Timbuk2 H.A.L. 17" Laptop SKU: #7549820

Aaron l

from Spokane, WA

I will be reviewing this laptop backpack from a heavy international business traveler’s point of view. Currently, I’m using an Ogio Epic. It has been a great bag, but alas, the zippers are starting to break down and even came apart completely on a critical pocket. The HAL looks to be a very good replacement. The big selling point for me are the zipper compartments on each side. One compartment is for your computer and it is padded. The other compartment has ample room to put a variety of things. Personally, I’m going to stuff it with my wallet, cell phone, and travel wallet (visa, freq flyer cards, etc.). Both of these side compartments are accessible by simply freeing up one strap, so you don’t have to take the pack off your shoulder. Watch the videos to see how this is done. It’s quite ingenious. The main compartment is huge, and you’ll probably want to get a couple of these zippered pouches to organize it efficiently. I do have a couple of qualms with this backpack. There is no place to put a water bottle except in the side of the main compartment, the carry handle on top is rather small and does not have any padding, the overall number of pockets is not quite enough to compartmentalize all my gear. Overall, I see this bag being a step up from the Ogio, both in terms of utility and style.

Anonymous

from Honolulu, HI

This is my first Timbuk2 product and I like it so far. There is plenty of room without feeling bulky and my 15" laptop seems secure and protected. There is no hook to hold keys and there’s no spot for a water bottle on the outside, but it has a sleek profile and seems tough. I will probably buy another Timbuk2 product based on my satisfaction with this one.

Anonymous

from Sedona, AZ

Great bag - loaded down with geeky laptop stuff and training manuals it was comfortable in spite of the weight. The bag has many compartments, more than enough to keep me organized for a whole week. And of course it came with the perfect Zappos service I have come to rely on. Although this is an excellent bag, it's not perfect and so it gets 4 stars - I have 3 things to point out: 1. I wish it had a dedicated clip for my keys because it's a large bag, keys easily disappear. 2. My laptop (15.5" x 11.5" x 1.6") barely fits inside the bag and getting it in and out of the laptop compartment is a struggle. 3. Getting 8.5" x 11" files, manuals, etc. in and out of the main compartment was a squeeze because of the rather small opening.

Anonymous

from Miami,FL

Great bag, lots or room. Many ways to access your essential gear. If you travel a lot this bag is a great tool to add to your road warrior arsenal.

Martin H

from Montevideo, Uruguay

I recently got this bag to be used as my travel backpack. I have been a long time customer of Timbuk2 and have been very pleased with all their products so far. This particular bag looks very nice, the zippers work very well and has plenty of space. It is though, a bit big for my taste for everyday use - but this is obviously a very personal taste related appreciation. The only thing that disappointed me of the bag, was that the material is not as thick and does not have as much body as the materials I have had so far in the messenger bags and in my other backpacks.

Brands I'd also recommend: In Case

Saara

from Florida

This backpack is like the tardis--on the outside, it looks like a regular backpack, but the inside, it's huge! I took it on a week long trip, and it was the only bag I needed. It also looks slick (though I wish the logo wasn't so bright. I might color it with a Sharpie) and has a ton of convenient handles. Plus, it's comfy, even when fully loaded. I was worried about the sternum strap at first (because I'm a lady, and am well-endowed in the, er, sternum), but it turns out that the sternum strap's length and location on the shoulder straps are both adjustable. So it's all good. Oh! And I love the swing-around laptop access: so much easier than trying to dig a laptop out of a full backpack.

Maloney

from Santa Barbara, CA

This bag is awesome. They thought of everything when they made it. Super useful pockets, and it's deceptively huge. It doesn't look gigantic when you wear it, but if you need it to, it can fit about 3 days worth of groceries in it.

Dragan C

from Minneapolis, MN

I bought this backpack after researching over 100 different bags/backpacks. I needed one in which I can carry my laptop, gym clothes and shoes, lunch, that is stylish and will stand test of time. This bag has given me all this and then some more. There are many pockets for organization, it's waterproof, it's just amazing. If you are a commuter, or just need a backpack which will allow you to carry everything, this is it.