Customer Reviews Timbuk2 ACE

The bag is great for work, and allows you to go from briefcase, to messenger, to backpack for those heavy days. It has more space than I thought, but no side pockets for water bottles (since you can orient this bag in multiple ways), and it's not super stylish. Good for functional office settings,

Love the product and its easy way to orgranize. I could actually use more compartments both inside and out. Maybe a cellphone pouch and small netting on the outside. I would also like to have the backpack run the same way as the briefcase rather than vertical.

Just got this black bag. Looks a little bit bland due to all black design. Should have added a bit color on the zip handle or logo for a little design elements. Only complaint is when in briefcase mode, the handle strap is too thin and not comfortable enough compared to say samsonite bag handle which is so nice to pick it up. Overall still a great bag to have!

I saw the Ace Bag on the Timbuk2 store alongside the Copilot Roller on display and wanted a bag I could strap to the roller when I travel. They both matched nicely. So I decided to purchase both and I was so impressed with the flexibility of the bag that I am using it as my regular work bag now. It looks like a sporty briefcase with plenty of pockets and compartments for my accessories and such. The shoulder strap is confortable, however the backpack straps are a little awkward and not as confortable as I would expect when putting in 20 lbs. of weight.

would be perfect if the belt for backpack would be removable instead of only hide as it makes bulky and heavy.

Great looking, professional and sporty at the same time. Only down side is that it's rather heavy and lacks the room I'm accustomed to in Northface backpack

This bag has been great for carrying everything I need for the day. I commute 4 miles to and from work via bike or bus. The option to use the bag as a messenger or backpack is perfect.

Lots of pockets for a lot of items. Holds laptop and power pack plus a of other bits and pieces. Main pocket is good for smaller items but does have limitations when trying to put clothing into it. Big enough for overnight bag, but probably best as a carryon when checking another bag in. Good for work if you have a lot of stuff to commute with. Backpack option is good for when the bag is loaded up as shoulder strap becomes a bit small - especially with heavy laptop.

I wish there was a way to close the zipper pocket when the backpack straps are in use. The bag is very water proof but when using it as a backpack the strap compartment can fill up with rain. I always wish there were more pen and pencil pockets.

I use this for traveling, day trips and commuting. Lots of pockets and looks great. The shoulder strap was missing from the bag. Customer service said that they were unable to send me the strap by itself, that I needed to send the bag back as an exchange. I did not have the time due to an upcoming trip... So am using a spare strap from another bag.

I am definitely one of those types that take all their gear with them everywhere they go. Up until now it has usually been in backpack form. When I came across this hybrid I knew I wanted to try it. With all the different compartments it does keeps my stuff well organized. I am able to carry my books, laptop, hard drive, and files, etc. all together in one bag. As I said before, though, the hybrid factor is the first thing that attracted me to the bag itself and I have to say, overall it works pretty well. However, I wish they could have disguised the fronts zips more. I find it a little on the bulky side. And tucking away the backpack straps is a little bit cumbersome, but definitely not a deal breaker.

This thing is fantastic, and I wish they made more of these. I was looking for something along the lines of the Phorce bag, and this matched it in versatility, but not in style. A lot of pockets are great, but they don't make this aspect subtle

The main reason I bought this backpack is because I thought it would be great for my tech/cycling-life. - I'm a student at Cal Poly Pomona - Major: Computer Information System - I'm a technician for a repair company - computers, laptops, iphones, tablets, etc. - I like to cycle In the backpack I keep for school: - 2 in 1 tablet/laptop - power bank, mouse, 1 tb external hdd, multi-usb adapter - pens, pencils, notebooks, calculator - bike lights, tools, pump, bike lock - mint and dental floss For work: - multi-tool set - 2 in 1 tablet/laptop I have to say this is probably one of the best backpacks for a type of person like me. It keeps all my tech neatly organized and I can basically bring an entire office set up with me in the backpack. The material is very durable as well. The only thing I would probably change is the size. It is bulky . I kind of wish the backpack would have a lighter material so I can bring more stuff with me when I bike. Without anything in the backpack, it feels like its 2 pounds already. (I try to keep the backpack around 7 to 15 pounds). Also, it would've been nice to have a water bottle holder at least. But I can just toss it in the main compartment I guess. Overall. This is a great product. Get for techs and students. Good enough to cycle in.

Timbuk2 has a great name, and I've always wanted to buy one but have hesitated due to cost. Well, I finally took the plunge because I commute by bike and on foot and needed something that could become a backpack when I was schlepping all my work gear. I got the gray colored Timbuk2 Ace. It looks really nice. The outside fabric gives it a very professional look, while the inside is red (which I love because it allows me to easily see everything) and feels similar to the type of material rain jackets are made from. There are plenty of pockets. In the front, there are three. One large one for a cell phone or passport, and two smaller ones on either side that'll fit pens, earphones, a small MP3 player, smaller cell phones, etc. On the side of one pocket are a bunch of webbing to hook carabiners, bike gear like helmets and U-locks, etc. Then there is a big pocket closest to the front, big enough for your odds and ends like folders, magazines, etc. A little further to the center of the bag is *another* pocket, this one larger for your misc tech gear (I use it to carry my portable CD drive, USB wires, and so forth), A4 sized portfolios, random stuff, etc. Inside this pocket are a bunch of organizational pockets: four credit card sized or lipstick sized pockets and one larger zippered pocket about half the size of a sheet of paper. They are sewn at an angle so even if you throw the messenger bag over your shoulder or wear it as a backpack, the stuff inside shouldn't fall out! There's a back zippered pocket for a 15" laptop or a pocket for your tablet. This is the only pocket that is gray instead of red, and all fabric, with loads of padding to protect your tech gear. Finally, there's a zippered pocket on the back of the bag where the backpack straps tuck away. The back has webbed fabric for air circulation. There's also a strap to attach the bag to your rolling luggage. At the top of the messenger bag is a briefcase handle and more webbing for carabiners or whatnot. There's also a similar handle on the side, in case you're using it as a backpack. Whew! Hopefully, that wasn't confusing. There are some nice extra features of the bag: a padded shoulder rest so the strap doesn't bite into your flesh. Ties on the zippers for added grip. A bottle opener on the backpack strap. The bag is supposedly TSA-friendly, although the back pocket doesn't open fully or lie flat like most TSA-friendly bags, so I'm not sure if it "counts." The straps are adjustable. I was worried my laptop wouldn't fit because on the Timbuk2 website it says it fits a 15" MacBook (plus an iPad), which is slightly smaller than my 15" HP Envy. However, I had no problem fitting the laptop into the back pocket. I don't know if a tablet would also fit, though, especially if you have a cover for it. The bag arrived in a timely manner over the weekend, and I was ready to use it on Monday...which, coincidentally, is also when a huge typhoon hit. "Well," I thought, "this bag is REALLY going to be tested." Despite my efforts to keep it protected with my umbrella, it still got a good amount of rain on it and when I got to work (about a 10 minute walk), I was pleasantly surprised to find my laptop (the inner pocket) was completely dry. So was the misc tech gear in the center pocket (the one with the organizational pockets inside). However, the front pockets got pretty damp, particularly the areas close to the zipper. If you're walking in the rain, even with an umbrella, I suggest making sure all important stuff is in the center or back pockets, as these seem more rain resistant. I had put a backup pair of socks in the front, large pocket (the one I think is meant for magazines or folders) and they had wet patches when I pulled them out! Also, I found the zippers for the laptop pocket are not ideal. When I tried to zip my laptop up, they wouldn't budge until I took out my laptop, half zipped the pocket up, and put my laptop back inside, then finished the job. Because of this and the lack of water resistance for the front pockets, the bag lost one star. I haven't used the bag as a backpack yet, but when I hooked it all up to test it, everything seemed to be in working order. The straps felt comfortable, too. Switching to a backpack took no time at all, switching back to a bag took a little longer because you have to tuck the straps back in such a way as to be able to zip up the pocket. All-in-all, I recommend this bag if you're a commuter and just need something to schlepp your laptop with odds and ends. It does convert to a backpack, which is an amazing convenience! And it looks really nice and urban professional.

I really love that this bag can be used as a messenger bag or a backpack. That versatility itself is worth its price. However, i didn't like that this bag did not have a key larnyard and that this bag is NOT WATERPROOF. Your stuff will get drenched if this bag gets wet!!

I use it for daily commuting and external meetings. Found it small (at Medium size of 20L) for commuting and not good enough for meetings. Dumped it and never recommend it to others. If with option of Large size (26-30L) and better looking, I will defenitely buy one for daily usage.

I bought this bag to travel on overnight and day trips. I liked that it has both the traditional briefcase and backpack straps and can be used either way quickly and easily. That being said the bag is decent, I have a 15" Dell and it is a tight fit but it works. Main compartment is good size but not enough segregation for me. Would like separate compartments for charging cables, power supplies and misc cords and another for paper (books, notebooks, presentations, etc.). As it is I separate my computer and put everything else in the main compartment. If you do not have to carry paper it would be a great bag.

Really wish this bag was a little larger.

The only regret was I purchased this about 1 hour after the promo time........... From a 50% price to a 100% price...

To start off with the size of the bag as advertised is incorrect. It is much smaller then posted on their site. This ACE bag is advertised as 1700cu in. and is actually closer to 1000cu in. The ALIBI bag is advertised as 976cu in. and is actually closer to 1400cu in. They seem off an a lot of their bag sizes. I use this bag for my everyday work commute and as a freelancer I pretty much carry my office with me. I try and limit what I carry to stay light. However the minimal stuff I do carry for some reason fill this bag pretty quick. The bag should be made a little wider and taller. Depth is good. This bag is too small to be a backpack. You can get rid of the shoulder straps to lighten the bag and that pocket becomes an additional back pocket. What would be good is if the front pockets would expand out from the bag instead of filling into the bag which takes away space from the main compartment. Also for some reason the pockets for the pens and small stuff is installed on an angle in the back because of the backpack aspect but this is stupid either way. Just install these pockets horizontally.

I bought this briefcase as a gift for my husband, but I was very disappointed to see the quaility of the case when it arrived. The fabric looks much different in person. It has a cheap, plastic-like finish, and the construction is poorly designed. When holding the case, it looks like a trash bag because the handle pulls up on the fabric so badly. I feel like continued use would eventually rip the handle from the fabric. The backpack option is awkward and uncomfortable to wear. There is a lot of organizational features to the case, but that's all it really has going for it. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone needing a professional case.

I wanted to like this so much. For long-haul business trips I use an ebags etech 2.0 Weekender convertible bag, and for short trips I've been looking for something just like it, but half the size. This LOOKS like it could be, but the design is terrible. You can't even open it fully! Most backpacks and any suitcase opens wider than this. I'm not sure what niche they're trying to fill with this thing, but you'd be better off getting anything else.

Like another reviewer, my bag almost immediately began self-destructing. The blue version has a vinyl like coating that begins to crack, wear, and flake almost immediately. Contrary to Timbuk2's comment, it is not "merely" cosmetic (as if appearance issues on a bag this expensive can be dismissed with "merely"). The broken points also allow water to enter the bag. I have only used this bag for commuting on the train. Most of the time it spends in my lap like a baby. I bought another cheap convertible backpack at the same time that has had no issues. If Timbuk2 is not going to stand behind their bags, you should find a company who will.

It took a very long time for this product to arrive. I ordered three other items from various companies on the same day. This item came two weeks after all of these other ordered items and after the date it was needed as a gift. The product was not as attractive or as big ad it appeared online. I'm not impressed in any way with Timbuk2. The product did have many compartments, which is good. Overall, not impressed at all with this product or the company.

I wanted a bag for an office job so I bought the ace bag. I kept it clean and neat but unfortunately the material at the bottom broke (split up, dissolved)after just three months of normal use! I've sent the photos to timbuk2 but they said that this is just a cosmetic thing and normal wear!? If broken fabric is normal wear, then you should expect this bag to last for maximum of three months. Also, I think this company is fake and they don't care about their customer because they ignored me.