Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Medium

This bag has been a great upgrade to my previous messenger bag. I love that the straps go across the bottom of the bag and can cinch down for smaller loads, and expect that I will make good use of the fact that I can put a coat through them once it gets a little rainier and warmer. I got a medium sized bag, but it feels very roomy and can fit a lot of stuff in it. It looks sleek, the strap re-sizer cinch is great, and I have received several compliments on it already. Highly recommended to anyone who needs a new bag.

The 2014 upgrades caught my eye so I purchased the bag to replace my scrunchie tote as a work/every day bag. It does everything it needs to do and I love the napoleon pocket (i could never find my phone before). I love how neatly it fits in my bike basket but effortlessly hangs on my shoulders if I need my basket for grocery shopping or books. I do wish there was a hook on the strap or on the right side of the bag for my keys. For me, the bag will be perfect when I can hook my keys to the bag (not inside). Not counting it against the bag since its just a personal preference. Oh, and I bought the blue bag with rainbow/orange stripes...looks better in person than on the website. I find this true for most of the timbuk2 bags I buy.

Very satisfieduseful. But after my purchase, this bag has 30% discount, so sad~

I bought this bag to carry art supplies + whatever else I need in. It has been great . It's comfortable to carry and has plenty of space for everything. It's also great looking and appears to be very well made.

I use it mainly for work. I like how easy it fits on over my back.

I might just get rid of all my other purses completely. Perfect number and size of inside pockets. My 11" MacBook Air *almost* fits in the XS bag's slash pocket (I knew it wouldn't) but it *does* fit in the larger front pocket area! I've decided to make a felt slipcover for the MBP so I can use this as a laptop bag when I don't take my Small messenger (which easily fits my laptop). I like the key clip ribbon but I have to unclip it every time I drive. For biking and walking, it's perfect. I love this bag so much, I can't wait to travel with it. Oh! And the slash pocket fits standard size graphic novel TPBs! *nerd joy* :D

I use this bag everyday going to work, going to friends or whatever reason may be.. love the bag.. the lock-in strap is so good.. really love that especially when riding a motorcycle..

I was looking for a bag to take back and forth to work with me. I carry a ton of stuff,breakfast, water, coffee lunch, cell phone, and what I need for work as well as my lap top. This bag is perfect! I can fit everything I need and it is easy to carry and looks great!

travel

I bought a Timbuk2 bag 10 years ago at a Sporting Goods store in Boston for about $40-$45. I needed a new bag for college and I liked the idea of an open-top easy-access bag. Lo and behold 10 years later it is still my go-to bag for everything and the one I've used almost every day. It has never broken, it's kept all of my gear dry in inclement weather, it's been wide enough to carry just about everything I've needed, and it feels like I'm still discovering pockets and compartments I never knew were there. I'm still getting value out of that $40 I spent a decade ago and there's virtually no other product I could say the same about. Cheers to making great bags!

I've carried the previous version of the Classic Messenger with me every day for three years. It's been my constant companion in my professional and personal lives, and it's one of my few true "can't-live-without-it" items. After looking at the 2014 bag in person, I wavered for a couple of weeks on whether the new features were enough to justify a new bag. In the end, I decided they were and picked up the small bag in Carbon Full Cycle Twill. These four improvements together provided the tipping point: * Cordura: The new material is much softer and more flexible than the previously used ballistic nylon, which makes it feel better against your back, even through clothing. I can only imagine the difference will be even more pronounced when summer rolls around. * Weight: The 2014 small bag is 8 ounces lighter than the previous model, which doesn't sound like much but makes a surprising difference. * Streamlined design: Having the buckles beneath the flap makes this bag look much nicer...more like a cross between a soft-side briefcase and messenger bag. * Standard colors: While there are fewer standard colors available this go around, the ones there are are quite nice. The Carbon Full Cycle Twill in particular makes for a tremendously handsome bag. The color is a shade or two darker than in photos, and the slight texture makes it even more elegant. Add in the black trim with contrasting red stitching and you have a bag that can easily go from board room to bicycle. (For the record, the interior of the Carbon Full Cycle Twill is red, not gray as shown in some photos. Personally, I like the red.) Other welcome changes: * Compression straps: Nice for the times when you don't have much in your bag. * Grab handle: Handy for getting into and out of the car or quickly grabbing the bag when you're jetting out the door. * Double-loop cam buckle and strap: It's nice to not have the extra webbing, which I often got wrapped around various items, thus undoing the buckle itself and making my bag slide down my back. I also like the more narrow strap on the small bag. By the way, several people have said the new shoulder strap is too short. I'm 6' and it fits me just fine. Granted, I like for my bag to hit me in the lower part of my back, but even that's not with the strap completely extended, so it'll go even longer. * Shoulder strap pad: Far more comfortable than the previous standard shoulder strap pad, though not removable. Nor is it as comfortable as the deluxe shoulder strap pad, which I used on my previous bag, but it's still nice. * Corner flap wings: I got caught in a couple of downpours with my previous bag and never had an issue with water getting in it, but if this feature makes it even more water-resistant, I'm all for it. There are a couple of changes that I'm not a fan of, but the positives far outweigh these negatives: * Cross strap: I've yet to see this one mentioned, but it's my biggest gripe. Previously, the cross-strap attached with a clip to a d-ring on the bag itself, while the end that went on the shoulder strap used velcro. Now, both sides use velcro, which means you can't just clip the longer part off of your bag when you're not using it. Also, since that side now attaches to a smaller plastic ring with a narrow opening, the clip end from older bags won't work on it. I'm hoping to find a d-ring that I can add that will allow me to use an older cross strap. * Water bottle holder: I imagine that when most people suggested adding a water bottle holder, they meant on the outside. The two elastic pouches inside the bag are nice for other things (e.g. sunglasses or headphones), but they're not big enough for many water bottles, and who'd want a water bottle -- even a supposedly leak-proof one -- inside their bag? The jury is still out on the simplified organization. The pouches on the front have been reduced from three to one, though so far that's not been an issue. Inside the bag, the organizer pockets are now four basic pockets instead of a basic pocket or two, some slots and a pocket with a velcro flap. The pockets inside the zipper are now gone, making that one big open space. I must say that so far this simplification has forced me to carry fewer things, which could end up being a positive, but only time will tell. All in all, the 2014 Classic Messenger is a nice upgrade and a worthy successor to previous editions, and Timbuk2 is to be congratulated for making this new iteration a truly classy bag.

I use this bag daily. Mostly carrying my camera kit. The 2014 bag is much ligther and sleeker than the previous editions. The 2014 design carries and rests more comfortably against you. It is lighter and more flexible than the previous version. The additons of the grab handle, cinch straps, bottle compartments and side wings all work out well. The front and interior pockets are not as diverse as the previous models. But they work out fine. The new style shoulder strap adjustment hardware is a nice feature. I really like the sleeker, ligther and more flexible design of the 2014 bag. I have the same size bag I bought in 2010. Nothing was wrong with the older bag. But the 2014 bag has enough design improvements to make it a worth while purchase. I have the same gear loaded into the 2014 bag that I had in the 2010 bag and it seams like there is more room. This is no doubt because of the material being lighter and more flexible. Very happy with the features of the 2014 Classic Mesenger Bag. Great job of "redesigning" Timbuk2

Overall really like this bag - had an extra-small bag before because I am a small woman, but always felt like it was a little too small for everything I wanted to carry. This bag is big enough to fit my laptop, coffee mug, papers and a hat/scarf/sweater, and is super comfortable. Like the flaps, have used it in rain/snow w/a 20 minute commute and nothing got wet. The clips are much easier to use now compared to the big stiff ones on the older bag (and don't get wet). Like the idea of the coffee mug and charger pockets but wish they were a little roomier. My coffee mug is small but I still have to cram it into the opening. Phone charger will fit in the other pocket but a laptop charger will not. Since they collapse when not in use, would be nice if they were a little bigger. Wish the key hook were off to the side a bit - my keys are bulky and prevent me from using the pocket behind it much. Small fixes though in relation to the big picture!

Great class-to-class teacher bag if you don't have a lot to carry around. Works well with a laptop, file folder, a book or two, a stack of essays, and so on.

I use this for work during the day to take my work iPad and paperwork around. Then at night I take it along with my personal iPad and essentials to my sons Karate practice. It is so much more comfortable than any other messenger bag I have used to date (this is the 4th and most likely the last). It is light weight and spreads the weight evenly. Most of the time I can barely tell it is there.

I use this bag daily for work and errands as well as for travel. I couldn't ask for a better messenger bag. I have the small, which for me is a perfect size. It holds everything I carry daily along with any extras I need to toss inside while remaining comfortable to carry. My wife has the x-small and loves it too. I couldn't recommend this bag enough.

I had the XS Snoop Camera Messenger before (2011 model) and find this to be a nice upgrade, now that I have a 13" MacBook. It fits perfectly into the S size. I'm a little concerned about breaking my habit of pulling up on the velcro without realizing that the buckles are still snapped. I'm afraid I'll break the buckles, but I'm sure I'll adjust. I like the lightweight new fabric, hopefully it is just as resilient.

By far the best bag that I have every used on a day-to-day basis. The small is the perfect size for my school books and 13" MBP (although, with case, the dedicated compartment is a bit snug). It adjusts easily and stays at that adjusted length. There was a lot of work put into making this a quality bag... and it shows!

Received this new messenger bag to replace the one I originally ordered which had a flaw. Your customer service was OUTSTANDING! Actually love this new replacement bag better than the one I originally ordered. Love the color combination. Love the double water bottle holder & all the compartments! Will continue to buy TIMBUK2 & recommend you to all my friends! GREAT JOB! THANKS!

Could not be better

Well, what can I say about this bag? I think it's great. i go to school twice a week, and i'm always running around doing things. This bag is equipped for diversity. I don't know how long i've been looking for a good bag, and I found it. one of the things that I love about this bag is the strap that is so easy to take off and on. It's comfortable and quick. If you are a student than you would definitely like this bag. I take my laptop everywhere, and it gives me sufficient space for everything else. great bag!

I've owned several Timbuk2 bags. Bought this one to replace an older Timbuk2 messenger bag and I'm really happy with all the small changes they made to it. From the way it cinches shut, to the pocket organization, without overdoing it it's a great upgrade.

Timbuk2 has made MANY improvements on an already great bag for 2014! Everything from the water bottle holders in the interior to the cam buckle on the strap to the updated aesthetics, this bag will not disappoint. I commute every day and go to school in the evenings and the medium bag is big enough to carry everything I need but not too big that I get fatigued from carrying it. It is very comfortable for a long day with the included cross strap. I plan on taking this bag on vacation to Mexico next week and I'm sure it will hold up as a fantastic beach bag (plus it's going to keep water out and, should sand get in the bottom, i know i can just wipe it out without any trouble.) This bag was a bit of an investment but definitely a worthy one! Of all of my Timbuk2 bags, the new kid comes out the winner! Great job, TIMBUK2!

Awesome messenger bag. The new fabric is almost cloth like and looks great. I'm 5'8" and the larger bags seemed to swallow my back. The small is a perfect size for me, just roomy enough but compact enough to easily take anywhere. This and a Snoop camera insert were a better choice for me than the 2014 Snoop Messenger bag -- a grab handle, better color choices, compression straps that could be used for a small tripod, and the slash pocket for an iPad. I can fit a 5D mark III with a 24-105 attached, with room for a flash and another medium lens (like a 50mm 1.2) with battery and cards. It's a little tight, but all fits. A battery grip probably wouldn't fit. The shoulder pad could be a little more padded (I had another brand before this and those pads are like a pillow) but it's still comfortable. Love this bag.

I just got my new bag today in the mail. It is absolutely fantastic. It is my second messenger bag from Timbuk2. Got my first one about two or three years ago. I liked it but never was a big fan of the buckle or the many little pockets on the inside. I rather have a more simple bag, like the new one. I like the light weight of the bag, eventhough, I do have to get used to it, the older one was quite heavy in comparison. It feels way better than my old bag! The only disadvantage it the waterbottle pocket, t does not fit my 1lNalgene, but I really like the new bag with all the upgrades, I am planning on using this bag for at least 10 years......