Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Medium

I own four timbuk2 messenger bags in all sizes from three generations and I like them a lot. None of them is perfect, the latest one (which I own in M) is the best but some features were better in the former. I use the bag everyday for office where I go with the bike. The most important improvement for me are the flap corners that make the bag more weatherproof cause that was an issue in the past. I also like the new cam buckle which allows to adjust the shoulder strap much better. What I don't like is the new design of the internal organizer which is kind of crude compared to the older one (the pen pockets are completely gone as is the pocket with a velcro flap that was great for the purse). The same holds true for the zip pocket under the flap: There used to be three pockets now it's only one. Finally, the cross-strap used to have a snap hook to fix it on the correspondent ring at the bottom of the bag. That allowed to take it off much quicker than now with the double velcro fix. Despite the critique I like the newest edition of the messenger bag a lot.

I am a long time Timbuk2 fan (we have an assortment of T2 bags and backpacks in the house), and was looking for an upgrade to something a little bigger than my venerable 2010 XS messenger for my go-to day tripping bag. When the 2014 Small messenger arrived, I had some doubts at first. It really did not feel very substantial when compared to my older bag: thinner strap, less beefy fabric, smaller buckles and parts, etc. Living with it for a week now, however, has erased any concerns. Likes: - Great looking, refined style. - Amazingly light and comfortable. - New strap is very comfortable, more solid than expected. - New organizer pockets are just right... I always lost stuff in the nest of pockets in the old organizer. - Elastic pockets on the interior make those extra spaces very useful. - Unexpected bonus: my Thinkpad fits perfectly in the space behind the divider, with room for my iPad, notebook, water bottle, and assorted doodads. Never thought it would fit, and now it's my daily office bag. Cons: - New cam buckle does tend to slip with a heavy load. The strap is a bit shorter, so this doesn't bother me. - Organizer pockets do compete for space, may not work for some. (I tend to carry smaller bits, so this is not an issue for me). - I do miss the handlebar style zipper pulls. :( Overall great value for the money. I am thinking of buying the medium for bigger Carry days, I like this one so much!

Excellent bag with a few helpful updates from the Timbuk2 I had a few years ago. The articulated top corners help keep water out of the main compartment, and the new complicated strap adjustment system gets rid of that huge loop that plagued me in the past. The strap itself is thinner, but should be just as strong as past versions. I wish the strap pad was removable, especially since Timbuk2 sells velcro pads anyway. The compression straps are endlessly useful. My 15" MacBook Pro fits snugly in the document folder pocket, even inside its own neoprene sleeve. The plastic bits at either end of the strap attachment dig into my side, but that may just be how I'm wearing it. This is a great bag, I went with Black/Black/Black for work, and so far it's done everything I've required.

I bought the XS classic messenger in black to replace a Metro bag that I bought at a bike shop in 2002 and have used as my daily purse since. There were a few things that kept it from being as "perfect" as my old worn-out Metro: I didn't like the strap pad. It was too bulky for me on a bag I'm using as a daily purse, so I cut it off. This didn't damage the integrity of the strap or anything because it was a sliding pad, but it was not optional and that was the only way to remove it. The back wall pocket has a rigid plastic piece along the top which made the bag hang funny as a purse as well, so I opened the bottom seam that held it in place, pulled it out, and restitched it. Also miss the dedicated pen slots that the Metro had and this doesn't. Some things I DO like: While this is larger than the Metro, it still works as a purse and doesn't shout SCHOOL BAG. They have made the material lighter and less stiff than the previous version of the XS messenger and the strap and cam buckle smaller and less bulky. Honestly, those were preventing me from buying the XS before. I also like the low-profile clip buckles to secure the flap. The new fabric makes it look cleaner and more grown-up and professional. Also like the easy adjustment on the shoulder strap so I can wear it on my shoulder, as a cross-body, or cinch it up for biking. I'm aware that I probably cancelled the warranty by making modifications to the bag, but if it lasts as long as the Metro it doesn't really matter. :o) I just wish they'd make the Metro again! I would buy like 5 of them right now.

This was my first messenger bag, and I deliberated a lot about what style I would get. I wanted to be able to bike to classes/work with it comfortably, while still transporting my 15" laptop. The laptop sleeve of this fits snugly, but not too tight. I love the strap, but wish it had a loop to hook my keys to. It does get pretty bulky if I try to squeeze in more than a few books plus a Nalgene but not too bad. I wear it super tight on my body, and I love the look of it. 10/10 would buy again.

Bought this bag all the way from Malaysia and found it's made in Vietnam. Wonder why Timbuk2 don't see this bag in Asia? The front adjustable buckle was great! The compartment in the bag is suffice. Comfortable wise is ok, but with a laptop in bag it kinda gets heavy. Looks durable and definitely waterproof, got some rain water in my first day of using it and everything inside the bag was dry. The velcro is loud and need to apply some force to get it open.

I ride a scooter to commute to both my jobs. I try to keep everything I need with me in case I have to go from one directly to the other. I bought this bag with that in mind and it does the task perfectly. I got the large which holds my jacket, staff shirt, shoes, and a change of clothes for the gym. My only complaints is the second strap when not in use and the main strap digging in. I am a broad guy so I think that may be why the main strap digs in. My issue with the secondary strap is that when it is not in use it is just dangling and taking it off and putting it back on is not convenient when you just want to get up and go. I offer no solution and it is not a huge deal.

I got this bag for my one-week trip to Berlin. It performed really well adapting its size to the contents. Fits under the seat nicely. Looking forward to using it for biking season in Boston.

Bag is smaller than I expected but that actually works better for me . It is compact but can take a fair amount . I packed swim gear , a hoodie and a book in there this week . The smaller size works well on crowded buses and subways. It is a good " day " bag for getting around the city .

I've been the proud owner of 3 Timbuk 2 bags over the last 17 years and my new bag is by far my favorite. The upgrades are fantastic (shoulder strap, inside organizer for laptop and papers, water bottle holder) and definitely make for a more comfortable wear....and commute. My only complaint is that the redesigned cam buckle seems to slide out of place at random moments no matter how firmly its been pushed into place. My old bags never did that. I highly recommend this product and will continue to recommend it to friends and family as I have in the past. Good stuff!!

This isn't my first messenger bag, but it'll definitely be my last. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and design for this bag are all superior to anything else I've ever used. I was deeply impressed by relatively minor design details such as the buckle placement and the stitched-in handle on the back. There are an ungodly number of compartments and zippered pockets within - the Napoleon pocket in the front is perfect for my Nintendo 3DS. The only complaint I have is that the divider intended to secure a tablet/laptop seems fragile. It is padded, at least, but I'd have strongly preferred something zippered to secure my chromebook in. This is really a 4.99 star review - I'm so glad that I bought this because it's hands-down the best bag I've ever purchased and a great value.

I use the classic messenger bag to commute to work. This is a huge step up from my old bag. I love how I can fit my change of clothes, lunch and water in the bag with no problems. Has lots of room and is very comfortable with the shoulder pad. I do wish it had more space in the compartments to hold larger items. The strap buckle also takes some getting used to and needed to get the hang of quickly adjusting it when putting on the bag.

I wore my (XS) Eula into the ground and wanted a size S messenger bag to take to work everyday. Love how this one looks, and yay for the redesign with key tether and the crafty side-reach front pocket. But I wish it was a little bit taller. (I wish it was a baller.) Both my old school job and my nerdy chorus hobby often have me carrying a standard size 1" binder around. With the binder in the back slot, the flap has trouble closing, and it looks a little funky. On the same note, I love that there are water bottle holders! And...I need to go buy a short water bottle, because the one I have won't allow the flap to close. :-/ Just one more inch on the height would have been good, for me anyway. Otherwise, I really dig it.

I really like the new design. Yet, I miss some things. Simplicity is a plus, but I wish they hadn't taken away so many pockets...especially the zippered ones. The shoulder strap is fairly stiff around the edges and sometimes it digs into my neck. Also, the shoulder pad is sewn on so replacement isn't as easy as the previous messenger model. I really like the new buckle both for its ease and speed of use as well as how tidy it keeps the strap setup itself. I was really hoping for a water bottle sleeve on the outside. Although I do appreciate the two bottle sleeves added to the inside. They are tight but fit my Klean Kanteen 27oz and 16oz insulated mug perfectly and do a nice job of keeping them from floating around the bag. My favorite new additions are the newly standard grab handle and compression straps. Necessities if you ask me. All in all this is a great bag and I am happy that I chose to upgrade. Thanks again for a great product Timbuk2.

Currently using as a diaper bag. Great bag that can be used in lots of ways. Thr quality is superb. Wish it had more pockets and reflective strips/tags for biking.

I had a large Classic Messenger bag that I liked, but it was way too big and bulky for me. I donated it back to Timbuk2 and bought a tote bag to use as an airplane carry on, but kept thinking about creating a custom, smaller messenger. When I saw this bag (black/white tweed fabric, hot pink binding) it was as if Timbuk2 had made my ideal custom bag for me. The only criticism is that I wish the extra small size was just a tad bigger, as my little netbook computer is a tight squeeze.

Longtime T2 collector- bought the red small on sale even though I didn't really need a new bag. Previous messengers are a 2007 medium custom and a 2011 small D-Lux laptop racing stripe. This is the closest to perfection and is my new daily bag. I love all the redesign features, especially the new cam buckle and the corner flaps for better waterproofing. Didn't think I would like the grab handle, but it's proved handy and unobtrusive. Exterior: The new fabric is a great upgrade - much lighter than the old ballistic, and it has a great sheen to it (unlike the old cordura bags from mid-2000s). All of the webbed straps are narrower and lighter weight than the older bags (and a little easier to wear as a woman). The new strap pad is smaller and thinner but nicely cushioned. I wish it was removable but that's not a big deal. Interior: I like the water bottle pockets, but wish they were bigger. Even a 20oz soda bottle was a tight fit and took two hands to wiggle in. Front organizer is great, but I wish there were some pen slots or other pockets inside the zippered part. Division and security would be nice there. Overall I like the size of the small for daily commuting (without a laptop). Fits a tablet in a sleeve, some files, water bottle, lunch, and a few extras easily. Comfortable and stylish too. Really wish the ready-made bags were available as left-handed. The Napolean pocket and the quick change cam aren't as useful as they could be. Building the same bag in the customizer (basic fabrics, slash pocket, water bottle pockets, grab handle, strap pad) pushes the regular price up $60, just to get it left handed (and I'm right handed but just prefer wearing my bag on my right shoulder).

Normally, I don't bother to write reviews. However, considering how much help I received by reading other customers' reviews, I am here to warn you guys about the very SHORT STRAP. Buyers beware! I am 5'10" but the bag sits in the middle of my back. Cannot go down any further. Fortunately, mine is an S. I cannot imagine wearing an M like that if not cycling. Apart from that, I am very happy with my new bag. BTW, the handle leaves much to be desired if you really consider carrying it that way.

I just received my messenger bag, and I have one word for you people, FABULOUS! It`s very rare to find a product where quality is the norm rather the the exception. The materials used are durable ,colorful, and practical. I plan to use my bag on vacations , and walking my dog. The bag is perfect for stashing his snacks, extra leash, water bottle, cell phone, and of course poop bags. I could have used an extra storage compartment. I have already recommended your product to several of my friends. Keep up the good work.

I use my bag daily. Weekdays it goes with me to the office carefully carrying my thermos, lunch, and notebooks. Weekends will find it with camera and water bottles at local bike races. There may even be diapers and supplies for my young son, to offset lugging his diaper bag around. I've owned a classic bag for years, but felt it was lacking in areas; no bottle holder, no grab handle, stiff shoulder pad, etc. This updated messenger is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

I deliver sandwiches on my bike with this bag. The cam buckle and comfy strap are very convenient, but I can only fit 3 paper bags inside, the same of my old book bag. However, my bag was medium, if you will use this as a serious messenger, get a large. Great bag though!

Really like the bag. Both over the neck like a traditional messanger bag and also slung over the shoulder. Mostly worn like that due to having to travel (I need to keep things light+) with a duffel bag that I carry like a backpack but when I dump it off and need to walk a while staight into messanger mode (the amazing adjustable strap is very handy). Only problem I have have found is that their is no padding on the bottom (not really that much of an issue) If their was a pocket that I could slide my ipad mini (with a cover on it) it would be perfect and eliminate that fault (if you could even call it that). The extra small pockets in the main compartment hold a few pens and my flashlight pefectly - BIG bonus for me)

Good thing for 2014 that a handle was added. I was specifically looking for a handle on a basic messenger bag last year and the only way to get it was to order custom made and that costs more $$$$$. Next year or maybe this year, please add an open back pocket like the ones the Patagonia messenger bags have.

I had the previous generation CMB - and quite frankly didn't like it...the inner pocket was too unstructured - if you were always carrying a lot of stuff, it didn't matter - but it often felt like there was too much space for what I needed - not that that's a bad thing, but it just didn't work for me - and I returned it and went to a Rickshaw bag. When the new version came out - coincidentally;y when I decided I needed a little more space...I thought I'd give it another look. Lots of subtle improvements - that at first glance don't seem to differentiate it from the old one - but really do ina lot of ways. It's lighter. The compression straps are a HUGE improvement. To improve on those, adding a "locking mechanism, so the compression can remain in place even with the flap open would be a big improvement. Some room for improvement though: I also think that the slash pocket could be improved by having either/or: 1. more padding as a standard (I didn't customize, so I was stuck with the slash. 2. A smaller, interior slash, so I could store my iPad and MacBook together without them mashing. 3. Also adding some velcro or a strap on the Slash pocket. Anyway - I have the CMB with 2 Brown Canvas panels - and love it.

good for shopping