Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag - Large

I love this messenger very much for its functional design/features in the Timbuk2 messenger class...

This bag seems like a perfect option for what I needed- I travel a lot for business, but as a smaller woman this was way too big, makes it look a lot less professional when so oversized.

This is a great replacement for a boring old briefcase. Durable enough to withstand whatever I throw at it but highly comfortable with loads of compartments.

I use this bag whenever I need to bring my computer with me: work or personal travel. I like the new strap system and appreciate the option of the velcro and the covers so I don't have to use the velcro if I don't want to secure the closure in that way. I would have liked an outside side mesh panel for a water carrier and maybe a front flap zipper to access a (currently non-existent) small pocket in that flap for a cell phone, passport or other small items.

I take this bag to school every day, and absolutely love it. I got a size small, and manage to fit my 13" Macbook Pro, a textbook, a binder, a notebook, sunglasses, phone, wallet, and some odds and ends with some careful arranging. I did not want the medium because I knew I'd just fill it with more stuff that I didn't really need. The quality is great, and I love the gray tweed with red detail. I rely on this bag, and wouldn't part with it!

Travel b/t hospital campuses with laptop/iPad and business materials. Organized. Easy access outside secure pockets for on the go ease

Tokyo's a city where everyone -- man, woman, and child -- carries a bag, and I've been no exception for the past decade that I've been living here. I got my first Command Messenger when they first came out for sale here, and I've been a fan ever since (this one is my third). I really like the updates in this model. The extra side pocket in the top flap is useful, as is the "power brick pocket" in the side. The strap has been redesigned to slim down the bulky cinch that was on previous models, which is a pleasant change as the old one tended to sit in uncomfortable places across my admittedly over-ample chest. The best change, though, is the resigned front clasps. Previous models had straps that would swing free, particularly if the bag wasn't particularly full. It happened more than once that I had to call into my office because the strap had got itself wedged in under my motorbike seat during the ride to work and I needed somebody to come downstairs and untie me. This clearly won't happen with the new design. I do miss the keychain leash that was on old models; I guess maybe I'll take it out of my old bag and tie it into this one somewhere.

I use my bag primarily for commuting - carrying my macbook pro, iPad, documents, manuals, magazines. I secondarily use it for business travel, as my "personal item," carrying laptop, iPad, headphones, a jacket ... In other words, pretty much every day. I love how roomy the bag is, including the size of the laptop pocket. It looks great, it's comfortable, and seems like it will be very durable. I like that the fittings are mostly not metal - previous bags have failed when strap fittings at the metal-metal contact points wore away and the straps could no longer be attached. My issues with the bag, though are: 1) The flap closures are often difficult to open - the protrusion at the end of the metal slide-through catches on the nylon loop and it's hard to get them to go back through so as to open the bag. 2) The locking slide used to change the strap length does NOT stay locked for long - it's way too easy for it to open on its own, especially while taking the bag off - in fact, once while taking off the bag I caught a finger in there and it was difficult, and painful, to get the bag the rest of the way over my head and the latch off my finger. 3) It would be very helpful for there to be at least a small pocket on the front of the flap, to stash small odds&ends (id cards, passes, small pad & pen, change). Opening the flap, or accessing the laptop pocket, while wearing the bag is difficult-to-impossible. I know there is a side-pocket on the flap but that's less accessible while wearing the bag, and it's already occupied by laptop power supply and/or ipod.

I bought this to replace my old timbuk2 messenger bag when I recently purchased my new MacBook. Due to my previous experience with the timbuk2 products, I knew I would be happy with the quality. I use this bag daily to carry my laptop to and from work. My 15" MacBook Pro retina fits perfectly along with all its accessories. When I first got it I was a little disappointed that it didn't have more storage space but I realize that is the sacrifice you make for the compact size. Besides, I would just fill it up and make the bag heavier. The bag is durable and lightweight and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

No. I bought it for myself

Amazing bag. I love it. It has many compartments that make it easy to organize my stuff. Ideal to carry laptop and iPad without scratching them. Totally worth it.

Highly recommend for the modern professional

I just completed my first international trip with this bag and it proved to be really well thought out. Initially I did not really dig the flap buckles but after the first day going from meeting to meeting in Lagos they became natural to use. I think that with any bag you are going to wish it had a specific feature or if you could just tweak one thing and this is as close to perfect as I could hope for.

I've commuted 3500 miles to work for the last six years during which time I carried a Swiss Gear laptop backpack. I grew used to the many compartments, so when it wore out and I decided to try a messenger bag I had to really rethink how and what I carried with me. I like the Command because it looks far more professional than the backpack, it's easier to access what I'm carrying without removing the bag, but carrying nearly the same weight on one shoulder instead of two wears on me. It fits in the overhead storage on commuter jets far better than my backpack did. My 17" HP 8730w fits in the large size very well as the Timbuk2 calculator advised. Others have recommended upgrading the shoulder pad and I'll likely make that change. I'm happy with the product as well as the ordering/shipping experience - no bad surprises from Timbuk2.

Really a great for business short out of town trips. Really have had many complements on it . Thanks guys for your fast service I'll be looking to get my wife a bag soon!

Used as a laptop bag for my very white-collar business. Formal enough to fit in and unique enough to stand out from the standard black laptop carry-on.

Great bag with enough expansion for air travel. Small enough for day to day use.

My husband has been looking for a bag to use for work for a long time. He has a ton of gadgets, and this bag fits them all! I was nervous because I didn't show it for him before I suprised him with it, but luckily he loves it! The only problem he's had with it was losing his iPod in one of the pockets! There are so many compartments that he forgot about the one he put his iPod in! All in all it is a great bag and we highly recommend it!

I really want to like this bag. However, minor scratches really leave a mark. I did this with my fingernail!!! also, its a tad small for storing things. Wish they offered bag

I chose this bag because every day I was carrying a purse and two computers and a drink in one hand and keys in the other. I walk a little ways from the parking deck to my office and I was always struggling with the load or trying to find my keys and sometimes being bruised from the weight on one shoulder. Now I carry everything from my purse and my two computers in one bag, I can tuck my drink in the side and easily find my keys. I carry the bag across my chest so the weight is distributed, and I look and feel organized! What a relief! I love my new bag.

This bag is great for traveling and around town use...TSA friendly, makes it super easy to get through security...pockets are stealthy, takes a little getting used too, but are all in perfect places...buckles actually work great, takes some time to figure them out but I would not want the bag to latch any other way now.

I bought this bag just before a business trip. I was somewhat hesitant because of the handful of negatives against this bag. Honestly, those negatives are incredibly nit-picky. I have received compliments on it's appearance and functionality. It is super stylish but classy enough to be seen in an office setting. I think the fabric looks great. The construction is very sturdy. It seems like it can withstand a lot of abuse. The dividers and compartments are brilliantly laid out. I honestly can't think of a negative. I bought the Medium size and it fits my 15" Macbook Pro like a glove.

I use this daily and it's been great. Always in search of the best messenger bag for my use and this could be it. Although I don't transport a computer, I use the back pocket for documents that I need to get quickly. The small phone pocket is perfect for accessing earbuds when traveling. The only two small criticisms are: 1) I would like to have an umbrella pocket in addition to the water bottle pocket (need t make a choice there) and 2) it has a tendency to tip forward rather than back when open. These are minor, though. Great job Timbuk2!

Bought the medium bag. Computer pocket might be good for 15" Apple, but too tight for Lenovo 15" laptop

I had been using a rolling briefcase for years, and had to unpack and repack it when connecting flights to a smaller commuter plane. The Timbuk2 Command messenger bag fits under seats and in most small plane overheads. I can still wheel it on top of my rollaboard due to the passthrough on its back: a great feature. I have the version of the bag that has a long front pocket at the bottom for cables, and I love it. My power brick and mouse fit nicely. I also love the mesh side pocket for a water bottle, it was something my briefcase didn't have and I use it all the time. The shoulder strap is comfortable and has a huge pad for comfort. I tuck it in the passthrough slot when I'm carrying the bag by its handle. And the TSA-compliant clamshell design is very helpful when going through security checkpoints. I have two quibbles. While the interior space is very roomy, there aren't enough pockets to organize with. I bought an inexpensive nylon purse organizer online ($9) and it adds another 13 pockets. Plus, I can pull out the organizer and lay it on my desk for quick reach to my most often used items. Timbuk2 should add one of these! The other quibble is that I find the front hooks a bit odd as a closure. I'm always worried they won't keep the bag closed and things might fall out. Some of the reviews here indicate the newer model has some elastic tensioning, which sounds good. All in all, I'm very pleased and would highly recommend this bag for airline travelers and office workers.