Customer Reviews Timbuk2 The Authority Pack

Backpack was well made and loved using it for a year or two, then my new puppy chewed through two of the straps. I thought it needed to replace the backpack until I found out on their website that it could be repaired. I sent it in, paid the repair fee, then I waited. We also surprised that it could be recycled if needed, so that was a definite plus. I waited and no response. I called a few times, emailed, and finally got through. Nice person in customer service tried to locate it with no success, so they sent me a replacement that was lacking a key feature so contacted them about what to do. I got through, sent them for what they asked, and I am now waiting on an answer. Here's hoping.

This was a replacement backpack for a business professional. I have used the Authority for about 60 days now. The style is okay, but the pockets are thin and narrow, and really geared towards laptops and papers, not bulkier objects like snacks or gym clothes. It appears that someone decided the bag would look like a clean rectangle shape, and then compromised all the features to retain that aesthetic. While this bag is the same volume as my last backpack, the pocket shape limits is value for everyday use and as a travel carry-on. I really miss some features of my old bag, like a second exterior bottle holder (I used one for water, the other for a coffee thermos), and the convenient mesh pouch on the front for fragile items like a banana or a bag of chips. The cinch straps on the bottom of the Authority are impractical for extra carrying capacity. The straps are on the bottom so anything you put there (like a rolled-up coat, which won't fit in the thin pockets) gets dirty as soon as you set the bag down. If Timbuktu had a satisfaction guarantee; I'd be walking this back up to their store a block away. Since not, I still grab my old bag when I really need function and versatility.

If your HS'er carries 4-5 text books, 3+binders, laptop & supplies- this is NOT that bag. This carries a laptop, one 3 subject spiral notebook, pens & phone. Nor would it work for travel, nor sports- despite being (barely) expandable it would only carry 1 outfit & flipflops & I don't know what sports equipment would fit... maybe tennis balls? BUT if you are looking to eventually transition to a briefcase or messenger bag, this would be a helpful transition. It has 3 sections & room for a bottle of water. In the front section it has 3 pockets, 1 w/ a tether for keys, 1 fit for a cell, & 1 the size of a kindle. (Don't drop the bag face down, or you'll need to buy a new phone!!!) The mid-section does have 2 metal clamps to allow for minor expansion, keeping with the ultra-slimline construction. It has 7 pockets for laptop, pens, business cards etc. (thin material, no padding... likely to rip.) The rear section contains the most padding.That's where we put our laptop. Aside from that, its simple clean lines would allow for a business setting. Mine was "Jet Black" but it was actually charcoal grey.

There were others that were concerned about the discrepancy between the reported liters this bag can carry vs what their loading experience was with the bag. I am here to report that this bag is no where near the 28 reported liters. I don't care if you factor in the side pocket for a water bottle, this bag can load items somewhere between 17 liters and 25 liters. I have two other bags, and this bag carries a lot closer to the 17 liter bag than my 25 liter bag. The organization is also so-so. The two smaller pockets on the front are fine, especially the square pocket on the front. The top loading pocket is a touch small, and a little difficult to get to, so it makes a poor quick access pocket. The compartment behind these two features a mesh zip pocket, but it is placed right above the organization pouches, which will compress whatever is in the mesh-zipped pouch. Everything feels compressed in this bag. To load the main compartment, you have to fight to get past whatever you have loaded in the compartment in front of it. The materials are good, the straps are ok. I just feel like this could have been a better bag.

When I received this bag, I was impressed by how sturdy it was and how many pockets there were. However, after using it a bit, I decided this wasn't the best bag I've owned. The bag itself is very narrow, and a lot of stuff doesn't fit unless it's flatter like a notebook or laptop. It has adjustable straps at the bottom to allow for more room, but it doesn't do much. Those straps do, however make a jingling sound with every step I would take. Other trivial things I didn't like much: The smallest pocket, which I deemed my "key pocket" opens on the left side of the bag. I'm right handed and am used to swinging my bags around my right side to reach my keys, but because this pocket is on the left, it made it less convenient. Not a big thing, but still annoying when it came to my personal habits. The water bottle holder also doesn't fit water bottles comfortably. Overall, this is a well made, sturdy bag, but didn't impress me much when it came to comfort or size.

I have been using Booq bags for the past few years and decided to make the leap over. I like the look of this bag in the pictures and thought it would suit my needs better than the flip top Timbuk2 bag I had before. Unfortunately, this one is a bust for me. Very flimsy. Not sturdy like I'm use to. Hard to zip/unzip with one hand. Pockets are smaller than I thought and material just seems very thin and cheap. For a bag of this price you'd expect something a lot better than what arrived. I probably won't buy another Timbuk2 bag. Back to the other company for I guess. Smh

The bag is very compact. Not much space. If you want to take out any 1 item, you will have to take out all the others, as the bag is deep and not broad. Surely a major disadvantage.

I thought this bag looked really good online so I took a chance on it. Unfortunately it is not 28 litres, so that must be false advertising and the straps are not long enough. I'm a tall but slim person and the straps seem to be only long enough for a child . Big disappointment since it was really expensive and looked so good. I can only give it one star because it just doesnt fit.

I just got this bag before a trip to Europe. I unclasped the bottom buckles and they're made of the cheapest plastic you could imagine. Tried to rebuckle it and the prongs that are supposed to spring back in to place just bend. I'm pretty sure if I tried to bend it back in place it'll snap in half. Cheeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaap. Not even "quality to last a days time". Will be returning ASAP. The rest of the bag appears well built, but the details being done well are what build brand loyalty and word of mouth.

The color combination for the Authority Laptop Backpack that I chose from the website is misrepresented online and not available in the real world. "Jet Black" is shown as a striking black with contrasting brown trim, but when it arrived, it was a monotone dark grey. A customer service person (reached after 5 emails and multiple phone calls), after looking at a dozen samples in the warehouse, finally admitted that the photo is misleading, and may be the result of the ad people "enhancing" the color through photoshop. That this was not immediately corrected baffles me.