Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

the zipper for the laptop spot broke almost immediately--got off the track and won't go back on. i dig the organization but losing that function within the first month or two was a huge bummer

I returned this backpack. It was quite stiff and heavy and had so many compartments and pockets that it actually felt like it had less room than it should have. I found I could fit more into a simpler backpack even though that one was smaller. The straps also weren't very comfortable, too stiff and thick. Finally, it's not a fun design. I have an old Timbuk2 backpack that is cute, comfortable and I can fit a lot in it. The only reason I went for a second Timbuk2 was I wanted an external pocket for my water bottle and wanted something less sporty for travel/work. I ended up buying a different brand backpack for that purpose that was a lot cheaper, cuter, more comfortable and more useful than this one. But I still like my old Timbuk2 for hiking and shopping trips.

I received this backpack along with the Authority Pack Deluxe to test them out and see which one would fit my needs better. While I love the idea of the Never Check and was hoping it was going to "check" all the boxes (see what I did there?), I can't help but feel the materials on the Never Check are NOT worth the price, not even close. It's made of a very thin material and from what I can tell, not very durable material. One might claim, oh they used a light material since it will be heavily packed, but even the shoulder straps are cheap, not well stitched to the backback, cheap padding, etc. I'm fairly sure the free backpack you get with your company logo on it from the non-name brand logo is about the same quality, ie, cheap. Absolutely not worth the price tag for this backpack. I'm keeping the Authority pack as it's made MUCH better, better fabric, much better padded shoulder straps, overall it just feels much higher end and at a cheaper price. Yes, I'll sacrifice space, but the Never Check is a real disappointment and one that feels very very cheap. Do yourself a favor, if you want to take a look at this pack, buy it along with the Authority Pack Deluxe and do a side by side comparison. The quality is night and day. Yes, they aren't quite apples to apples, but it will show you what quality Timbuk2 is capable of, and how they drastically cut corners with the Never Check.

This bag looks super sharp, but unfortunately it's utility does not match up. First and foremost, the fact that it is designed to also be carried as a briefcase, and yet the shoulder straps cannot be folded away, makes it cumbersome and frankly detracts from its otherwise attractive form. This is a big enough flaw that I am sending it back. The small metal clips on the front are stylish, but useless, and again actually get in the way for no good reason. On the plus side it is well made with what seem like great quality materials, the design is very sleek, and the interior pockets are plentiful and awesome. It's so close. But it's not there. Please correct this stuff and I would buy the next version in a heartbeat!

I thought I'd like this, but tried it and didn't like it. I'd ordered 3 others to try out (I live in a rural area so can only try out stuff that i buy) and this one came out last in terms of good organization (odd pockets!) and overall quality. I was disappointed so returned it. I now have another brand of GREAT work backpack for my travels and love it.

Not impressed. Doesn't really expand all that much. My 16 inch macbook pro does not fit that well, it's a struggle to get it in and out. The side pocket also doesn't expand much to fit a water bottle. The metal clips on the side get in the way when opening and closing the front pocket. It does seem sturdy and well built, but not really "expandable" and not worth the price tag.

Zippers not moving smoothly. They catch on inner fabric. Overall does not seem to be the quality of my other T2 bags.

Don't be deceived. This bag does not work as luggage and is much smaller than it appears and as represented on Timbuk2's web site. It has only one main compartment that, as I measured it, holds 15L. Expanded, it might hold 18L because only the top half expands. Fill that main compartment and there'll be no room to stash the jacket when it gets warm, no room for those things you bought on vacation, etc. The back straps are set too close together with almost no curve, making them uncomfortable. The other compartments are the laptop area, which is heavily padded, and the front area with pockets that can hold only flat things. As luggage, the zips can't be locked, the straps can't be stowed away, and there's no pass-through to attach the bag to your roll-on.

I had heard a lot of great things about Timbuk2 from friends and peers and was very excited for this backpack. However upon receiving it in the mail I realized that the bag did not come how it was advertised on the website. The water bottle pouch on the side is completely different than it is in pictures and doesn't fit any standard water bottle. For spending almost $200 on a backpack for Timbuk2 to not realize this mistake is extremely disappointing and they 100% lost a customer.

This is the most expensive and most frustrating backpack I've ever owned. Usually, if a product like this is serviceable, it blends in with your life and you don't think twice about it. it's transparency as a tool is what would make it a stellar product. There are 4 main issues with this backpack that mean anytime you use it, you will be thinking about it until it grates on you to the point you leave a review to warn others. 1) it collects hair and lint like nothing else. If you have pets, you will need to clean it daily. 2) the compression straps are pointless and annoying. They don't hug the entire pack so don't really compress it AND they block the front zipper which makes using that pocket a chore. 3) The side handle is an interesting concept, but with no pocket to tuck away the straps, it's useless to carry this way as the straps dangle quite low. Storing it in a overhead would be much more handy if the straps could be stowed. 4) Oh the big one and what prompted this review. The material used in the adjustable portion of the straps... It's slick with a tight weave. Every time, and I mean EVERY time you take this backpack off, the straps slide back to the lowest position. You have to adjust these straps every single time you put this thing on or it will be hanging down below your butt. You can buy any cheap backpack and never even realize this could be an issue. It grates on your soul and makes this thing instantly fail it's basic function. Save yourself the money and trouble. It's not worth it.

I bought this to use for overnight business trips and I find It not very easy to use. The front pockets at hard to get to and don't open all the way making difficult to see what is inside. It is a bit heavy and did not fit comfortably under my seat. Not a lot of room either. I have to say, I had high hopes but I am disappointed.