Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

Brilliant. I love this bag. Just like the last two Trimbuk2 messenger bags I've owned over the last 13 years. But like all relationships there is a tiny quirk: the strap could be longer. In the end, the nooks and crannies to jam stuff into and the style just make me smile and love it for the good and overlook the one and only little con....

The bag is just a little than the one I got in 2013. The material for the bag and the strap is less stiff than my old bag, which makes it harder to pack it (things can pool in the bottom rather than stack against the walls of the bag) and carry it without the strap twisting around. The way the front buckles are placed - under the flap instead of on top of it - makes it difficult for the velcro to stay securely closed, which is hard when I need to get up and go and don't have the time or inclination to buckle it closed. I've had things fall out of the bag when I've closed the flap and grabbed it by the top handle because the velcro isn't secured. These things did not happen with my 2013 messenger bag. Despite my unhappiness with the new design and materials, the medium is a perfect size to hold my lunch and belongings for my bus commute to work. It has all the nifty storage pockets and features that I came to love with my first messenger bag, which is why I chose the same bag, but larger, to replace my still in great shape but now too small bag. And the polkadot interior makes opening it a fun surprise.

I love my bag and use it daily. However, I wish I had decided to add the laptop sleeve when I was ordering it. I like how spacious it is since I usually have to carry around textbooks and notebooks, but on days I need my laptop with me I feel like it isn't secure enough. I'm probably worrying for nothing, since my laptop is pretty hefty, but I wish I had decided to add the extra padding just in case. I have also noticed that the white water-resistant material is being stained blue from my jeans. Overall, however, I would recommend this bag to anyone whom commutes daily.

It's great but needs a lock strap...

we sue it mainly for travel or a quick overnight trip--sometimes doubles as a purse on shopping trips.

This is my 2nd messenger bag from timbuk2 and I love it. My ONLY criticism is that I wish the strap was longer.

Use every day. A bit top heavy but very rugged and 97% useful

I love this bag! This is my second one which has some updates that are interesting. My first bag was a size smaller and i used that thing so much that it basically disintegrated at the end. I like that they kept the Napoleon pocket and that they reduced the amount of small, some what redundant, pockets. But honestly the thing i miss most on this bag is the large clip on the strap. It was awesome to be able to set to length of your strap from "Riding Tight" and "Walking Loose" and be able to switch between them easily. This new pull flap clasp is not my favorite. The material for the strap itself is better and lighter, but is too thin for the old clip lock. I"m sure I'll get used to it. It was just a bummer. So four stars it is. Maybe when I get my third they'll have gone back to the old clasp.

So, I LOVE my medium messenger- it is the perfect size for my frame and my penchant for carrying way too much to and from work... My issue is with the industrial-strength Velcro. I'm sure it is very helpful for the biking crowd, but professional women- BEWARE- it will WRECK any and all legwear- it wasn't a huge shocker that a slight brush spelled the end of sheer hosiery, but I have also destroyed a few pairs of thick winter weight tights, and even spanx, just in putting down and picking up my bag. And nothing kills a look like runs in your stockings. So, if you wear skirts and dresses often, be prepared to have to figure out some way to cover up the strips, because trust me, running out to buy new tights all the time gets old fast.

I am a full-time college student. This bag fits in fabulously with my current life style. The inside pockets are great. The laptop configuration is fantastic. It allows me to remove from the bag what I need at the time without having a disorganized bag. I forgot to add the grab handle. I will be ordering another one in the near future with the grab handle.

All in all great but the strap clip is rather useless and the additional diagonal strip to fix the bag to the body that used to be default is missing.

I'm a repeat customer. My old bag was beginning to wear through on the corners (after 8 years of use), and so I thought it was time to replace it. In all ways, but one, this bag is a great upgrade. The problem? The strap is too thin! It rolls over and I'm constantly untwisting it-- something I never had to do with my old bag... which is why I'm giving it 4/5 stars, instead of 5/5.

I recently bought the classic messenger bag to replace my previous one that got to many holes to be still in use. I used the previos bag for 4 years, almost every day and it was with me during my trips to many countries. After 4 years Timbuk2 made light changes, some of them I like (lighter, less non useful compartmants), some I do not like (strap width and lock), but it is still good product. I bought it during the sale, so it compleatly worths for a money. Thanks a lot for my new bag!

Love the fact that this bag stays securely closed even when loaded.

The Water Bottle pocket is a little to small so I use one as a cord compartment and the other to hold my mouse. I think that the laptop and IPad sleeve could be a bit more padded or removable to use your own. Other then these two things the bag is really great!

Exterior small zip pocket, great sleeve for iPad protection, love the handle, wish there were more and better Color selections.

I love this bag. Attractive, fits what I need it to fit, and the reflective binding that I chose is really bright - great for those late night commutes. It definitely needs a strap pad in order to be comfortable if you are carrying any weight at all. They sent me the wrong color strap pad and have been very slow to correct their error.

Love that the bag is custom! My only complaint is that the shoulder straps do not pivot where they are attached to the bag. The shoulder strap, therefore, always is twisted and I have two untwisted it before putting it on.

Started out with Especial Cycling Messenger, which did not work out at all, due to the chest strap design. Then I went to a medium messenger bag, which, is good for light trips but not roomy enough for all of the rain gear necessary during the Seattle dark season. Finally paid the extra to get a customized bag, large is roomy enough and comfortable. They need to bring back the metal D rings and the metal clip chest strap though, plus may the chest strap a bit longer for taller persons.

Recently began to travel at night on unlit streets and now when the headlights hit me cars visibly slow from a distance. The first time it happened I felt a great sense of relief. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. I like the inside and outside pockets but wish I had added the laptop pouch. The quick release strap took some getting used to for me but I'm really happy with this bag and the effectiveness of the reflective material.

I dislike a few changes from my last classic messenger. - MUCH prefer the older wider strap - Also prefer the older quick adjust - clasps are smaller and seem like they might be less robust I like that the interior compartments haven't changed. Quality of the fabrics is still great. IMO the complaints above are a step backwards from my old bag. Other than those gripes it's fine.

What I do with it: I travel with this bag on planes, cars, trains, bike. I use it for the gym too. It is my 'go to' bag for anything going on in my life! The good: (what I like) Lightweight Easy adjustable strap handle love the bottle holders inside! The under bag straps are MUCH better than the last version of the bag - they don't get caught up in the velcro straps! Placement of velcro - PERFECT Things I am not a fan of: Shoulder strap is flimsy. it folds over on itself when I grab it. my older bags shoulder straps are much better. The front pocket is small & I miss the trio pockets. Those were great for separating things like keys, wallet, change, etc.

I LOVE this bag! In fact, I have it in several sizes. My chiropractor told me to find a lighter bag than the Classic Small for everyday use, so I got a custom Classic XS. It is indeed a quality, well designed bag and the new wool fabrics are perfect! HOWEVER -- there are some serious drawbacks on this size. -No pencil pouch. What a huge disappointment! -Inside pockets too small for my iPhone 6! It sticks out of the top, as does my mens size wallet. -Bag is too short for my 12oz water bottle. This bag would get 5 stars if it was 2 inches larger overall. It's an amazing bag, but it's just too small for modern "stuff". A little larger won't add much weight, and the size will accommodate necessities! You're a great company, Timbuk2! Thanks for making quality gear, and continuing to improve on your product!

Bought for my wife, but she has been using the commute i bought to replace one that was stolen. I think its gonna be my bag. Its great.

I've had a large messenger bag for communiting for well over five years now. It's tough. I wear it every day rain or shine and it might have a few stains or scuffs but it's otherwise as it was when I bought it. The durability is no joke. That part about the bag is awesome. My issue with the measenger bag is that it's really really really hard to get it comfortable if I 1) want to wear it high, as designed, and 2) fill it with much of anything. It's fine if you want to carry, say, a laptop and your lunch and will lie flat enough against you. My daily load is more like a laptop, water bottle, pair of shorts, hand towel, and a yoga mat. I mean it's user error basically but every time I take it on and off I almost shave off my face, when I ride I'm nearly strangled, and it feels bizarre on my back. Most backpacks would accommodate such a load with much less issue. Thus, my view with the bag is basically that if you're carrying a limited load, on a bike, it's a great bag and rides securely in a nice position on your back. However... If you want to use it the same way you would use a backpack, think again. I see a lot of people carrying messenger bags on foot over one shoulder- that leaves me shrugging, but hey, it is a good looking and unique design.