Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Medium

I LOVE ...the new fabric - light, durable and good feel I LOVE ...the simplicity of the pockets that are offered - keeps me from carrying and not finding all the stuff i do not need ;-) I LOVE ...the extra waterbottle pockets inside this bag I LOVE ...the new adjustable CAM buckle - this one is really practical I LOVE ...the new integrated compression straps - reminds me of my very first timbuk2 bag, and the new design is practical and easy to use I LOVE ...the new, low profile grab handle - what a great feature I LOVE ...the new mesh pad I'M OK WITH ...the length of the strap (180cm) - could be a little longer though I HATE ...the narrow design of the strap - that sucks!!! I choosed the S model. All the other timbuk2 bags I got in small size had a strap with the same width as the bigger ones. I don't know if the bigger ones got wider straps - but the size of the bag works fine for me. Loaded with some sheets of paper, a water bottle and some little extras really get's uncomfortable after a few minutes! I got the same problem as the austrian guy! Returning this bag is pretty inconvenient - and a bigger one won't fit my needs! PLEASE consider to get back to the usual or wider sized strap - I won't mind paying a few bucks more! Cheers

I love the new design. Awesome fabric makes it super lightweight and the strap feels so comfortable. Roomy inside like a Timbuk2 bag is suppose to. But when I got it, there was something missing that wasn't in the old one. LESS POCKETS! The old one probably had almost twice as many pockets as the new one. Also, I don't know if this is on all the bags but the handle is what makes me feel like it's kind of useless. The handle to me is at the back of the bag and when you grab it, it tilts making it difficult to carry. Overall, great bag as always. I can live without the millions of pockets and the handle itself.

I owned a medium Timbuk2 messenger but found it was really too big and cumbersome for my 5ft 4" frame. Ordered the new 2014 messenger in the small size and it is perfect for me--easy enough to carry all through the day and very light. Love the inside water bottle pockets-very handy. My macbook air 11" fits nicely in the back slip pocket. The only thing that keeps this bag from being 5 stars is the lack of an outside back zipper pocket. I'm surprised it wasn't added...its a bit of hassle to put my keys and phone inside the buckles every time. Other than that, I love this bag!

In San Francisco for the weekend, I took the opportunity to check out the new version of the classic messenger at the Hayes St. store. Fortunately for me, they had the dusk blue/ yellow stripe bag in stock, and I spent an inordinate amount of time deciding whether or not to purchase. Eventually (after taking a 20 minute walk to think it over), I did purchase the new version in extra small. For one thing, I love the new, refined look. It is crisp and streamlined in appearance. The Cordura makes it lighter and supple against the body. I really appreciate the way it wears on me. The narrower, much more flexible strap is a great improvement, and I am glad that the bag's dimensions and carrying capacity are unchanged. And yet. Two reasons I had to take a walk to think over the purchase: the lack of Napoleon pocket (my favorite Timbuk2 feature), and the redesigned buckle. I had my doubts about this feature, and three days of non-stop walking later, my concerns were valid. While I can appreciate the reason for putting a smaller, quieter clip on the lighter, looser strap, the buckle itself is a bit too trigger-happy for my taste. That is to say, one accidental bump and whooosh! down slides the strap, and down goes the bag from my back to the lowest point on my hip. Since the strap is sewn at both ends, the bag is not going to fall off, but at the same time, I don't like my bag to slip at unexpected moments. I wrestled with it constantly for three days. The length is oddly short as well. I am 5'3, and it the bag sits at lowest point of my hip at the strap's furthest length. Another quibble is the non-removable strap pad. Though much better than the previous version, it is not a great pad, and I would like the option of switching it out with one of my third-party pads when necessary. One possibly more serious issue is with the new fabric. The corner of the bag that was against my side has some loose thread already. Not sure if this is just where the 'Cordura' label is stitched in, or if it is something at the seam. I only noticed it this morning, and need to take a closer look. I do like the bag, and do not regret the purchase. Hopefully this nicer looking, lighter weight classic extra small messenger will be as reliable and durable as my others.

This is a nice bag, though some of the updates seem to be changes that I wouldn't have made. For example, the shift to a one-pocket design under the flap from a tiered set of pockets means less organization. There was something nice about having those three there. My only major complaint is that the strap is too short. It seems as if they've removed a good deal of available slack in this edition. With the cam undone and all slack used, it is still tighter than I'd like and I'm not a particular big person. I'm undecided on whether to return this because of the inadequate strap length.

I'm homeless. And being out here in the elements, I need a bag that can stand up to constant use. This bag is it. It reminds me of the quality bags that I'd use as a bicycle courier in Boston back in the 80's it holds up to constant stress, and stays dry in the rain.

The bag is much smaller that I thought and there isn't enough padding to keep the laptop from potentially being damaged. The quality is nice but I need something larger. I will be returning it and trying to find something else that will work better for what I need it for.

I have a small and a medium timbuk2 messenger bag I bought 10 years ago for college and the adjustable strap clamped down and locked in place. This new one has a different kind of strap, made out of thinner slipperier material, and the adjustment buckle does not really clamp down on it, it's held down by tension when you have the bag on. but when you take the bag off, it tends to readjust itself to a different length. (I think I can fix it with a pin or a rubber band, but considering the cost of this bag, that's a little annoying.) I bought this for a music festival - the size was perfect for an extra shirt, festival program, glasses case, and sunscreen bottle. You could fit a little more in there, but that's what I had in it. I did not find a good place to attach a carabiner and hang a water bottle off of it though - that would be nice.

Almost 10 years ago I bought a Command Messenger Bag, and I was completely happy with it in every way and would give it 5 stars. Recently I got a Classic Messenger Bag and it is a big disappointment. The material is notably thinner, cheaper, and weaker. The padding for a computer is super thin. It has these unnecessary dangling straps that you can't tuck away. The velcro on the main flap is noisy and unnecessary. It has a wedge shape wider at the top that then squishes together and wrinkles when you put it over your shoulder which ruins the appearance making it look sloppy. The shoulder strap gets tangled easily and I'm constantly having to unravel it to get it to lay flat on my chest. The quick access pockets are not easily accessible from the edges like they were on the Command, which had three. The Command had none of these problems which is why I wore it out and had to get a new one, but the Classic is a major step down. Please bring back the Command design.

Generally speaking, I like the bag. It's a good size, it's fairly comfortable and will probably get more so once it's broken in, and it seems durable. The design is so-so. The laptop compartment is great, as are most of the zippered pockets. However, there are some elements I don't care for. The shoulder strap buckle system is heavy, clunky, and hard to adjust, and the extra long strap doesn't really fit in the pocket, so it just flaps around outside. I also don't know why there's a water bottle pocket inside the bag. You don't need one on the inside. Water bottles don't need to be inside taking up space. It would make more sense to put it on the outside, or not have one at all. Also, the carrying handle should be up higher on the bag, not where it is, which pokes in your back. Overall, the bag is better as a shoulder bag than a bike bag.

I have been biking to work with a TIMBUK2 bag for decades now. They've changed the strap design since I bought my last bag. The strap is now thinner material and I'm guessing to compensate for that they've made the shoulder pad thicker and longer. The problem is at 5'2" I have had to adjust the strap so that the pad butts up to the bag on one side and the buckle on the other side. This has changed the weight dynamics and flexibility. Sad design flaw for shorter people.

Major downgrades from the old bags: cheaper, thinner nylon strap, no more release clasp, the inner pocket is about half the size it used to be with half the compartments, and the water bottle add-ons won't fit a nalgene. I'm disappointed in my custom. Still, it's a great back. If you're looking to replace a favorite old bag, I would take a look at some others first. My favorite parts of the design are all gone now.

I already have the small messenger bag which I love but wanted one with a bit more room. I pulled it out of the shipping bag and the first thing I noticed is the shoulder strap redesign to now have a flappy tail that they think the elastic is supposed to hold down. It doesn't, it just flaps around everywhere. The buckle has a big loop in it that you would think you would pull to shorten/tighten the strap similar to what my current bag has but no, it has that big loop for no reason... I honestly am not sure what you're supposed to do with it. You pull the flappy tail piece to shorten it which makes the flappy tail thing much longer and flapping around in front of you. Seriously, looks like you're wearing a tie with your outfit. The shoulder pad is super stiff too, probably would break in after a while. The bag itself is roomy which is why I bought it, for a bit more room, but aside from not getting past the flappy tail thing, there is no separate strap for keeping your laptop in like my smaller Timbuk2 bag has and my previous Timbuk2 messenger bag. As someone who has forgotten to strap in the laptop and has gone into the bag to get something and almost dumped my laptop out only to pinch it between my forearms and legs it is kind of important to have the extra protection from accidents. On top of that it makes it pretty easy to snatch. I wouldn't recommend it but if you can get past a big chonk of seatbelt flapping around in front of you it would probably be fine. Seriously, your previous straps were fantastic, the first one I bought was back in like 2006 I think and it was a great design, the one I currently have now is maybe 5 years old and it is a great design, why did you think that stupid little piece of elastic sliding up and down was going to hold this flappy tail down? So weird of a design change.

I use this daily for work. I had one years ago and loved it. I do not like the changes they made to the shoulder strap. There's always this extra strap that's hanging around that you constantly have to fix. Not a very clean design I think. Makes me look sloppy for work I think. The water bottle pockets are pretty small. Had a hard time fitting in a hyrdoflask.

I use this bag most when I go out to perform (I play the viola). My instrument is sort of large, and I carry it on my back, so it's nice to have a small bag that I can wear in front or at my side to carry auxiliary items. For this function, it's NEARLY ideal. The material seems durable, the strap is wonderful, ... but it's just slightly too small towards the bottom of the bag. If it were only about one inch longer, I think it would easily hold a standard sized folder or binder. As it is, I can sort of cram a file folder into it, but it isn't an easy fit.

Quality of the bag is nice. Organization seems like an after thought on this bag. Pockets are awkward and I couldn't find a water bottle that fit into the water bottle pockets. I wound up returning the product. I wound up buying a bag from another company because I could not buy an new in stock back and get a full refund - waiting for store credit doesn't work when the bags are in and out of stock.

Of course, your bags are great. It's a bit heavier than I would have liked/expected. Hmmmm. But it has all the space and pockets I need. I just needed something bigger than your Small bag.

I've bee using the classic messenger bag for about 15 years, so i have had quite a few. This current version see much of the previous quality taken out. Material is thinner, not as many pockets, strap is of lighter quality. Still an ok bag, but nowhere near the quality they were only a few years ago.

Sadly had to return 5 minutes after opening the package and trying. The bag itself seemed great, but after trying to put it on with the strap at its longest length, it was too short - it sits too high - more like a sling bag. Plus the short strap makes it difficult to lift over my head to put it on and take off. The old messenger bag (lowepro) I was going to retire had a much longer strap which made it more practical. I'm 5'11" but maybe if you are a shorter person it might be alright. Too bad, I really liked the bag itself.

I like the size and weight of the bag. Also how every thing I need for travel fits well inside. What I don't like is the fact that the velcro strips destroyed a pair of designer jeans. The exposed velcro literally tore the denim to shreds. Fix the design flax and I'll be a returning customer.

I bought this bag because my Vapor crossbody was too small to accommodate a notebook and water bottle. It is reliably sturdy with good internal compartments for keys, a notebook, and a small water bottle. But after a few weeks, I have two gripes. The main thing I dislike about this bag is that the strap is soooo short for a cross-body bag - it isn't long enough for the bag to sit at your hip. In addition, there isn't an external pocket for easy access to your cellphone. I actually wish I had returned the bag when I first got it, but I was so excited that I took the tags off right away. Overall, it is objectively a nice sturdy bag, but it doesn't work well for my purposes.

I've had this bag for about 2 years and have used it on the daily to and from work. Mixed opinions on this. The bag was super stiff when it was new, but I figured it would break in eventually. It's still very stiff and tough now though, it feels bulky and there's lots of awkward gaps that it leaves instead of fitting snugly against the body (definitely not made for female bodies lol). The bag even when empty is fairly heavy to lug around. On the plus side, the velcro is still strong and the bag has almost no wear on it, it's like new. But it's not a "comfortable" bag like other smaller bags I own and at this point I guess it never will break in to be what I would prefer. Organization and compartments are top notch and very useful. Alas, I have gotten to the point where I am too annoyed by the easily (too easily) adjustable shoulder strap buckle. It's a cool idea in theory, to let you adjust on the fly to have the bag sit appropriately across your shoulder/along your side. But it is CONSTANTLY getting loosened now. It never did feel very secure even from the beginning, and always was a little whimsical about when it would suddenly give way and your bag would be dragging on the ground behind you (yeah, I'm a short hobbit...) but within the past few months it's now almost impossible to keep the bag at the right length, it just falls if you look at it wrong. When I press it to "lock" it at the right length it barely seems to be holding. Really this is a good idea but it just seems poorly executed. There should be an actual latch or physical catch on the adjuster so that it won't just fall away at the slightest bump... And there's no way to swap out the shoulder strap with this frustrating adjuster to a different strap, as it's sewn into the bag itself. I would love to keep this bag as I do like the space, organization, and sturdiness it offers... but the annoyances especially with the strap are too much. I am now looking for a new bag, unfortunately.

I use this bag for commuting on weekdays. What's good: It's light and roomy. I can bring my laptop, tablet, headphones, umbrella, water bottle and some accessories, with still some room to spare. It's also comfortable to carry. Strap padding is good, and the lightness helps with shoulder fatigue. What so-so: No exterior pockets. No luggage pass-through. The strap is not detachable and/or reversible. Wish it was a liiitle bit shorter, around 36cm long. Longer side is advertised as 38cm, but it's actually 40. You know what they say, a couple cm makes all the difference. What's bad: I officially hate velcro with capital H. It's very noisy and makes it hard to quickly take things out and back into the bag, while walking. I need to stop and place the bag somewhere to take out my umbrella or headphones. I also keep forgetting to keep any fabric materials away from the front velcro stripes. The buckles don't help either. I very much prefer a single magnet buckle, like other bags. Overall, it's a nice bag, but I'm still searching for THE ONE.

I have always used a backpack for business travel, but wanted something more versatile for local meetings. The Timbuk2 fits the bill for size, weight and ease of use. My one knock is the lack of pouches. And the pouches it does have doesn't hold the gear I bring with me.

I bought a Timbuk2 bag about ten years ago, and it is clear that the quality isn't what it used to be. (My old bag is still in great shape; I just wanted a smaller bag.) The space for the laptop in this most recent purchase is not padded at all whereas my bag from ten years ago was padded--I felt completely safe putting my laptop in it. However, with this bag, I will need to buy an additional protector for my laptop. It is very disappointing. I do realize that Timbuk2 actually offers a "laptop bag"; however, the images with the messenger bag show a laptop in the bag--so I assumed it was designed to keep a laptop safe. Also, since my last purchase was a messenger bag, I assumed it would be similar quality. With that said, the stitching is still quality as are all of the other components of the bag. Just bummed about the quality of the laptop area.