Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

I made myself this bag for traveling specifically to carry a dslr and some other odds and ends and we recently went to rainy ireland for 12 days and I can't think of a better bag. I can't wait to take it on the next adventure!

Completely satisfied. I ordered the medium one, I think the size is just right for me(5'9). It maybe too big for someone shorter. I was pleasantly surprise that the grab handle for the custom-made one isn't just a strip of thin strap(like the one made for the store-bought Classic Messenger), it is made with a more comfortable foam handle. I also chose an all-Texture Grey fabric, It was more costly but I didn't want it to look too flashy but also didn't want it to look too plain. My only gripe was about the compression straps, they look too long and dangled when I carry it. So I made two fasteners using velcro from a local fabric store to hold the excess strap in place. Over-all, I'm very pleased with my purchase. The bag is awesome!

You have a lifetime customer! Love my bag!!!

LOVE my new bag. I would recommend an upgraded strap standard. Needs padding and other bags of comparable price have that. I liked that I could design it and love it. Curious of I gave you the Maine tartan if you could use that for another bag?

I am completely head over heels in love with this bag. I am a fine dining server and a yoga instructor. I commute from Oakland to the city to make all of this happen! There is no doubt that this bag is making it easier for me to get it all done! First of all, it's gorgeous! I also enjoy the fact that I can use Velcro to fasten the bag if I'm in a bit of a rush (ie. running down the steps at a Bart station with my bike on my shoulder to catch the last one home). I was a little worried about the size...but the small is more than sufficient. I can fold and carry my travel yoga mat, a pair of shorts for yoga, as well as a book, shirt for work, my bike lock, and a few other odds and ends without it feeling too heavy to bike with! Thanks for being around and making the perfect bag for me!!!

I'm very pleased with this bag. I plan to use it as carry-on and I think it will be perfect. In addition, I will have no trouble spotting it among other pieces of luggage. Good value, well-made, attractive.

I've owned a lot of messenger bags in different brands, styles, and sizes. Nothing measures up to a Timbuk2. I love this bag! A mom of 3 Littles, I need a versatile bag that I can throw their stuff into, and use for my own purposes. This bag meets my needs WELL. I'm so glad I invested my coins. I love the look, the feel, and the durability. It's awesome. Hands down, best bag I've ever owned.

I have had Timbuk2 bags for a long time now. I recently felt inspired to get one for my 4 year old nephew. As I was showing him my bag, I had his behind. When I revealed his bag, his little face lit up and he dashed over. Grabbing the bag, he quickly put it on and has used it quite well. Since receiving the bag, it has had many many uses. He carries his Ipad but also many other things depending on how his mood suits him. I had no doubt about the quality of the bag, and now, I have no doubt that it is a product like no other, I mean, if a four year old loves it this much, why shouldn't I? I carry my own Timbuk2 proudly. My treasure chest!

I carry a lot of stuff if I have a big bag, but this bag is perfect because it's small and I can only fit the bare necessities. Also, it's impossible to miss. It's fantastic! My Surface Pro fits into it perfectly, with the power adapter with room to spare.

I take the bus to work (roughly an hour and a half commute one way) so hauling a bag around can get uncomfortable quickly. The Timbuk2 bag is amazing, it's sturdy, fits all my things perfectly, it's cute, and obviously well made. I will definitely purchase from this company again! Lots of love and work go into these bags and it shows. <3

I absolutely love this bag! I'm a college student that bikes back and forth to my part-time job (roughly 6 miles roundtrip, nothing terrible,) and this bag works fantastically. I keep my cook uniform comfortably in it, as well as some school items, sunglasses, gloves, lights, U-lock, etc. The messenger bag is nice and reflective, as well, which makes me feel comfortable biking around a college campus at night. I initially bought the bag to use during the summer, to replace my much larger Phoenix bag from Timbuk2 in the hope I wouldn't get as sweaty, but this bag is quickly becoming my favorite, regardless of the season. The bag isn't too big, but expands enough to hold everything I need. I'd definitely recommend this to any cyclists, or just people that want a cool, functional messenger.

After 2 years of over-stuffing the material on my messenger split. Timbuk2 gave me a 100% credit, which I applied to a new [larger] messenger bag. Fantastic.

All commuting done by bicycle - use it every day. The bag is my office and is always with me. OK, it's my man purse - there. I can carry anything in it. Also love the waterproof quality. No complaints - been a customer for 24 years!

I own 3 Timbuk2 bags. A 4 year old Racing Strip messenger, a 1 year old Swig and now this new custom messenger. I love all of them. The quality is amazing. No issues with any of them. My single complaint about these new bags would be the new cam buckle. Previous versions of the messenger had a bigger cam buckle that seemed to lock into place better. Several times with the new buckle I have accidentally popped it open when taking the bag off or putting it on. This is a relatively small issue and probably mostly personal so no loss of stars. For those looking to get a new bag I always recommend Timbuk2.

After spending countless hours on the net looking for the perfect bag for my needs, I came back to my first choice, Timbuk2, and I'm extremely happy that I did. The updates to the 2014 Classic Messenger make it the perfect bag for my needs. I needed something to carry my tablet, mobile, camera, wallet, keys. It needed to be waterproof, have reflective material, be light, and not be a huge bag on my back. This XS Custom Classic Messenger was the only choice. I commute 2 hours round trip early mornings and in the evenings and this bag is a dream to carry. It fits my body well, doesn't move around, feels extremely comfortable, and I don't have to worry too much about cars not seeing me. Although I gave my bag 5 Stars, everything was not perfect. 1. When ordering, I ordered a grab strap that was missing on arrival. ( Timbuk2 has refunded that amount to me immediately ) 2. I was hoping for a Napoleon Side Entry pocket, but found that it is not applicable for XS bags. This fact is still not noted on the custom order page. 3. No bottom compression straps for XS bags is also not noted on the custom order page. But, the product gets 5 stars and the customer service is top notch.

This bag helps me in everyday life. I'm 33 and it is my first messenger bag. I can't believe I waited so long. It fit all my needs and supplies I take with me to all the events I use it for. Thank you Timbuk2, you opened my eyes.

OMG, I just simply LOVE THIS BAG. I got my Classic Messenger size XS during the Half Off sale, and I feel like I've stolen it from Timbuk2. For real, I should've paid full price for this bag, I love it SO DANG MUCH. I use this bag for everything. I commute to the city via public transportation every day with it. I love how there's enough space for gaming handhelds, and other distractions. I'm a mom, so I do mom stuff with it. I can stash a diaper and wipes in there, an have room for a Sippy or a baggie of cheerios. It's so versatile, I could NEVER use a purse again. Even when I'm getting gussied up for something fancy, I dare not reach for my overpriced handbag, my Timbuk2 goes with me. What I love most is that it holds up in the rain, and still looks fabulous day after day. I LOVE THIS BAG, and I look forward to adding several to my collection. Thanks Timbuk2 for making the PERFECT bag for someone like me.

Truly, this bag is in a class by itself... Moreover, there are many reviews out there describing the (many) virtues and (relatively few) limitations of this bag. Most of them are well-known to those who care, so I think there is little use in rehashing them here. There is one thing, however, that Timbuk2 can (and I believe should) do to improve what I believe is this bag's single greatest design flaw: The cover flap allows rain water to enter on the two ends of the bag, by each strap. This problem can be solved by slightly articulating the angles of the main bag opening inwards, so that the cover flap slightly overlaps the opening, instead of leaving the two ends exposed. I am surprised that so many messenger bags have still not properly addressed this issue. That said, I still think that the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger is the greatest invention in bags since sliced bread.

Huge fan of TB2 and this seems well-built so far (only had it a few weeks for work). The flip over flap seems a tad too short if you have anything of substance within the bag. You have to really stretch the velcro in order to get the locking clasps to connect. The adjustment on the strap does seem to get loose fairly easily as I constantly have to readjust it after / before use. I'd buy again.

Like the laptop pocket

I bought this to replace my now ten-yr-old Timbuk2 in the same category. It's not a light purchase, since I live in Australia. I like that this feels a bit more spacious than my original bag, however, in several areas, I found this less useful. The pockets inside the front of the bag are too small for the kinds of things I want to put in them - keys, phone, medication. Instead, these now have to sit in the main bad. The outside pockets are nicely sized, though. The ipad/tablet section at the back has more flimsy protection, and this feels like a downgrade compared to my original bag. The strap is now softer, but has metal adjusters, which generate annoying noise when clack against each other. However, it's otherwise so comfortable that I've just found ways to muffle it and now find it really nice to wear. I use it for daily commuting with my lunch, keep cup, book, wallet, phone, snacks, etc. It also holds my cardigan and umbrella for weather changes. Surprisingly spacious for its apparent size. I'm very happy with the re-purchase, but still wish I could just get a copy of my original bag.

I love the look of the bag and the inside of the bag, however I find that the strap could be tougher.

I've owned an earlier version for many years and upgraded in order to get the many pockets and the like that this offers - I love that and it makes it so much easier to travel with than the single large compartment of the old one. BUT - the "new, improved" carry handle placement puzzles and annoys me. I miss the swivel connectors for the strap (it always twists). The velcro closures are loud and sort of embarrassing depending on yr surroundings - and maybe unnecessary. And, there's this odd stiffening strip sewn into the bag that has very sharp corners that will inevitably cut through (maybe). That said, I like it, and it's an improvement because of the pockets and such

I ordered a custom mini messenger bag to replace my old one which was about 8 years old and well loved. I love Timbuk2 bags so I wanted a new one to take the place of my old one. While the design has a few wonderful improvements, I'm not happy with the width of the shoulder strap or the bulk that the Reflective (jet black) fabric adds to the bag. The Reflective fabric is significantly thicker than the Eco Cordura which makes it much bulkier and not as maleable/soft which does not pack well. I wish there was a NOTE letting buyers's know about this because I would not have selected that fabric otherwise. Unfortunately, it was a custom order so I can't return/exchange. I hope it gets softer with use.

I've been a fan of Timbuk2 bags since I got my first one 27 years ago. It's a small-sized, San Francisco-made messenger bag, and it's still with me after all these years. Over time, I have acquired three additional T2 messenger bags. There have been several design changes along the way, most of which I have found positive. These bags remain my go-to choice for both travel and everyday use. I am satisfied with my recent purchase. However, when I ordered it online, I assumed that the custom messenger bags were still made in San Francisco. Unfortunately, when I received my bag, I discovered that it was made in Mexico. My heart sank upon this discovery. I was so looking forward to a US-made custom bag. I'm still getting over it, but I still love my bag.