Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Extra Small

Bought this as a gift to my wife. I had the fortune to own the older version of the messenger (2013 or older, I think) and managed to compare it with this version. I generally liked all the updates done to it, except for the new liner (seems thinner) and the reduced organization options/pockets. I particularly missed the 3 zippered pockets. I hope it would return to the regular items or at least as a custom option.

I got a Medium size first but it was too bulky for my every day carry, so swapped it to a small and now it's near perfect. It could use a bit of padding on the bottom of the laptop compartment at least but a neoprene sleeve can fix that. Some fraying on the buckle straps occurs due to their placement over the velcro tabs, annoying, but no functional issues. Weighs next to nothing when empty. I use it daily, for work, carrying a 15'' laptop plus accessories on a grid-it, a water bottle and other knickknacks. On weekends it serves as a diaper/bottle bag when out and about with my toddler. I've been a backpack advocate until I got this bag. You never think you need a quick adjust strap until you have it. There are just some things you can't do without taking off a backpack, this messenger does it all while looking good. I'm getting a new place near the office soon, and I can't wait to just bike to work with this strapped on.

This is my third Timbuk2 messenger since the 90s, probably the most annoying thing about them is they never wear out. I have to justify buying a new one somehow. This time I went with "this one has a water bottlle holder." It also has a laptop sleeve/slot. I turned my last one into a camera bag. Embarrassingly, it wasn't until this morning that I found the long, zippered slash pocket behind the phone and pen pockets, so... bonus. The only real beef, and it's minor, is the grab handle on this one is just a webbing strap, and opposed to the gel-filled(?) strap one the last one. I do like the newer inside pockets, my smart phone fits now, and the bottle pockets are great, though, the could be deeper. Great bag. Really happy with it as usual.

the bag is perfect for my taste but missing something very important that I always use the right shoulder and the bag for the left shoulder would have loved the bags were to reversible thanks

I use this medium sized messenger bag for school. It is light weight and not bulky. It fits all of the things I need for school each day including my 13" laptop. There is more than enough room in this bag. In addition, the look and feel and quality are superb. It was exactly what I was hoping it would be when I ordered it.

I got the small and use it as a purse. I can take it to work out and carry my pad lock and a water container in it easily. I work at a museum and carry my iPad in it easily to take pics of acquisitions and download to the computer. It is heavier than my previous purses but the shoulder pad works great!

Durable, stylish and comfortable. I love this bag because it's roomy and lightweight, and looks great! However, unless its filled to the rim, things just thrash around in the bag, hence would have liked more inside compartments.

2nd purchase of this messenger bag! I own the backpack and a tsa friendly messenger as well. Luv timbuk2! I had an x-small in this previously that I used for about 6 yrs. I transitioned to a career bag that just didn't cut it. I purchased this in a small and I love it. Two reasons why I gave it four stars is the adjustable strap is loose and seems to go back to the original length and the loop meant for women, I'd love to have in front. For preference, I use this hook a carabeener for my keys. Having it in the back would make this an easy target for pick pocketers. Other than that, love this bag

I can fit all my stuff in this bag! Love the size and durability. I get compliments all the time!

I use this bag for everything. It can carry almost anything and is especially good for short-medium length trips. I can't see myself needing anything other than this for trips less than a few days. I would never buy from this store internationally however, unless you want to get destroyed by shipping. I live in Canada and UPS dinged me left right and center. If you know someone in the US ship it to them, or go and get it yourself! Great product: 10/10. Poor Shipping 0/10.

I need to carry quite a lot of things in here, including the run-of-the-mill school supplies like a binder, notebooks, laptop, books, etc. I find that the large bag was necessary when I needed to bring my entire load to school. Other times, it was of course overkill. The inclusion of the key lanyard was nice. I find that the clamp on my shoulder strap is prone to slip, even when it was sealed down tightly. Otherwise, the strap length was very comfortable for most heights. The exterior and interior was gorgeous and was made with care. I have used this bag practically everyday for both essential needs and school use for the past year; it looks and works like brand new. Since I live in a rainy area, the waterproof material saved me a lot of trouble. My only wish was that it had some stiffener that prevented the bag from looking saggy and help hold its shape when it is not fully loaded.

I have a number of these bags, and they are absolutely the best! In every way.

When I have the bag on my shoulder and across my chest, if I adjust the strap length, it becomes loose enough to go to the full length. Tightening it back up to proper length is an ordeal when loaded. I use this for my camera bag (with an insert) as well as for office meetings. Medium size for a full frame body and some lenses. Not too big, not too small.

I purchased this bag specifically for use in volunteer work I participate in regularly. It seems to be just a bout the perfect size for the brochures, tracts, & magazines I carry around & fits my standard size iPad. This is my 3rd timbuk2 bag & the quality of the materials is the same high standard that I have come to love with their products. I would have given 5 stars but for one issue. The strap is too short for me ( 6 foot 3 inches) even when fully extended. This wouldn't have been an problem if I could have just replaced the shoulder strap with a longer one. But the existing strap is permanently sewn on unlike my other two bags which have the triangular shaped metal loop & replaceable clasp straps. Otherwise a great little bag. One other thing that would have made this bag perfect for me is an elasticized external side pocket for water bottle. I have this feature on one of my other bags & it is perfect for a compact umbrella.

Really enjoy the many inner pockets, dividers & multi-use compartments

Hey guys super happy with the bag, no real complaints. Just 1 question on your videos for the bag it shows there is an extra strap that clicks under the arm to keep the bag steady. As my partner uses this on his motorcycle I though this is a great feature to keep the bag still. Can you tell me if we were supposed to get an extra strap? Both clips show the bag with the strap but the bag we got didn't have one? Emma

I wish the bottle holder was bigger. It's difficult to put in and take out the bottle.

This is my 3rd bag from Timbuk2. I've been searching for the perfect work bag that can also be used on weekends and trips. To date, this is the best one in terms of practicality, aesthetics, and overall value. I only have 2 suggestions that would make this the perfect "10" bag. First, move the handle to the top of the bag, not the back side. I don't know anyone who lays their bag down with the flap down on the table so the quick grab strap does no one any good when it is not quickly accessible. This would also make it easier to carry it briefcase style for the office types. Second, put the clips back on the outside. It's a pain to access them under the flap. Yes it streamlines the design but sacrifices accessibility which I believe it more important.

It's as good as they say it is. What you sacrifice in comfort is made up for in utility.

Great bag. Method of shipping was less than desirable. Would have been 5 stars. Shipping took it down one

I know that I order the small size, but honestly I wasn't expecting it to be that small. Even though the bag was a little smaller than I was initially expecting, it winds up being better suited for what I was intending it to be used for. It will it a 13 inch MBPr it it perfectly or an iPad Pro perfect. Things that I would change: Strap length wasn't long enough. I don't use the bag while riding a bike or anything like that so I wind up carrying it like any other shoulder bag, which would be at my hipbone level. Not necessarily a deal breaker though. The material that was used for the inner and outer organizer pockets seemed cheap. I would have liked a slightly heavier nylon material, I'm not entirely sure how durable that thin nylon will hold up, so only time will tell with that. I was a little leery of the TPU liner inside the bag, fearing that it would be flimsy and feel delicate. Not the case, it certainly feels as if it will stand up well over time.

I have had this bag for less than a month, so I cannot comment on durability, but so far I like the bag a lot. I got the small size and it is able to carry my 13" mac air. My criticism is of the customer support. I tried calling multiple times and never once even got an answering machine. I wanted to make a change to my order, but was unable to do so in the time frame I needed. Overall, terrible experience with customer support.

I use this as a daily bag for work when I ride my motorcycle.. I don't require much space - just enough to take my coffee, lunch, wallet & sunglasses. I have a small messenger bag and this XS bag - both bags are about 2 inches away from perfect. The small is 2 inches too big and the XS is 2 inches too small. While I am a Timbuk2 fan, I am still in search of the perfect sized messenger... Construction is solid - holds up great to daily wear & tear. Fabric options are diverse - hardest part is choosing your combo. Can't argue with the classic style - simple + timeless = perfect.

The only thing I wish were differnt would be putting the strap with the clip for keys in an interior pocket, or just the one behind where it currently is. They're already clipped so they don't need to be taking up the only front pocket with a zipper.

The bag I got is an extra small bag (color: bold berry). The size is great for my use (I use it while walking / commuting to the office and also plan on using it for airplane travel). The bag is has a good amount of space despite its small size. The interior is made of great quality water-resistant fabric. Overall bag is very light and the shoulder strap is comfortable. I wear the shoulder bag on my right shoulder so the adjustment clip is on the wrong side but it's not a big problem. Good reviews aside, the bag could really use more compartments / organization pockets with zippers (like the 2013 model). Also the clip is hard to operate with one hand, especially in a hurry because it's hidden under the flap (which gives a clean look but not the most practical). I always need to use two hands to clip them back together. The lack of napoleon pocket on the extra small is a bit disappointing as well. If no napoleon pocket, I would appreciate an exterior pocket somewhere or quick access. Handy water bottle mesh isn't handy for regular size bottles (I use Klean Kanteen 3 inches in diameter and does not fit whatsoever), so this could certainly be improved. The fabric on this color (bold berry) picks up dust pretty easily which is a shame. Not too big a problem as I can easily brush them off. Customer service is great via email, not so much on the phone as no one ever picks up or I might have to wait 2-3 hours to get to talk to someone? Otherwise, people at Timbuk2 are friendly and helpful. Despite some negatives, I still find this bag very convenient, light, and comfortable to use. A few improvements would give this bag a 5 star.