Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

This is my second custom classic messenger. I really loved my old custom (2011). The quality, the looks, the looks, the utility of having all the different pockets, the looks, very conformable, the looks, and how durable it felt. I really love my messenger and it served me well for 4 yrs. I have very mixed feelings, well maybe not so mixed, about my new custom. I bought this new custom bag because my old custom got a tear in it. My fault that it tore. So I went with the company and the bag that I loved and started creating a new bag with a new custom look. I reviewed the changes on youtube about the differences between the old models and the new models. I was fully aware of the changes but decided to get one anyways. I had loved the bag and didn't think the changes would bug me that much. Well they are really disappointing now that I have the bag. Here are some of the major differences and most of them have taken a turn for the worse. Pros: - Customizable messenger for colors, materials, and design - New water bottle holder and other holder for laptop charger - Lighter weight (but also a con. See below) Cons: - Cheap thin material for internal and external pockets (causing lighter weight) - Reduced internal and external pockets and zipper pockets (I loved all the different zipper pockets because I would store (secure) different things in each pocket: coins, pens, SD cards, flash drives, chap stick, etc) Now you have to dump everything into a large pocket and find what you are looking for in a bunch of (bad word). - Thinner much narrower lighter weight strap that feels really cheap. The length is shorter but I don't really care about that. The strap is super soft. I don't know what to compare it to. Maybe somewhere along the line of some worn out jeans. I don't really care for it. - New cam lock isn't very sturdy. It seems to loosen on me once a day. Not sure how to make it stay locked. I'm glad I don't ride a bike. I think it might loosen and slip down while I was riding. Happens already when I walk. Summary: I still love the look of the bag (hence the 2 stars). That is why I bought the bag in the 1st place. Looks and different customizable choices makes this bag and company really unique. My feelings with the new design and change of materials is that they have cut cost and are saving money. Everything seems to have taken a turn for cheaper quality material and less offerings as far as pockets and zippers. They might say that it makes it lighter, which it does, but this seems like I got some cheaper lower model version of my old bag. If you have an older one you will be disappointed in the 2014+ model. If you don't have an 2013 and below model then you have nothing to compare this too so you might actually like the materials design etc. Still a great looking bag but greatly disappointed in the changes. Hopefully timbuk2 decides to go back to the ways of the old but that normally doesn't happen in companies:(

First, we now have 7 Timbuk2 products in our home. 2 custom tablet cases, 1 custom tote bag and 4 Messengers. Of those messengers we have 2 that are custom, 1 store bought, and 1 non custom direct from Timbuk. The older style messenger had several advantages over the current design. 1. The shoulder strap was a heavier, thicker (Cordura?) material that didn't bunch when using the cross strap. The new one is so thin and flimsy as to feel ribbon like. 2. The "D" rings on the bottom of the new bag are actually small rectangular plastic "rings" and are pretty much only useable with the new cross strap which attaches with Velcro rather than the previous used design utilizing a sturdy clip (you can still find this old style strap in the accessories section.) The old "D" rings were metal and work beautifully. 3. The clasps that close the flap are now underneath the flap. While I suppose this makes them less likely to get caught on anything, they are also harder to reach when you're trying to open it 4. There are 5 outside pockets on our old bags, 4 zippered (including 1 see-thru) and 1 open top. The new bags have just 2 zippered and 1 open top. We are completely disappointed with the new bags in comparison to our old ones. It seems as though a number of material and design downgrades were made and Timbuk2 continues to market it as the "Classic" messenger when it is a barely comparable product. We will use our new bags because aesthetically they are beautiful (they are custom after all) and they were too expensive to just allow them to collect dust. Sadly though, unless there is an improvement in the materials and designs it is unlikely that we will purchase any further items from Timbuk2.

Timbuk2 has always made a great messenger and had great customer service. Still a great bag but different. Materials feel thinner and less robust. Pockets and compartments reduced. Strap shortened and less rigid. So in conclusion if your looking to reduce the weight of your current messenger these are some positive changes. However I was looking for the classic Timbuk2 that I have been buying since the 90's. Customer service is still top notch!

The strap was a major disappointment. All my previous Timbuk2 bags, including custom one, have had a nice thick nylon shoulder strap. My new custom bag has a flimsier strap. Not too flimsy in terms of strength but way too easy for the strap to fold back on itself. The loss of "body" is a major issue. Also, Timbuk2 is still using black material for internal pockets. A lighter color would make it infinitely easier to see contents at a glance. Overall I bought this bag because I needed custom colors, but Timbuk2 hasn't kept up with the times, I'm afraid, and for my next bag I'll look elsewhere.

This is my third custom bag! I love my timbuk2 have for 5 years now. However I'm upset, this time the colors do not match what's is shown online. I ordered the third panel as cordura aquamarine and this bag looks like cordura jewel. I'm very disappointed especially since I'm on the east coast and would not have an opportunity to look at the colors in person. I'm not the only customer who has been upset about misrepresented colors online. This is definitely an issue that needs addressing especially since these orders are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Classic has better strap system. U lock poket too short.

I wrote a review earlier detailing the warranty claim service that I had received after my initial bag of 1 year suffered a failure of the premium wool fabric and how the experience was enjoyable. Now again, one year later the newer bag having a premium fabric swatch in the center panel has failed and suffered an enormous hole in the fabric in the same location and the warranty process has been frustrating as they seem to blow off my concerns on the durability of their fabrics. If you consider this bag, DO NOT use the premium fabrics. The materials Timbuk2 is using for natural fiber material are not sufficient for use, especially if you walk any fair distance for a daily commute. I have personally found that the fabrics are too thin to withstand constant rubbing as the bag makes contact to your side or back. This is not an issue with the Cordura or Ballistic Nylon.

I had a 2012 model and upgraded because I was wearing it out. I practically lived in it while long-term traveling. With great sadness, it was time to retire. I was excited about upgrading to a newer model and bigger size, however, upon initial use I quickly learned I need to go back to the older version. First off, I'm a bike commuter so heavy use is put on whatever bag I utilize. Therefore, using velcro to attach the cross strap while cycling is a massive fail. It is not strong enough to keep the bag in place when going up/down hills and when wearing bulky winter clothes. Secondly, only having one zip pocket front organizer and a much smaller inside zip pocket with less dividers is a bit frustrating. It's not necessarily a game changer but it helps me to organize the chaotic thoughts in my head :-) I do overall like the product. But I will be searching the web for previous versions. Please PLEASE go back to the smart hook. Otherwise, in the future, I will be forced to find another brand.

Inside zipper pockets too small to fit wallet! Shoulder strap length is on the short side. New more flexible strap is good.

In under a year, my bag is falling apart. The straps, binding, and fabric are all fraying, and one of the zipper pulls has broken off. I use it for daily commuting on the train. Honestly, it's a huge bummer because I was hoping it'd last. I'm only adding an extra star because I love (loved? It needs replacing) how it looks.

My first Timbuk2 was over 20 years ago when I was a grad student--still using it for my rock climbing gear. The second bag was a custom purchase along with an xLarge 2 years ago--for travel.Awesome! This current purchase (custom) I'm a bit disappointed (actually really disappointed). 1. The fabric does not seem as sturdy as previous fabrics; 2. Talk about downsizing the extra compartments--that was one of the main reasons I came back to this bag--the very front compartment has gone from 3 zippered to 1 zippered one without a zipper (need the zips to keep things secure, the inside compartments have gone from a big zippered with pencil holder, flap pocket (again-keeping things secure) and two midsize pockets in addition to a smaller pocket inside the big zip to a large zip 2 midsize and a 2 pencil pockets; 3. the grab handle is in the weirdest place... about 2 inches below where it should be. 4. The "hardware" feels cheap; 5. The main strap itself used to be 2 inches, now it's about an inch and a half wide--yep...there is a comfort issue--the wider strap def more comfortable;6. Just feels flimsy compared to my past bags. It makes me really sad to have to write this review on such a great company that had an awesome product to be proud of--now, hate to say it it feels like with everything these days it cheaped out. I'll still use these latest bags but it will probably be awhile before I come back for another. ;(

It's a very nice custom made bag but it ought to be for what I paid for it. I ordered most of the options but when the bag arrived none of them were there. Apparently the computer dumped them at some point. Their solution was to say Sorry, offer me a coupon for another and the missing parts to have someone local sew in. If I am not satisfied with the first one, why would I buy another?

I was looking for a roomier upgrade to the timbuk2 backpack that has served me well for several years. I like the backpack, but it cannot hold a binder very easily. I am a professor, and every day I was carrying my laptop on my back along with an armful of binders and books to each class. I wanted a bag that I could just stick everything into and toss over my shoulder. I spent several hours watching the videos, examining the dimensions, and trying to decide what kind of bag to get. I went with the classic messenger, with an internal document pocket and 2 internal water bottle pockets. I was really excited to get this bag, and now I am sad that it did not live up to my expectations. Here is why I am unhappy. 1. The water bottle pockets are tiny. My standard Apple power supply cannot fit into either of them. My wallet kind of fits, but then becomes very hard to get out. Why not keep my wallet in the quick-access front pocket? Because: 2. My power supply only fits in the large internal zippered pocket, leaving the external quick-access pocket the only pocket that can hold pens securely. Why can't I use the unzippered pen organizer? Because: 3. The front organizers hold very little, and when loaded they make the front edge so floppy that anything stuck in the unzippered compartments gets dumped out on a regular basis. This renders the unzippered organizing compartments totally useless. 4. The document pocket is too roomy, and does not keep thin folders or documents particularly secure. 5. Although I am right-handed, evidently I wear my bag as if I was a left-handed person. I never knew this about myself before. But the quick-release part of the strap is on the wrong side when I wear the bag comfortably. Obviously I should have paid more attention to what they mean by "right-handed bag". 6. Due to the tapering shape of the bag, it does not fit as much as you'd think, given the dimensions. It sounds like it should be deep enough to hold a binder, for example. But only kind of, and certainly not more than one. 7. The turquoise color on the bag is much darker and greener than the swatch on the website. I would not actually describe this color as turquoise, it is green. Overall, I am regretting that I purchased a customized bag which I now cannot return. Life lesson learned. Having said all that, this bag would be great for someone who has no awkward bulky items like power supplies, and who also has very little need for pens.

The bag is very stylish but does not hold it's shape and is not balanced when full. The optional handle was mounted on the side of the bag and not on top such that the center of gravity of the loaded bag is not below the handle. this makes it nearly impossible to carry by the handle when full.

I put it away because I thought I was ordering something I could use as a purse, a size extra small? It is huge and I have a battle every time I open it. If I use it for a purse at church and it is too loud when I fight to open it!

I have a size small timbuk2 bag that I purchased several years ago that doesn't fit my current needs, so I ordered this one for commuting to work. It seems to me like the quality has gone down significantly. While the bag is lighter, the straps aren't as sturdy. I don't like that the tabs were moved from on top of the bag to under the top flap, this makes it harder to access the inside of my bag on-the-go. I was excited to see the option of water bottle holder on the inside, as this wasn't an option when i purchased my initial bag. However, the pocket is too small for my Coffee thermos (standard size) or my water bottle. These are both pretty common items purchased from top brands, so I was both surprised and disappointed that the pocket doesn't hold them. After purchasing my first timbuk2 bag years ago I really talked them up to everyone. However, it seems like my most recent purchase is much lower quality.

Don't bother with custom. Your bag will not look like what it does on screen and then you will not be able to return it. I selected colors on screen that looked complementary (brown cordua, brown tape and brown canvas) but the colors clash on the actual bag (the cordura looks maroon). The on screen color is not at all accurate. Also TB2 used brown tape as ordered to wrap the bag but black tape for the custom pad -- another clash. Don't bother with custom -- just buy off the rack. Also quality has gone downhill. My 5 year old bag appears to be better made.

This is my second Custom Timbuk2 Messenger bag; I bought a large bag several years ago and love it. I use it as a carry on for travel and to carry my photography equipment. I needed a smaller bag for everyday use and purchased the new version of the bag in a medium, carbon and silver, it looks really cool. Looks aside, I have to say I am more than a little disappointed with some of the changes. The change in materials, straps and cordura, was a clear down grade. My older bag looks and feels bomb proof, and has really taken a beating, the new one feels and looks flimsy. The organization pockets are also a disappointment; they don't make sense, and are just short of completely useless. No dedicated pen pockets, soft material that doesn't actually hold anything in if the bag gets turned over, and only one zippered pocket on the front instead of three. Then there is the new strap buckle...and the fact that they reduced the size by an inch, it doesn't seem like much, but yeah, it really makes a difference. If I hadn't ordered a custom bag I would return it, as it is, my 18 month old son now uses it as an expensive toy. I may order one of the 2013 basic classic messengers to replace it, or more likely, look elsewhere. So why two stars, it's a bag, it works, it functions just as described, it just used to do it all a lot better.

I purchased a size S Timbuk2 messenger in early 2013 to carry a MacBook Air, and loved the bag. It had plenty of internal pockets to organize accessories, headphones, chargers, notebook, writing instruments, iPad mini, etc. The bag just worked really well for me. When I realized after a job change that I needed to start carrying a 15" MacBook Pro, which would not fit in the smaller bag's laptop compartment, I almost instantly decided to purchase a Timbuk2 messenger in the next larger size. Upon visiting the site, I learned that the bag had been redesigned for 2014, and the refinements looked to be fine. So I ordered the new bag in a custom design. And wow, was I disappointed... The new design has the definite appearance of a purely cost-saving revision to the product. But when I'm spending almost $200 on a bag, I don't want it to look like the company just axed features to trim costs. I don't think of Timbuk2 (well, I didn't think of them before) as a company that was going to harm the usefulness of their products to trim costs. I would gladly have paid another $10-15 to have the quality product I purchased last year in a larger size. Instead, I got a lesser bag for more money. The number of compartments was reduced to a significant degree, and some of the ones that are still there are actually smaller in a larger bag. None of this was apparent from the descriptions of photos of the bag on the Timbuk2 site, however. I'm very disappointed in my new bag, knowing what it could have been if I'd just been fortunate enough to order it before the design changes. I've recommended Timbuk2 in the past to friends who've asked where to look for a bag, but I can't be nearly as enthusiastic about that after receiving my new bag. Timbuk2 lost some status in my eyes on this one.

I have carried Timbuk2 bags for over 20 years now, and wanted to add another to my collection. This was the first one I have purchased in about 7 years and noticed immediately the quality has diminished. Before they became so popular and primarily used by cyclists they were heavier quality, now they just seem flimsy. My original bag has seen a lot of use and has been everywhere and still looks great, no holes or heavy wearing at all, but I'm not sure my newest one will wear nearly as well. I love the brand, and would recommend to friends, with warning of quality change, but I have to admit I'm somewhat disappointed.

The old models were much more durable (and heavier) and the inside compartments were more intelligent. The whole bag seems to be of a lower quality. I won't buy this again.

In short, I feel like I wasted money and am quite disappointed upon receiving my purchase. Here's an overview ... I really like the Cordura options I chose. The material seems solid. The Aztec Sunset however is a weave and I was disappointed in how it clashes with the Cordura. The Cordura materials have a slight shine to them since they are mostly water proof and just an all around durable fabric. The Aztec Sunset (and likely other patterns) is thread so the materials clash. I definitely should have gotten samples. Take the time! Get samples! The Aztec Sunset pattern will NOT hold up, I know it will snag a bunch, it has already started to pill up as materials can sometimes, and it's brand new. The handle is in the wrong spot, too far down on the bag entirely so that was a waste of $10. The water bottle pockets will definitely not hold a water bottle on the XS, but honestly wasn't expecting it, Wanted a pocket for miscellaneous items and it works great for that. The front zipper pocket for the keys is really awkward. The key clip on the one I received isn't very fluid to open and the strap is very long (nearing a foot) so putting my keys on there and tucking it into the pocket is a disaster. I do not use it at all and will likely cut it off of the bag. The zippers pockets are not fluid to open, same with the buckle straps. This makes the bag just annoying to get into and frustrating. FYI - The strap pad is completely unnecessary for the XS bag and I wish I hadn't bought it. Truly the bag is lacking that special something. This was my first attempt at purchasing a Timbuk2 bag. The designing process was fun and exciting. I couldn't wait to get my bag, and then I was very disappointed. I've been using the bag trying to get used to it but will likely switch back to my old bag by the weekend ... this is just lacking something. $150 lost. Custom Classic Messenger Bag size: X-small Aztec Sunset red / cordura Maroon / cordura Barley binding: dark brown logo: dark brown liner: barley slash pocket (Essential in any bag) water bottle holder (Small but necessary) grab strap (Entirely useless on the XS bag) left handed (I am right handed but like to wear bag on the Left Side. Left handed puts the strap adjustments right there - helpful) Many people LOVE these bags, so maybe a bigger size will work better. Right now, I feel like I've wasted money and I'm quite disappointed by the experience.

The product didn't come with the right tools I needed custom. The product was too large, doesn't have a surface inside to easily bend and doesn't come with a comfortable strap, it's annoying to lug around.

I have to say i hate to write poor reviews but i'm really bummed with my new non refundable custom messenger bag. I purchased this one because i loved the previous Timbuk2 message bag i have which is now falling apart after many many years of good use. It has literally traveled around the world more times than i can remember being my faithful travel companion. I never check in bags so it was my mobil office generally carrying it in one hand with my other travel bag over my shoulder . Then i'd use the messenger bag over my shoulder when it was the only bag i had. The new one is still extremely well made but the main problem i have is that the carry handle (not shoulder strap) is in completely the wrong place , making if really hard and uncomfortable to carry, to the point i can no longer use it the way i used my old one. I'm hoping because it's a custom order it might be a one off factory mistake and the company will replace it because i really want a Timbuk2 bag that works as well as my old one did.

I bought a brand new messenger bag (i'm a bike commuter) to replace my old old timbuktu messenger bag that i bought in 1999 (LOVED MY BAG FOR 25 YEARS!!) only to discover that you guys changed the strap design. The new design SUCKS!!! its too low on the body, doesn't connect easily to the main strap. I'm talking about the secondary strap the is ESSENTIAL to keeping my bag close to the body..... It used to connect right inbetween the girls, perfectly comfortable, nice and tight to the body. Now, the new strap is way down at the low waist, a terrible spot, and when connected is too loose, resulting in my bag hanging down, loosening, swinging all around while riding my bike! PLEASE FIX THIS!!! the rest of the bag is exactly the same and great....please fix the strap!!!!!