Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Large

I purchased this about a month ago, to finally replace my old small custom Classic Messenger from 2004. That one is just grimy now, and the lining is peeling, but it has been my favorite bag hands-down. They've definitely made some changes to the design and the materials in the latest model, but most of those changes are improvements. Weight: The thing I noticed straightaway is that this bag is much lighter than my old bag. That's an improvement, in my opinion. Strap: The strap is made of a thinner, narrower, more lightweight material, and I assume this is to accommodate the change in buckle design. It does get twisted more easily, but there's also much less extraneous material that you have to deal with, compared to the old design. The strap pad is thinner, but I consider it more comforatable because of that. Storage: The overall storage is similar between the two bags. Instead of a pocket divider, it's just a plain divider with a tiny bit of padding and a stiff top so it keeps it's form. The inner accessory section is similar, but with an improved design which makes the whole bag keep it's form better. The new bag also comes with interior pockets which are useful for sunglass cases and slim water bottles. The only thing I'd change here is to make one of the pockets slightly bigger (or even adjustable) to accommodate a more normal-sized water bottle. Luckily I have a slim water bottle (around 3 in diam) which just fits, though it requires two hands to insert it. Grab handle: My old 2004 Classic has a padded grab handle. The new handle is not padded, it's just another piece of the cordura-type nylon. So far I haven't missed the old one. Napoleon pocket: I never use this, because I always forget to zip it and my wallet ends up in the street. Overall I'm very happy with my new bag and don't have any real complaints about it.

Great bag. Love the monochromatic color scheme. Exactly what I was looking for!!

Have had it for eight years. In year two, I used it for soccer practice for my daughter's team. We had a very heavy rain storm and the bag was out in the rain during our last game with our team's pictures inside it. I thought, for sure, the pictures would be wet and ruined but they were dry. Thru biking to work, vacations, overnight work trips, and using it for music gigs with my effects pedal board, it has held up thru everything. Even when the shoulder strap broke, I just rethreaded it thru the buckle and it worked (even though it's no longer attached to the bag). Just wanted to say it's the best piece of gear I've every purchased.

Easy on/ off

As my computer case and work briefcase. Needs the strap in back for using in the airport and it would be also extremely helpful that when it is sitting on a flat surface that it stand staring up and does not fall over. Really annoying. I have used this bag since 2006 and it has just started to wear- I will buy another once the strap is added-

Just took my bag for it's first night commute to work. This bag sure has changed since I bought my first one when TIMBUK2 first started out. I love all the compartments/ zippers compartments/ water bottle holders. Keep up the excellent work.

This extra small messenger is working great for quick trips around town on foot or bike. It is small, but has great organization for its size. I will likely get a medium size messenger from Timbuk2 to replace a backpack at some point for the bigger trips.

I gave this bag as a gift as a result of using this bag myself. This is my 3rd messenger bag - I've had 3 different sizes. So durable and practical and the strap is great! I carry a lot in my bag - sometimes too much and it continues to hold up. I told my daughter she should get the TIMBUK2 that I have - that it would be great for hauling everything she needs - she has five kids. She loves it!

This bag is so great, it goes way beyond what I was expecting and have ever seen in a messenger bags Quality is all over this. It has extra design features that I really appreciate, without comprimizing space or practicality. For example; the main straps are dual purpose and can handle additional luggage, the internal pockets are perfect size for everyday carry items, the external grab & go handle is so good, especially when getting in and out of cars in a hurry. Even the position of that thing is perfect. Everything stays secure & organized. I also really like that they even thought about the size and positioning for the internal velcro for securing the main compartment, this makes the bag awesome for when you have different sized bag loads and also those fast stash & go moments. You really dont need the clips thanks to this velcro. Its a great quality and amazingly designed, versatile bag for people on the move.

Use is for work, baby diaper bag...etx

Great for all occassions,wide variety of colors.New messengers bags are vastly improved over early bags,nice inner pockets for gear.

I use it to work. I carry my lunch, computer and a drink. I love it to bits .

This was a surprise Christmas gift for my husband, suggested by a co-worker. He wanted something he could use at both places of work-- a news station and a college campus. It's lightweight, and holds a TON. He loves all the various pockets and organizing components. It looks nice whether he carries it wearing a business suit, or in jeans and a sweater. Very versatile.

I use this bag for my daily use. work and weekend travel, photo gear, cycling. It has plenty of room to store my gear. Found my perfect messenger bag.

Makes a great gym bag. Shoes in the computer slot and all essentials in the bag. Looks great to carry around the city and works great as a gym bag.

Older brother spends 2 years in Chile and returns home saying that his best decision was to take a Timbuk2 bag. Now second brother is headed for 2 years in Guatemala. First brother says, "you're not using my bag, but you can't go without a Timbuk2". Now both are happy Timbuk2 owners.

I got this bag for my high school aged nephew as an alternative to a back pack and he put it to immediate use.

I live in NE and walk to work. I've always had a big backpack to carry everything I need for the day (and weather). I ditched my big bulky backpack for this bag. It's spacious, but not too large that I can overfill it and make it too bulky. It fits a lot but helps me restrict what I'm throwing in. It's surprisingly more comfortable than a backpack for walking to work, particularly with a heavy Macbook Pro. It's sturdy and nice enough to take to client meetings. The only issue I have is that if I swing it around to get something out, often the piece that holds the strap length in place comes undone and I have to reposition. It's a minimal issue, but can be annoying nonetheless. I'm really happy with my purchase of this bag.

I have bought a few shoulder bags recently, hence spent quite a bit. Those bags I bought met some of my needs but this timbuk2 I bought by far the best. I have been using it since I have it and have been neglecting the rest. This bag is full of useful and practical compartments. I highly recommend to those looking for a shoulder bag.

I use the bag as a rapid response nurse at a Detroit area hospital. In addition to allowing me to carry the live saving supplies that I need to care for patients, it is comfortable to carry throughout a 12 hour shift.

I bought this bag for two reasons: 1) I had an international trip coming up to a somewhat insecure country and 2) I needed a new bag for work (I fly constantly and need something durable as well as professional enough). I was curious if I could fly something that worked for both. Timbuk2 killed two birds with one stone (proverbially). I first ordered the size medium, and that was wayyy to big to be comfortable for lots of walking/traveling (unless you don't have my tendency to use all available space). I returned it for the size small in a brighter color, and it is perfect! I didn't bring a laptop on my trip and used the additional space to carry a light jacket. It was perfect for everything from wine tasting to beach days to city walks, and the multiple zipper compartments made it easy to keep important items secure. Now that I'm home again it does duty as my work bag, and I love its sporty but stylish zip. Perfectly fits everything I need for a plane ride plus a day in the office.

The quality was on par with my expectations, it is well built and with very nice finishings. The size was the right for me, althouhg it is the "small" there is plenty of room for a medium laptop, some books and extras. I plan to use it on day trips because I do photography and I can carry a small camera with some extras and I like to have my camera accesible all the time, something that is difficult with a regular backpack.

I can carry everything from my purse, my knitting, my iPad, book, lunch. Perfect size and I love the look of it - very cool.

Very durable and great colors to choose. Definetly recommend to everyone I know.

This bag is so spacious