Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

I'm used to a stiffer strap, but the bag is the best.

The product is excellent, it is a very pretty bag that is built tough. There are plenty of compartments to use... in fact every time I decided I wanted to add something to my kit and thought "hmm if I only had one more pocket"... I then found a new pocket I hadn't seen before. Its a great bag and very sharp... for me its sort of a lifestyle bag/briefcase/purse and it does work great for that. There is however room for improvement. I think that the laptop compartment should be moved to the absolute back most section of the bag thus freeing all that space in the front. I never use the space between the laptop compartment and the back of the bag because its just awkward for anything other than paperwork... but there are other places that paperwork should go, it's just wasted space. I would also like to see the velcro on the back of the laptop retaining strap be extended the full length of the strap so you can use it to secure smaller laptops in the sleeve. Right now it is basically not adjustable because there is just a tiny square of velcro which means it only straps down to 1 size and that size doesn't make any sense for any notebook that would fit in this bag. I consider this a pretty major design failure, my little Macbook Air 11 just flops around inside of the laptop compartment... it is in no way secure all because timbuk2 was cheap with their use of velcro (seriously just make the velcro the entire length of that strap, it would cost you an extra 20 cents). There also need to and option to add a plastic plate to the bottom of the bag to make it stand upright when you set it down. It could be internal and not visible, just something to add rigidity to the base. Finally it would be nice if you could sell other compartmentalized inserts for these bags other than the camera case insert... I would like to see a more universal padded insert that can be used for a wide range of things.

I purchased this bag to wear daily when riding my motorcycle to work (GSX-S 750). I wanted to have some hi-vis elements without sacrificing style. By being able to customize the bag, I was able to achieve both. Plus it matches my bike! Plenty of room for my 13" inch laptop (could easily hold a 15") and my iPad air2. I also carry my sketchbook and extras like wallet, toiletries and spare clothes. Only issue is I wish it had a zipper. Got caught in the rain and had to pull off the road and seek shelter cause I just didn't rust my equipment to not get wet. Other than that, I love it!

We have made over a handful of items in the custom shop, but this time took way longer than normal (maybe because of the sale) but also we used Paypal and didn't know the first charge was NOT them taking a payment, and so when the bag was done being made, they re-run the transaction. We were totally not a fan of this. When you "buy" something you expect to make the transaction, and then forget about it. It was more like we had to pay for the item twice, because that is what it makes your bank account think. Besides the trouble it took purchasing and waiting for the item, its great and its perfect for what we made it for.

Nice & comfortable bag

I ordered the custom version of the bag and now that i've had it a few weeks I felt complled to review it. I have several messenger bags I use for photography, but this is a general purpose messenger bag that I got after I did some research. Overall i'm happy with where I landed, but there are a few things I wish were changed about this bag. I'd like to have the option of changing out the buckles, or better yet, i'd like to be able to order this bag with magnetically closing buckles from the get go. Even ordering as a custom bag I contacted the company and was told that they would not install the fidlock buckles, which is a bummer because that would have been awesome, it allows for much quicker in and out. Secondly I'm not a huge fan of the pocket arrangement. ALL of the pockets are up front. This becomes problematic for two reasons. Firstly, when you stuff something in one of the pockets it starts crowding into the space for the other ones that are touching it, virtually eleminating those as usuable options. Secondly, with all of the pockets in front the weight causes the front of the bag to sag while it's open making it harder to access the main compartment. I'd like to see more pockets all around the bag instead of everything jammed up front. I'm sure it makes it more difficult for manufacture, but I feel like the payoff would be worth it. My final complaint is the divider inside. It's very flimsy. I would have liked to have it be a bit more stiff. If i'm transporting papers that aren't in a folder, they tend to end up wrinkled because the bag gives so much. I understand that makes it more comfortable to wear, but a little extra stiffness in that divider would be awesome... perhaps the entire thing could be made out of a thin foam? Overall I'm pleased at this price point for a daily carry. My search will continue for a bag that meets my suggested improvements above. If i don't come across anything that fits the bill, then this will most likely be my replacement when this one finally wears out.

I configured one of the small ones as a waterproof/resistant laptop messenger, and I'm not disappointed. Aside from the fact that I PROBABLY should've had a look at the colours in a store - sometimes things just don't look right in person despite being OK on screen - the bag seems to hold more than I anticipated. Always room for notebooks, a laptop, sunglasses, water bottle, snacks, a small mirrorless setup, a few knickknacks, and small items bought along the course of the day. For me, it's definitely more of a commuter bag than an airplane travel bag, seeing as it doesn't have a passthrough for my luggage handle, and no flap pocket for my boarding pass (read: phone)... no TSA friendly feature either for those that care, but hey, that's what the Command is for. Get that instead if you commute via plane. To me, it needed two more options - the ability to specify Fidlock clasps instead of the standard clasp type, and built-in silencer strips. At least you can add the strips as an afterthought, but I see myself losing them eventually. Also, the strips don't actually come in small, so either you silence some of the velcro with the XS, or have to cut down the medium ones. But yeah. Fidlock please.

I love this bag. I got it custom so it's exactly what I wanted. It's the perfect size, I can easily fit my laptop, change of gym clothes and all my other stuff. Now there is one thing that I absolutely am not cool with. As a southpaw, I got a custom lefty bag. But what Timbuk2 doesn't tell you is that the beloved Napoleon pocket (the one you can unzip without opening the bag) is still on the other side! So when I swing the bag around, the Napoleon pocket is on the left side, not the right side so my right hand can easily grab my wallet. It's still on the left side and it's not convenient, so one pocket unused. Some would say it's not a big deal, but for a company that caters to lefties, a big miss.

I bike, walk, and goto outdoor festivals, One of the newest things for me is the strap that hangs on ones shoulder, love how quickly it can readjust... That was a great upgrade... What I don't like as much are the missing pockets. I store small things in there, helped me keep small things from whirling around, especially the pocket with the Velcro flap. Add it back... This is as important too, but I liked the way it felt, the straps. You see this is my third bag that I have bought; and I like hearing the audible click and pulling the straps taut in front of the bag. With the new style, it doesn't work as well or sound as good. I can't hear it as good when I'm on my bike and I'm around traffic. I didn't know I was relying on this sound and I catch myself looking to see if it is engaged. It's still a great bag and no other bags comes close. These are my thoughts, and I hope this helps.

I couldn't be more in love with this bag, unless I had designed it myself. Oh wait, I did! Let's get the two bad things about this bag out of the way. 1) I wish the strap length were slightly longer. I'd like to wear it lower on my back hip area, but it falls mid back. That being said I do have a rather long torso. I can make a strap smaller but when it's as long as it gets there's no where to go! 2) I'd love to have an external pocket on the back of the bag, say the size of my iPhone, so I wouldn't have to open up the entire bag every time I put my phone down. Besides that the bag is the perfect color and seems to be wearing well! I bought this bag for work and am now considering another to use everyday!

Using this as a travel bag. Great thing about this is that you get to customise the whole look of the bag. But with this customisation, you are also limited in the colours and designs offered. It would be great if that can be expandable to more quirky designs and cheery colours.

I purchased this bag after hearing my husband nag me for my lack of appropriate commuting gear. I ride my tri bike to and from work (~20mi one way) after long shifts and had previously been driving into work before and after to transport my things. This bag definitely helped save some drive time for sure! It's a great bag. Very roomy, I store my laptop, spare clothes, and occasionally lunch in it with room to spare. The strap very conveniently adjusts in size. I think if I had gone with the small v. medium it may have been more comfortable. I've rode with it for about a week now and have had pretty significant lower bag discomfort while carrying it. I find I'm shifting it back into position often during my ride in, which is a real nuisance. Seems the stabilization strap isn't functioning as expected. I'd love some additional padding to the back aspect as the pressure from my laptop gives me a lumbar ache. It's also very pricy! I went with a personalized color because I purchased one with a lot of reflective material (I ride often at dusk and dawn). However... it's not any more expensive than a high-end, pricy branded purse that women always carry :)

I have been using the classic Messenger Bags for 20 years, mainly as a briefcase or travel bag. I recently purchased the computer bag in M (My last classic bag was in Large, still in use). Compared to the older version, I prefer the fastex buckles on the outside of the flap. The strap is lower weight material; still OK, but not as good as the older heavyweight. The organizer on the inside is a bit less useful, although some of that may be M to L. Still, all things considered, seems to be a quality bag for the price. But some of the changes have been for the worse.

Grab strap was on the back instead on the top of the bag.

Loved that I was able to to design the whole thing. The bag is perfect for plane travel or day trip hopping in a car.

Awesome bag by all means! But you guys need to provide 2 female's for the cross strap. One to be left on the front strap and another one to attach it to the back of the bag when not cycling. It's a very small thing that would make life so much easier...

This is my second classic messenger. Upgrdaed from XS to S as needed more space for my camera and lenses. Its the same great qaulity as my previous one, and althouugh the strap is now made from far more flexible webbing it is too short. The bag sits just above my hip with the strap at full length. Also have the camera insert which is great. All in all a good buy but wish the strap had a bit more lenght to it.

GREAT: - Perfectly fits and protects your back; - The 'custom' option - as I decided for leathery look, it can be used for official as well as leisure events. - Napoleon pocket -> GREAT idea; I NOTICED: - The main strap is not long enough. I'am 6'5" (196cm), and when I need to hold the strap and put the bag to the floor it does not reach the ground. - Compression buckles are hidden under the flap (difficult to reach and open). 2013 version has them on top. But I believe that there is reason why it's been replaced. Very happy with the back. Definitelly will recommned. Thank you TIMBUK2!

I actually custom ordered my 2014 classic messenger bag. The pockets seem to be laid out better. I am a fan of the inside bottle holders for holding weird shaped things that didn't fit in the pockets for being too bulky and bulging into the limited space at the top of the bag. I strongly dislike the narrower shoulder strap as it seems to twist easily. I use mine more as a purse and love the new quick grab handle as the bag I outgrew had it. I know the company is geared more toward bicyclists, but I would love for them to make a purse this size with an exterior pocket for my phone as none of the shagg bags, 3 way bag and 2 way bag (no longer made) hold my slide phone. I am weird and like the velcro, but get stuck dealing with the clips and all the webbing to adjust the bottom. Due to the bottom being made the way it is, the bag doesn't sit flat of a floor so you have to lean it

I was looking for a specific design and your company did not have what I was looking for at the time I purchased the bag. A few days after I paid for it, you came out with a new design which is what I was looking for. This item is great. Love the quality and color. I wish I did not buy the computer compartment in the center of the bag. I may just cut it out. It gets in the way and I don't use it much.

I was looking for a bag that had a protective area for my iPad and phone. With the add on option in this bag I could do just that-perfect.

Keep in mind these are my thoughts after only one month of using the bag (Classic Messenger, size M, customized). The overall size is nice for day trips, commuting to school/work. Based on other reviews, I was expecting the M to be slighly bigger then what I wanted, but this is not the case. I dig the cordura outer. It is stiff at first, but starts to break in over time. Waterproof inner is awesome and easy to clean. Strap is a decent width, cam buckle easy to operate. Water bottle pockets are indeed small. No way they fit a Nalgene quart size. Getting my Klean Kanteen in there is a battle (hope this stretches over time). Also, for those who use these taller but thinner water bottles, the top of the bottle obstructs the "ear" flaps that fold inwards to make the bag more water resistant when closed (in other words, your bottle top usually pokes out). I absolutely do not like the buckle placement under the the bag flap. It makes no sense. The flap is secured first and foremost by velco. But putting the clips under the flap requires you to undo the velcro a tiny bit (to clip), then finagle a tighter velco fit (while clipped and adjusting straps). It's just a poor design. Old style would be better--close the the lid and pull the straps up and clip.

Would have been 5 stars if not for seam issue: I purchased this bag for my everyday bag, commuting to and from two (2) different jobs. I was excited as this was my 2nd Timbuk2 messenger bag. (my 1st mysteriously disappeared) When the bag arrived, I opened it only to find that it had some stitching pulling apart already. I contacted Customer Service and they made GOOD on their promise to take care of their customers. I highly recommend the bags, and their support staff. However, I am not sure I will pay extra for a customized bag again.

The laptop compartment is awkward!!! It tends to ditched with the inner back of the bag. The look is okay. But it's not as convenient as my shoulder bag.

After putting this bag (size small) through one overseas trip, I've come to love it. Good workmanship, excellent selection of materials, good features -- just what I needed. Some things could be improved, though: 1) The strap on a small bag is a bit too short for me (I'm 6'3"). I really wish strap length was one of the customizable options. 2) As others have pointed out, the grab handle should be moved about 3" further forward for the bag to balance correctly from it. 3) The water bottle pockets *barely* fit a thin bottle (in my case, a small Klean Kanteen). So, they're great for a small tripod or sunglasses in a hard-case, but not so practical for... you know... water. 4) The bag should really come with silencer straps as a standard thing. As-is, the velcro is either a life saver, or seriously annoying as a function of the circumstances. As for options: * Slash pocket -- great for a tablet or small laptop in a padded cover / sleeve. Or, just for magazines and papers and such. * Water bottle pockets -- eh.... * Snoop camera insert -- a fantastic helper if you'll use this bag (even occasionally) as a camera bag. The top zips up, so you can quickly pull the camera insert out fully loaded and stash it somewhere safe -- if, for example, you're on a combination business / pleasure trip and need to skinny down for a meeting. * Strap pad -- a must have if you'll be carrying non-trivial weight in this (like, say, camera gear). * Silencer straps -- not actually an option, but they should be. I'd recommend you buy them, though, when you order this bag (just $3 last time I checked).