Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Commute (Large)

This is my work bag. At first, I was a little unsure about the separate TSA certified external laptop compartment, but I am now sold on it. My 17-inch laptop barely fits however, so use caution especially if you have an older thicker/bulkier 17-inch screen laptop. The only thing I don't really care for about this bag is the lack of dividers inside the main compartment. If not for that, I probably would have given the bag a perfect score. I recently spilled coffee inside my bag and can attest to the claims of waterproof/spill proof liners and seams. To early to tell how long this will hold up, but the construction of this Timbuk2 bag seems superior to the Columbia messenger bag I replaced. My Columbia bag lasted 13 years so I am optimistic about my new Timbuk2 bag.

I've had a Timbuktu bag since 2006 and always liked it other than the orange color, which is why I finally switched it out for a blue/black one. The old bag wore well with only a few signs of wear, although it was getting rather grimy and I wasn't sure how to clean it. The one thing I miss with the new bag is that my old one had an outer pocket that was easier to slip papers, notebooks etc. into on the go. Now that space is where the laptop goes, and I have to unbuckle to throw something else in the bag. Also, old bag had some Velcro closures on the front that made it easier to secure quickly without the hassle of buckling. The new bag has a Velcro strip across the top flap but no corresponding strip on the bag itself -- except for a vertical strip that's covered with a strap, the function of which eludes me. Guess I'll have to check the manual but this stuff should be fairly intuitive.

Computer and traveling to/from home and office.

I own the L version and i am 1.75m, the bag is not to big for me, but the strap is a bit to long for summertime. In the wintertime with thick jackets its ok. The bag is realy spacy, but for me, the bag could be a bit spacier ( i have to carry a lot for my job). 5-6 liters more would be nice. The laptop compartmend is great! The compartment fits easy my 15" Laptop, iPad with outdoorcase and my Sony eBook reader. I love that! Napoleon bag from the 2014 version would be nice... The Bottleholder are to short for 0,8l Sigg bottles. They fit but the want to slip out... Dangerous! The second bottleholder is perfect for wet small umbrella! Inside: the organiser is to small and more compartments would be nice. The 3 compartments in the front are great! There is only one velcro for the flap. I love the possibility to hide the velcro for silent opening, but i would prefer 2 velcros. Summary: great bag, high quality, but not perfect.

I wanted something a bit more professional than the backpack I had been using for work. This messenger bag does the trick. The back zip pocket is a convenient way to store and access my 18" laptop. The inside has just about enough small pockets to carry all the miscellany I like to have on me. The inside has a divider, and in the front I am able to store my lunch. The sleeves on the front are suitable for small electronics (my ancient iPod), various cords, a small notepad, and a few granola bars. The side pockets easily store a 16oz thermos and a battery pack. The shoulder strap has a nifty release clip that lengthens the strap for easy putting-on and taking-off. It takes a little time to get the knack of cinching it back tight for transport. I like that the cover flap does not need to be clipped on to use the hand handle. You can grab it anytime and the bag won't spill. For the most part, the bag will stand on its own. I've been using it for a month and have not thought about returning to the backpack. This is doing the trick. If I could improve it, I would add a little more room to the inside compartment. It handles my daily cargo, but if I have to add a book or two it can get tight. All in all, a good product. I recommend it.

I used the Timbuk2 online Device fit guide, it showed that my Dell Precision M4700 would fit a size Medium Commute bag, so that's what I ordered. But, my Dell wouldn't even fit in the laptop section of this bag, it wasn't even close. Customer Service was great, they accepted my return & sent me out a size Large of the same model bag. My Dell fits in the large model, but barely, it's a tight zip to get it closed. I just checked the Timbuk2 website today and the fit guide still hasn't been updated as it shows my Dell would still fit in a Medium Commute bag. Also, the only exterior pocket is on the front of the main flap, its too small fro an iPhone 6 Plus, which is a bummer as I would like a quick easy place to stash my phone without having to open the bag. So, I use this pocket for my keys. Everything else about this bag is great, very nice bag, just needs more exterior pockets.

I really like the bag - the look stood out to me when shopping the options. The only quibble is that it seems too wide. It feels bulkier than I thought that it would. I put my computer's dimensions into the thing and ordered a medium. I wonder if I could have made due with a small, but didn't want to go through the return process and find out that it wouldn't have worked. When I use the bottle holder for my commuter mug, the too wide thing becomes more pronounced. I also wish that the phone pocket was made of something softer. That said, it's a great bag and I don't regret the purchase.

Need more cool pockets like cell phone pocket on the flap. Gear compartment for small stuff like gum, keys, etc

I love the organization of this bag; it holds a lot of items in an easy-to-find way. My only complaint is that within the first couple of days the velcro that holds the flap down on the front of the bag is already starting to come off. I sent an email to the company but haven't heard back.

I have several other TIMBUK2 bags and am very pleased with them. However, this bag does not seem to be as advertised. It is smaller than expected. There is no adequate pocket for protecting even a thin notebook. This bag was advertised to include a key lanyard/clip but it was not included, nor is there a place where it might attach. The bag also seems to be quite a light-weight (regarding quality) compared to two other messenger and commuter bags I have. Not horrible enough to return - will probably use it for packing iPad, Kindle, chargers, etc. for vacation.

Weak plastic fasteners and no clearly defined lap top division.

I use Timbuktu bags throughout my personal and professional life. They are great bags and much better than than the briefcases or backpacks that never seem right in today's work place. I purchased my Commute bag (all black, size small) and for the most part really like it. All the normal characteristics around quality and usefulness are here. The only issue is that the bag is much bigger than I thought. The small is the size of a "normal" briefcase...which is to say too big (I guess the large allows you to bring your whole office with you). If you buy this bag, keep this in mind as you are not getting a small bag but something generally the same size as an old-school Targus briefcase. Yes, it will fit a Macbook Pro 15" but not everyone has one of those. I wish a smaller one was made like other bags. Just too much wasted space right now.

I previously owed a command bag and wore it into the ground. This time I wanted a slightly lighter bag for my everyday commute on the London Underground. Bag wise, it's great - my main issue is the straps and clips. The plastic clips that hold the main flap closed will often not seat properly - you slide them in, they go in at an angle and won't properly fasten. Takes a few seconds of fiddling to get them out and seat them again. That wouldn't be too bad but I have to do it three out of five times. My next issue if the quick release buckle. It's awful. The previous design was far larger and more sturdy. Once you gripped the bag strap it didn't go anywhere. The 'new' design used on the commute just unclips whilst walking. God forbid I have to run for a train - whenever I have, it just lets the strap go and the bag drops down my shoulder. Luckily I still had the strap from my command and was able to use that instead. Massively disappointed in the new design though. I'd recommend the bag to others, but with heavy caveats. Got to admit that I expected better

Very roomy, can fit laptop, folders and a lunch bag in it, good shoulder strap size for someone 6ft+ Shipping to Canada is terrible, why I gave it only 3 stars. Either charge extra at time of checkout or use US postal service to ship so I can pay duties at a postal outlet here. Not charging them at point of sale and using UPS means I HAVE to be home when delivered...no telling when that will be. Buy it in a store if you can, if not, buy something else if you live in Canada.

I thought this bag was exactly what I was looking for. I am a substitute teacher so I carry a few extra supplies such as pens, pencils, and the like. I also carry a tablet and sometimes my Kindle. The problem with this bag is that the main compartment is not big enough to carry my binder (for school) and something else. the back which is were the tablet and Kindle go is good. There is no give in the bag. I kept comparing the sizes and I ordered the medium but I guess I should have ordered the large. I bought this bag on sale but I really should have returned it and ordered the large. Disappointed. I don't know if I would buy another bag again because the shipping was expensive and it took a while to get to me.

I started out with the Command Messenger Bag but found the aluminum hooks used for closure awkward. I also missed having a pocket on the outside flap. So I ditched the Command for the Commute Messenger Bag (size small). I like the buckles that secure the flap infinitely better; much easier to close when on the run to a flight gate. However, the outside pocket is undersized. It's marketed as a pocket for smart phones but my Samsung (approx. 3" x 5.75") doesn't fit without cramming it in at an angle. There's plenty of room on the outside flap to increase the vertical depth of the pocket; can't figure why it isn't used to create a bigger pocket. The rest of the bag features are okay. The bag gives me enough room.

The TSA compartment works well, if you get a TSA agent that understands it complies. Some will still demand you take everything out. The biggest design goof: it has a velcro flap without any velcro material on the bag (like other Timbuk2s) to attach to, which means you must snap the buckles for closure :(

I've had multiple Timbuk2 bags and really like them. Moved to a commute a couple of years ago for the TSA compliant piece since I'm running through airports at least twice a week. Had to upgrade my bag from a medium size to large when I got a bigger laptop and went from the 2014 model to 2015. The difference for me between the 2 is the pass through design so you can put the bag on top of your carry on roll-aboard. The 2014 medium model had the handle pass through canvas that covered the whole back of the bag which made to very secure (e.g. it wouldn't fall over). The 2015 large model now has this small strap held together with a piece of Velcro. This updated design isn't sturdy at all. If you have any weight in the bag (and I often do with 2 laptops) and are rolling along, the bag tends to fall all over the place and isn't secure. It's super frustrating... it's almost like you're just placing the back on top of the roll-aboard with no strap at all. Overall, the bag is great and I really like all the features except the pass through.... since it won't stay on my tumi roll aboard bag. I might toss this one for another until they modify the design. If you're using this as a standard messenger on your shoulder, you'll be happy. If you're an airplane road warrior, you could get annoyed with this similar to me.

Well thought out placement of the compartments. I really liked the placement on each short side inside the main compartment. I use one of them for my umbrella and the other for my sunglasses. The outer compartment with zipper on the lid is an excellent place to stuff an RFID entrance card for the office, just a quick pass over the numpad and you're in. No need to open it and fiddle around. The key clip is a nice feature that I always use, but it is a bit slow to get the keys out if you have a couple of long safe keys on your key ring. Keys rarely line up on my keyring so they snag because the key compartment is half an inch too narrow. I have noticed how fast and easy it is to change the lenght of the strap due to the clever buckle construction. But the buckle construction doesn't have that comforting solid feel. Only time will tell if it holds up. Shoulder pad is comfortable without being too large (I'm 6,2 XL). The clips are not the best. Once closed they stay closed but opening and closing them can be a bit annoying. They are just that fraction of an inch too small, or just a tad too smooth to manipulate efficently. Closing them can be a bit problematic because you have to line the male and female clip exactly straight or it won't attach. The clips are the one thing that really annoys me. The computer compartment is well padded but I was a bit surprised that my mini Ipad 4 didn't fit the smaller padded compartment. I falsely thought it was made for that size of tablet. However a nice touch is that the computer compartment protect whatever is inside from the ground. All in all, once I get my stuff inside the bag it is well protected with each item having their own place. I can get my lunchbox, pok3r keyboard, sunglasses, umbrella, laptop/ipad and a sweatshirt inside without it being too bulky and uncomfortable. If you need a practical and comfortable bag for commuting with your tablet or laptop and your lunch box this one is for you. If you're going to carry it as a grey man tactical bag with essential hardware sustainment you really need to put another set of buckles on the lid and perhaps change the strap (due to the buckle) but keep the shoulder pad because it will work with heavier weight items. Also make sure your stuff fit the three pockets under the main lid, they are quite deep.

This messenger bag is very attractive and seems to be durable, but the padded laptop compartment narrows at the bottom, such that it wouldn't properly fit a 15.6" laptop as advertised.

On line order via e-mail promotion produced no confirmation number, nor order number; lack of weekend service support resulted in follow-up to credit card service to try and verify that order was legitimate. Timbuk2 service staff was able to allay concerns by phone two days later. Not good. The order arrived on time and the bag is fine.

I am a law student and a professional and I spent a lot of time and effort looking for the "perfect" bag for travelling between home, work and school and thought I finally found it in the new Commute. Despite being a messenger bag of very good build and quality, there are a number of big letdowns that ultimately dissuade me from recommending it as a solid purchase. PROS 1. Great quality - the stitching and general craftsmanship is above reproach. 2. Great look - attractive and professional looking. Can go effortlessly from campus to the office. 3. Roomy - can fit everything I need for class and work. CONS 1. NO NAPOLEAN POCKET - I probably should have looked at the specs more carefully but I simply did not think that the designers would exclude such a brilliant, practical feature from what's supposed to be an updated version of the Commute. Instead of a Napoleon pocket, there is a zipper on the flap, but it is too small for my wallet and far too conspicuous for me to put my phone or money in there. Getting into it is also not quick, given that it's a zipper enclosure. I would not have purchased this bag if I knew it had no Napoloeon pocket. THAT'S how big of a deal it is. 2. Compartments are oddly sized and shaped - Especially the three long pockets under the flap. These are too narrow to fit a tablet pc or my wallet, and if you place anything narrow enough but short, it slides to the bottom and can be difficult to get out because the pockets go the entire depth of the bag. Getting stuff out is even harder if the bag is full. 3. Not comfortable as a shoulder bag - Again, probably my fault for expecting a messenger to be comfortable on the shoulder, but I've owned messenger bags before that sit comfortable on my shoulder. This one does not. The strap doesn't sit flat and it keeps sliding off my shoulder. 4. Does not stand up very well on its own - This bag has balance issues. It won't stand on its own and tips forward on itself. This is because for whatever reason, the flattened bottom does not extend all the way to the front of the bag. This also means it does not sit comfortably on your lap while you are on a bus/train or any kind of seated position. Very much a letdown when you constantly have to reposition the bag to access your things. 5. Easily scuffed - The black nylon parts of this bag show white scuff marks very easily and they are hard to get out. I've only had it for one day and already there are many white marks on the front, especially from my fingernails as I zip and unzip the flap pocket. I shudder to think what it will look like in a year. 6. One velcro tab in the middle makes it unsecure for a grab and go - If your bag is full and you are in a hurry, and you quickly close it via the Velcro and pick it up by the grab handle, chances are it will open up. I've tried it and it did. The older version of the Commute and the current Command have 2 velcro closures on either side, but unfortunately this bag only has one central one, which is less secure. 7. Grab and go handle is uncomfortable - For reasons unknown, the shape of the grab handle is cubical, meaning it has straight edges rather than a rounded shape. This makes it quite uncomfortable to hold and wears on the hand after carrying for a while. I really love Timbuk2 and I'm impressed with their passion for designing quality bags, but this one has been a major disappointment to me, and I had very high hopes when I ordered it. If I were a US customer, I would definitely return this bag in exchange for the Command.

The bag is generally great for a commute, right size, sturdy and light. All good. But the adjustable shoulder strap - there is something wrong. The hinge is plastic and doesn't feel securely closed when it snapped into position. If I accidentally touch it with a full bag, it is like a released trigger and the bag falls down from my shoulder. Then the strap is very hard to adjust it on the fly. I am considering returning it. If I am doing something wrong, it is not obvious. I am open to suggestions. I am happy to alter this review if I did something wrong.

Love the commute bag and have a prior model year. Want another but there's things about this current one can't live with. My model has a suitcase handle pass through that doubles as a drop in pocket perfect for iPad mini when the zipper at the bottom is closed. Which is 100% of the time. Can't live without that. Also, the single strip of velcro in the middle of the bag is going to be problematic. Mine has right and left side strips to mate with the bag flap strip. With how velcro loses it's grip over the years, the double strips are better than a single strip down the middle. New commute 2.0 is of zero interest to me. Please mate the best features of the one i have with then nice features of this newer version.... Then I'll be able to refresh. Oh, and add a customization option to the Commute Messenger. I'd pay to be able to customize flap colors.

I use this as an overnight and flight bag. I carry two computers and bits and pieces, mainly chargers and books. It has plenty of space, and sensible pockets. I think it's nearly perfect, but for two things: the bag lacks rigidity, meaning it tends to lose shape, particularly when held by the handle. Secondly if the bag is loaded, the single Velcro strip tears away from the covering flap, leading you to scramble to clip the clasps together [which should be possible to do one- handed but it's not], before the flap potentially detaches itself spilling contents on the floor. The Velcro strip should be across the entire width of the bag. Timbuk 2 is welcome to contact me to help design a perfect bag!