Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

My last one is still in great shape after 10 years with daily use.

I don't think I have ever been....This Happy! Very well made, and exactly the way I wanted it. This is just great!

I use the bag as my main bag. I really love the color (it's purple and it's my favorite color and the right shade no less!) It's a little tight on space but, that's my fault. I got a custom and needed something on the smaller side. I really love the bag and plan to go for the next size up.

I plan to use the messenger bag to carry photo equipment and accessories. It offers divided areas, useful pockets, and durable zippers/Velcro. The bag's online picture and description are accurate. Good price.

20 years ago, I was a bicycle courier in down town Dallas. That is when I got my first TIMBUK2 messenger bag. I took it everywhere FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS!! It became my daily bag to carry my coffee thermos, lunch, everyday carry stuff that I like to have. I am the guy that has everything at any time. Band-aid, antacid, headache medicine, tape, flashlight, multitool, flash drive, toothpaste and brush, comb, knife sharpener, earbud headphones, etc... My point is, my TIMBUK2 bag has carried these things for the past 20 years. About 8 years ago my puppy chewed some of the buckles and straps so I wrote an email to TIMBUK2, and they replaced all the parts I needed!! It is still today, an unbeatable bag that I can use any time, and the canvas gets really soft and enjoyable after 20 years. So I just ordered a new bag, and received it a couple of days ago. I decided to get a smaller version for my everyday carry bag. This new bag is like a dream come true. They have improved on the design of the classic messenger bag. Things are fresh and new, and amazing top notch quality. I am confident that this new bag will last just like my old faithful companion that has held all my stuff for the last 20 years. I will tell anyone. "If you buy a TIMBUK2 bag, it will truly last you for multiple decades." Thank you TIMBUK2, Jason

I'm a college professor and want a bag that I can toss all elements of my academic life into quickly (my books, files, notebooks, computer, pens). This bag fits that bill perfectly. Love the padded sleeve for the laptop and the large zipper pocket in the inside. My gripes are two (and both small, nitpicking). I would prefer an easy-access pocket on the outside, or back side of the bag. Second, in the custom design, why are only certain colors available for the shoulder strap? At $20 extra for the padded strap, surely Timbuk2 could offer all the color options that they do for the panels of the bag. All that said, this is my second Timku2 bag and I look forward to putting it through many semesters.

For a small bag, it nice & roomy. I need gear to take to work & it expands nicely. Use the velcro silencers.

Dear Sirs, I do have one size XS with a Napoleon Pocket. I use this bag since years, I really love. Why don't you create the new XS Size with Napoleon Pocket?

I would buy this product again probably in a larger size. I plan to use it for travel.

I upgraded to this bag from a small because I needed to carry around more stuff on a day to day basis. I also have a large and it was too big. This size is just perfect and the quality is excellent!

I'm a former San Francisco bicycle messenger and had a custom bag made 26 years ago. I still use it when I travel and when I need to carry things when cycling.

Got this on a clearance just as a secondary bag to carry some excess paperwork end up being my go to bag for traveling. Great bag for the price and can't beat the durability of the bag. I got the small size and perfect for my everyday needs.

I fell in love with Timbuk2 20 years ago. I own many bags made by them. I use them all the time. So versatile. Looks great! I take very good care of my bags and they all have lasted for such a long time. I'll keep buying more from them. They are the beat!

I really do! The best bag I own.

I purchased the Large size. Wanted something to carry my laptop, lunch, coffee, a book, and sometimes my DSLR. This fits the bill. I can carry all that I want and anything else I probably won't even need.

All of the other reviews point to this bag not having a lot of depth for books and things, and I totally agree. I bought this to use as a briefcase, and it's great for that. It holds a thick resume folder, as well as a 2"-thick portfolio, with enough room left probably for one or two more items of equivalent thickness. But that's it. (There's a laptop "sleeve" built in to the middle that takes up a lot of space.) The bottom of the bag only measures about 3.5-4" deep. So, if you need something that really has room to expand, this isn't your bag. But if you're looking for something thin by Timbuk2, it's great.

I have been lugging my daily work stuff around in a day pack for years. Never again! Timbuk2 messenger bag is sleek, sturdy, and spacious. Really thoughtful design and super well made.

As my headline says, this is the second purchase of this bag. I have been carrying mine regularly since I purchased the first one on back in 2014. My wife calls it "the magic bag" as it fits more than it looks like it can fit. Mine is the XS size, but truly is bigger on the inside! I love some of the additions that this last iteration of the bag has received, while conserving many of the original pros: D-ring added to the shoulder strap attachment end, extra length on the shoulder strap. Few things I'd love to see in coming versions of this bag, just to make it even more perfect: one or two pen-sized pockets in the inside panel, as I end up putting my pens in the front pocket and it is very hard to find them with some other things inside. And finally a credit card sized pocket to keep a couple of cards inside (I personally would keep a backup metro-card, backup credit card and a thin container of batteries for my hearing aids). On the uploaded picture you can see I have added a piece of webbing to the strap to have a carabiner attached to it, but with the new one there is a d-ring, so I might not need to do the same modification.

I own many of your bags. Love them all. They last for years. I recommend every time! I love you guys!!

I bought this for my husband who is an optimist. He loved it. I got it on sale so it was even better. It would be worth the full price.

I went with the large sized bag and really enjoy it. It feels great on my back and very durable.

I have been commuter riding with a Seagull messenger bag for about 10 years. I loved it but the clasps were an odd size and after breaking they were very hard to replace. Seagull is out of business. I was attracted to the Timbuk2 bag because of the price and its reputation. I like the size of the bag (I got the large) and the fit over my shoulder. It seems to be a good snug fit and adjusts nicely. The multiple compartments seem nice for organizing things. I haven't ridden in a drenching rain so I am reserving judgment on how well it keeps things dry. I do like the small handle on the top of the bag which makes it easier to carry as an attache case when not riding.

Was looking for a bag for work to fit my laptop, a few papers and folders plus some extras. The classic small is a perfect fit! Perfect amount of organization, little pockets and features. Snagged mine for a great sale price too!

Improved Velcro (hook side) that doesn't shred the flap buckle straps like before. Doesn't grab typical shirt and pants fabrics. My 2019 shredded its own flap straps. My 2020 flap straps just slide off the hooky Velcro. Shoulder strap is just a tad thicker and stiffer than typical seat belt webbing. LOOKS like messenger bag webbing but not the PITA that was Old Skool monster webbing. 2020 Small has an actual padded drop-in laptop slot, with tablet slot kangaroo'd on top of that. Single Velcro'd retention strap tablet and laptop in place in case of inversion. Space between laptop panel and rear bodyside panel for a writing pad, photocopies etc. Napoleon slot under flap panel (opens on the side) is easiest place to reach a phone/passport without opening the flap, but I prefer one of the two drop slots in the main compartment on the flap side. There are also two narrow drop in slots that will hold a pocket knife or pens. Behind the drop slots is a nearly full-sized zipper panel. My kid's iPhone 11 (XR-sized, not Pro) fits in either phone slot with room to spare, even with rear case on. Under lid slots stack: Napoleon slot on bottom, drop slot, then zipper slot. They work best when they aren't all filled, or at least not filled with thick stuff in every slot. Key leash in the zipper slot. I usually go: spare keys in zipper slot on leash; lip balm in drop slot; old phone for emergency wifi use in Napoleon slot. That's a lot, in terms of thickness. THE single advantage of messengers: swing to the front for access with both hands free (you can't swing a daypack to the front). THE single disadvantage: bend forward and the messenger will slide to the front accidentally; you can correct, with the included stabilizer strap, if you bike (or scooter, you want the weight stabilized). Oh the "tarp" style liner - to keep compartment pretty dry, and wear well - doesn't stink anymore. Not for year.s

I've been looking for a bag to easily carry a tablet and a phone with easy access that can stay on my back without the backpack straps. This is like a glass slipper. Light weight and easy to swing in front of me and open up but if I have to pick something else up I don't get hit in the face with it.