people who don't use the cross strap - why the heck not? I just got my bag, as my "anti-backpack", plan to use it for walking, riding - bikes and motorcycles - and already I can feel the benefit of using that strap. It balances and locks the load in place. Riding on the freeway on my motorcycle, I can't afford to have a bag that moves around, and believe me, it doesn't! Somebody referred to this strap on one of the older posts, said basically "who uses it?" I do! And I think once you try it, you'll never go back :-)
Also...I opted for the "center" divider in my large classic messenger, and it seems like a wise decision. It doesn't divide the bag in half, as others have said, rather provides more organizing options and so on. If you're going to spend the money on the bag anyway, another $10 is well worth it for the extra protection and organization it provides.
Love my bag - a green/gold/purple custom in cordura - with strap pad. I think it's the start of a beautiful relationship...

I just ordered the large classic custom, in BLACK/RED/GOLD for a trip to Germany next month. After I placed the order I realized that being right handed it would always be on my right hip and I would prefer to reverse the color order, so I emailed customer service to request the change in color order. Hopefully they can change the order, but either way I'm ecstatic to know its on its way.

After reading this thread I feel confident I made the right choice in ordering a LARGE. I can't sleep im so excited.

I'm a high school student and a rower in Chicago, i.e. I need a good bag with plenty of room.
I saw several people around my school carrying Timbuk2s. I had thought about buying one a couple years ago in middle school, but decided not to as i found something else i liked. Anyway, after asking a few of my good friends with them, they said it was definitely worth it. Completely waterproof, plenty of room, comfy, cute, everything. I finally decided to get one, and ordered it sometime last week. It's on its way right now, but meanwhile i've been inspecting my friends timbuk2s. I decided on a Medium size, which, i noticed, should carry a few folders and notebooks + a change of clothes (rowing spandex for me!) + food + a nalgene + various other pens, etc. I'm an organizing freak, so i'm definitely looking forward to the organizer panel inside the bag. Color and fabric-wise, i got Ballistic (the colors pop, therefore look prettier) and i got white/gold/orange with an orange liner (the inside of the bag is bright orange). i got it with the tough-tek no slip strap pad which my friend has. it's wonderful, i highly reccomend it. I will also be moving to england next year, where i will be doing a lot of commuting by bike. It will be PERFECT. I'm picking up my bag at UPS in about an hour, and i know i made the right choice.

Hi Everyone,

I'm located in Singapore and shipping for the t2 bags are going to cost me 50USD a piece, which is quite expensive.

Have been considering which bag to get, whether a large or an Extra large.
I usually commute on a bus and foresee some potential problems moving in a packed bus with my XL bag, and even sitting down next to someone with the XL bag!!

Big bags are in style here now, but I am afraid I might just get an L sized so it will be easier to go on board a bus. I am about 6 foot 2 and carrying it is no problem.

Really bent over the XL bags since I am in a pre-university college now and we have lots of notes, files stuff to carry around.

Advic/se will be much appreciated!

Gerald

Hey guys I was thinking about getting a white panel for my timbuk2...normally this might be a bad idea because white can get dirty pretty quickly, but I was wondering if anybody had any experience with a white panel on their timbuk2. Thanks!

I got a bag with white-dark green-light green, and I don't even care if it gets dirty. I honestly think it will look more cool and urban as it ages, and as it gets scratches, etc. Your bag is supposed to tell a story.

I have a small size Timbuk2 messenger bag that I bought in 1997 and it's still holding up great! It survived 5 years of Seattle rain and 3 brutal Michigan winters...my stuff never got wet. Definitely water-proof! I just bought a medium Timbuk2 Cordura messenger bag because I am now in medical school and need a larger bag--the medium is the perfect size, especially if you're carrying those heavy medical textbooks, gym clothing,my girlie stuff like make-up kit, keys, cell phone, i pod, jeez..what else? Definitely worth the money!

Okay, so, here's the breakdown.

I'm looking into getting a classic messenger (emerald/citron/slate blue), but I don't know what size it should be. I'm a student, and need space, daily, for:

notebooks, perhaps five at a time, mostly one-subject and composition
a workbook and a softcover textbook
four paperbacks, rather chunky (read: french/english dictionary, etc.)
a TI84 (dork.)
a black binder (you other music people know the kind I'm talking about)
a pair of jazz shoes (dance.)
a half-liter nalgene
pocket detritus (read: keys, pens, an eraser, tampons, train schedules, index card books, my wallet, and the like.)

As an analog, I'm using a Kipling Madhouse right now, and the size is okay, if a little small.

So, medium or large? I'm leaning towards large.

I'm thinking about buying a custom made(beige/chocolate dots/sky blue) timbuk2, a little pricy but i think it'll be durable. What size do you reccommend if i use it mainly for high school? I was almost about to get the small until i read this article. Would the medium be big enough? I don't think i'll be carrying all my books at once but i loked at the dimentions and the med. looked pretty big. info please!

Been using messenger bags since law school and I prefer them to backpacks. Finally got myself a Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Laptop bag (in all black so it won't look out of place in the office) and I'm very impressed. This bag is certainly a keeper!