Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Large

After living with this bag for the week, and trying to adjust, I wanted to take the time to express my exceptional dismay with this bag. I've used Timbuk2 medium messenger bags for 12 years. Each time I decided it was time for a new one I would look at alternatives - usually knock-offs - each time I would realize that Timbuk2 was the bag to go for for a truly well-built messenger bag. Sadly, it seems now Timbuk2 are now creating cheaper knock-offs of their bags. The changes in materials to flimsier ones is very clear. Also everything is scaled back - pockets and other features. Below is a list of those things that are notably of lesser quality. (this is comparing the new one with the one that is about 5 or so years old) -the front zipper pouch was shrunk in size and went from three zipper pockets to one. -the velcro used to close the flap used to have two strips on the flap - now there is only one. -the inside pockets have been scaled back considerably -the inside pouch on my old had a lining and additional pockets. -the new pouch has no additional pockets and more importantly no liner. -*this is the worst* - the shoulder strap uses a much thinner and less rigid material. It is TERRIBLE for biking compared to the older heavier one. It constantly twists while riding. Becuase I'm stuck with the custom bag, I will likely go though the expense of having a tailor remove the older strap for the old bag and replace the new flimsy on. I was told by a Facebook chat agent that these changes were to make the bag lighter. If there is a difference in the bags weight, it is negligible. In the years since I purchased a bag there is no sense of innovation in the construction of the messenger bags, but only what seems to be a scaling down to cheaper materials.

Very sturdy and good quality but extremely bulky. It feels more like a diaper bag then a messenger bag. Pockets every where. Not as sleek as it looks in the photo

I have purchased the Timbuk2 custom classic messenger bag before. Stoked. This time? Not. 1. The online ordering process computed a total cost that was incorrect. 2. I tried to call, but the phone number was "no longer in service" 3. I ordered it with the additional cost of a "padded" shoulder-strap, but it did not have that feature when it arrived. 4. The "Left Panel" I selected was a medium light "Gunmetal Gray" which in real life was 5 shades darker than shown on website. (I expected it to be maybe slightly lighter or darker, but this is extreme.) 5. I tried to use the online return process, but the webpage came up stating that "the item had already been returned". (????) 6. I received an e-mail from Timbuk2 expressing regrets that I was returning the bag, but when I completed the return steps, it took me right back to the same e-mail expressing regrets and asking me to do the same process, with the same result. In short, Timbuk2 has some serious issues regarding their website sales management, and their customer support system. You have been warned.

I have purchased the Timbuk2 custom classic messenger bag before. Stoked. This time? Not. 1. The online ordering process computed a total cost that was incorrect. 2. I tried to call, but the phone number was "no longer in service" 3. I ordered it with the additional cost of a "padded" shoulder-strap, but it did not have that feature when it arrived. 4. The "Left Panel" I selected was a medium light "Gunmetal Gray"- which in real life was 5 shades darker than shown on website. (I expected it to be maybe slightly lighter or darker, but this is extreme.) 5. I tried to use the online return process, but the webpage came up stating that "the item had already been returned". (????) 6. I received an e-mail from Timbuk2 expressing regrets that I was returning the bag, but when I completed the return steps, it took me right back to the same e-mail expressing regrets and asking me to do the same process, with the same result. In short, Timbuk2 has some serious issues regarding their website sales management, and their customer support system. You have been warned.

I have a 5yr old bag that's still going strong, but struggles to fit my 15 in gaming laptop when on the road. I figured this time I would customize to get more coolness. I'm disappointed in the new style for the following reasons: -no separate padded laptop area. I would not feel safe carrying a laptop in this since there is zero padding - no shoulder padding. I'm getting old and have bad shoulders. 1 strap of nylon is not going to do it. - lack of pockets. It does have some, but not nearly as many as old blue. The one positive is it does look cool from the outside. I guess I have a really nice D&D bag now. I just wish they didn't sell it as a laptop bag. I would return it if it wasn't custom. Save your money and do not buy the "large" bag. The Medium comes with more features and will probably cost you less. Also remember again, no returns on custom orders, so review all pics and make sure you like it.

i have owned many timbuk2 messenger bags over the years. i do NOT like the clips hidden under the bag flap. i can barely get them to funtion. i also dislike the cinching function on this particular bag. the bottle holders inside are ridiculously tiny. if i hadn't purchased this on sale with no returns, it wouldbe going straight back. hopefully i can find someone to give it to. very disappointing.

It may seem like a minor thing but I rely on the handle to grab my bag when I get out of the car. I love my first bag but I am really unhappy with this one just because of that. Oh and ,my fault, I ordered the wrong size. For some reason I thought my original bag was a medium but it is a small. I don't like the larger one. Also, the side sipper came broken and I sent for a warranty return and requested a shipping label to send it back but you have not responded. Poor customer service.

I ordered a customer messenger 8 years ago and literally used it every day. I finally had to lovingly retire the thing as the liner was too frayed, and the metal bit of the key holder and the plastic buckle broke. But did I ever love that thing! I ordered a new custom despite reading the reviews of how the quality had gone down. I should have listened to the other reviews. The quality has NOTHING to do with the former Timbuk2. The strap is thin, folds easily, slips and is uncomfortable. After only three months of use, the inner lining is completely shredded, meaning the bag is no longer water resistant. There is a small fraction of the pockets in the current version compared to the earlier version. The buckles no longer go all the way around the bottom of the bag, which means that I can no longer cinch in a rain coat, umbrella or beach towel to the outside bottom of the bag. That was a huge feature for me. The color was not at all what I expected, but for that I do understand monitor variations can result in a different color. The bag also seems to hold less due to slightly different dimensions - I can no longer slide a file folder in the back and still close it completely. As much as loved my other bag, I really hate this one and am just using it until I find the time to shop for a replacement. If I'd not known the previous quality of Timbuk2, this bag would be 'fair'. It compares just fine to some cheapie version you could pick up at your local outdoors store. However, for Timbuk2 (or at least the former glory of Timbuk2) and the price...no way. By the way, Timbuk2, I'd pay way more for a messenger and absolutely come faithfully back as a customer if you'd bring the quality and features back. I'm sure I'm not alone in being very willing to pay more money for a quality product. But by keeping the price similar and producing a shoddy product, you are doing no favors to your business or to your formerly loyal customers. :-(

Bought my first Timbuk2 bag in 1993; my third one will be the last. First bag lasted over 18 years in all sorts of weather (Seattle, Alaska, Mexico, Philly) before the seams finally split, the second made it 6 years, and the third made it 1 day. That is how long it took for the "new and improved" cam to clog up on the flimsy, cheap new strap. Light weight is not always better, but I bet it tests amazingly with those who care more about fashion than practical use. The heavy duty strap and materials held up in the rain and elements. The new bags? Well they sure have gotten pretty, but don't expect them to last.

Large bag will hold 50 lbs of books etc. It should hang at the waist, not mid-ribcage, where it's impossible to carry when loaded, Longer straps not sold

I purchased my original Timbuk2 10 years ago and it has been my daily go to everyday since. I wanted to upgrade to a newer messenger and am sorry I did. The material is stiff, shoulder strap not as user friendly. Upgrade fail.

I bought this to replace an aging classic timbuk2 bag that I purchased nearly a decade ago. The original was everything I wanted in a messenger bag and had put up with a lot of abuse. I was pleased to see that the newer Classic Messenger Bags had some additional features - laptop sleeves, additional pockets/organizers, bottle holders. I figured I would upgrade the one I had and replace it was a new one with a bunch of fancy add-ons. Once I got the bag, I realized that the trade-off for this features is a bag that quite simply feels cheap. The fabric is noticeably thinner throughout. There's slightly less material in the closing flap - it doesn't extend down as far, reducing the overall amount of stuff you can put in the bag. The worst change is easily the strap - the original bag had a thick, robust, comfortable strap - it's been replaced with the thinnest webbing I've ever seen. My biggest regret is that I have got a custom bag - had I known the materials were cheaper than what they used to be, I would have just kept using the old one.

Not the kind of quality I have come to expect. The release buckle on the strap has zero grip so slightest movement causes it to release and bag to suddenly drop, causing stress and strain on back and shoulder. Placement of the closure clips on underside of the bag flap, as oppose to on topside, causes edges of the flap to curl up, leaving velcro exposed. Consequently, exposed velcro snags clothing, often damaging clothing. I rarely use the word hate, but I truly hate this bag.

The bag I recieved looked nothing like custom bag I designed on the website. Five weeks later I have just ordered the replacement bag. I am not expecting it for another 3 weeks at least. I will never order another bag from you again. Terrible customer service.

So disappointed that T2 will not stand by its warranty - particularly on a top-end custom bag. T2 customer service useless - failure to even understand basic issues of bag construction like how a strap may get twisted in assembly. I own multiple T2 bags and have given T2 bags as gifts, including the recent defective purchase. T2 - you won't embarrass me again! This experience has turned me into a T2 negevangelist. If T2 wants to be treated like a cool company it should act like one.

The strap is skinnier that before, the colors, despite the names were off, feels less durable than before.

Strap is flimsy and pad slips

love the product BUT, i picked a reflective like material thread, and after 1 week of use, the inner VELCRO grabs it, shreading it up, making it very hairy and messy, and it is an annoyance to constantly have to separate them which makes it even worse. Essentially since the velcro is so close to the material, it grabs onto to, and only grabs more and more..this is the sides mainly and the bottom..so it is a hairy mess and also an annoyance as i need to separate them often and the inner bag is all mangled up now vs clean... if they can fix this issue, i'd give the product 5 stars, but this minor issue just makes the bag almost undesirable to use.

I've been a loyal Timbuk2 bag owner for over 10 years. I've noticed a slip in quality in the last couple of bags I've purchased. This most resent bag, like all the other bag's I've purchased, was a custom messenger bag. I requested custom colors, bag material, internal liner color, and additional pockets. The bag arrived with a newer flimsy strap which folds and twists under the shoulder pad, tangling it into an uncomfortable knot. I set my bag on the ground regularly. Timbuk2 has forgotten this possibility and refused to give the option of a darker colored bottom, which in the past afforded protection form the ground, or floor preventing staining, and discoloration. Lastly, you would expect attention to detail to be higher when order a custom bag. Her again in the past Timbuk2 would have never let a custom bag go with out checking to see *all* the customized items had been added. My additional internal water bottle pockets were not built into my bag. As a bag maker whose initial market was those who travel on two wheels, Timbuk2 has clearly lost focus on its core competency, and has rightly earned the 1 star given. Comprehensive Failure!

If it ain't broke why fix it? Because always have to be introducing new products!! But overall whole design less useful as my old bag. Especially don't like that the bag top not uniform size which means cannot easily flip over cover and leave cover open to gain access to inside. This was most useful on aeroplane or long train journey. Old product had different colour seams around the inside pockets. Easy to see them in the dark. New design does not. Old product had much thicker shoulder strap than new design.

The company is clearly trying to reduce its costs by using cheaper materials. I have owned several bags over the last 20 years.The new materials and design is of such poor quality, that I don't believe I will purchase another.

This bag was the biggest disappointment. What was even a bigger disappointment was how coustomer service responded to my claim. (Good job Harrison!) I ordered a large bag, I received a medium. I ordered that the bag was to worn on the RIGHT shoulder, it was made for the LEFT. There are not enough compartments in the bag that are necessary for my day to day life. The strap is too soft and thin and gets tangled, and slides off my shoulder when I'm riding my bike. The cherry on the cake is the comfort strap I ordered separately only works if I wear it on the left. I loved my old timbuk2, it was a dream. I used it every day till it died. It lasted my 6 years and I couldn't wait to get another one just like it. This new bag is a nightmare. You have most certainly LOST A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE and I've made it a point to share how this experience with everyone I know in real life and all of my social media outlets. I'm telling everyone that should buy a Chrome instead of Timbuk2. This company is a perfect example as to why no one is buying American made products. I'm most sure that this review will get swept underneath the rug and I'll get an automated response saying "thanks for the review!". Thank you for wasting my time and hard earned money.

Very disappointed in the quality of the webbed shoulder strap. The old bags had a beefy strap. I will NEVER buy another bag from Timbuk 2. I expected that my new bag would be of the same quality as my other 2 bags. Timbuk 2 will not take back as it was a custom color combo.

I have had Timbuk2 messenger bags for years now. I have enjoyed customising my own bag, but this is the first one I have owned that I have been really disappointed with. The pockets are fewer and smaller, the shoulder strap is thinner and the accessories are made of cheaper materials. When my current bag wears out or I want a change, I will sadly not bother with Timbuk2.

Ordered the bag and it was too small. Pics on the website are not too true size unless they are using a really small model to show bags off. Wanted to order next size up, but Timbuk2 decided to change out materials and now I can even pay to order the bag I want. Not happy at all with the bag or the company.