Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Scholar Tote Pack

Why I bought the Scholar: I needed a travel bag to hold my small Sony a6000 and 2 lenses, camera batteries, a water bottle, sunglasses, travel umbrella, packable rain jacket, room for a sweater or lightweight fleece (especially if I am wearing one and want to take it off), my phone, maybe some snacks or a lunch, plus a small amount extra room for whatever - for longer trips items like a magazine to read on the plane, an iPad Mini, chargers, etc. How is it? So far, the Scholar is working out great for me - enough room, but not too much. Excellent quality. All the straps, except for main handles, tuck away when not being used. Backpack straps are padded and comfortable. Side pocket for water bottle and umbrella. A small amount of padding in the back for comfort and some internal protection. It also came in colors other than business black (I have the Aurora color combo). Suggestions for Improvement: Brighter interior lining for the Aurora model. Experience with other bags has taught me that black lining is the worst; things just get lost in the abyss. But something brighter than the dark olive green on the Aurora bag would be better - something like the light gray or lime green lining used on the other Scholar color choices. Maybe a color to match the zippers on the Aurora. Side pockets a bit bigger. I am fine with the size, but I use a 2.7" diameter water bottle and that is about the max that fits. Most water bottles are larger. My travel umbrella fits fine. Extender strap to enable cross-body shoulder carry. I ordered additional Timbuk2 Thin Flat Buckles (male) and with some webbing purchased online, and some repair tension locks, made my own. Now I have a 3-way convertible bag - tote, backpack, cross-body shoulder bag. See photos.

It's the PERFECT bag for me, EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING for, not too big not too small. I'm in LUV. The quality seems great, I will get a lot of use. I'm glad I chose this model/style for my first Timbuk2 bag. I'm looking forward to purchase others.

This is my everyday bag. I love it so far, especially the outside zipper pockets, colors, and the backpack and tote carrying options. I was able to squeeze a 12-oz can into the side pocket but my regular water bottle didn't fit. I would make this bag a tiny bit bigger if I were the designer. I also appreciate that it stands up on its own without having to lean it on anything. Most backpacks don't do that!

The style and versatility of the bag are great. I love the fabrics. My only small gripe with it is that the backpack straps are a bit thin, which, when I carry heavier items, puts a bit of strain on my shoulders. Otherwise, I use this bag for everything and I absolutely love it.

I have been researching for two months to find the perfect bag to fit my 13" laptop, Bose headphones, water, and normal purse stuff without being too big either. I wanted color but not crazy girly with patterns that could go out of style (I'm a Graphic Designer so I get picky). I wanted a tote that turned into a backpack without looking like a backpack. So this bag was perfect. It does fit my Lifewater (1 liter) perfectly, and that was my only concern after reviews. Timbuk2 has earned a customer for life.

I LOVE this bag! Its great on how easy it is to switch from backpack to tote. I really appreciate the two front pockets and how long the key chain in (I don't have to unhook it everytime I open my door). I commute on a crowded train so its great to switch to tote without taking that much space. Also now I don't have to check my bag in for art museum. I can back my 15inch MacBook Pro in just fine (it's only a little taller, but thats fine since I just zip it up). I can also easily put my 5DMarkIII & an additional lens if I'm in photo mode, though I usually don't include the laptop. Which is great for a daypack walking around the city or traveling. The backpack feels so surprising light for the amount of stuff that I pack. The only con is the fact that the water bottle holder is tiny and would only fit a slim bottle (but a can is totally fine). It does fit a travel umbrella perfectly.

I am extremely happy with this bag, the backpack straps are not too wide, the tote straps are comfortable, and it's a good size for everyday commuting. It's got lots of storage space, but the side pockets are a little small. You could easily fit a small water bottle in them, but I have a 32oz monstrosity that I just put inside the mail compartment. I also have the packable Patagonia bag that is like this in design, but the Patagonia one has no structure, so won't stand up on it's own. This one solves that problem, and I will probably only use the other bag for travel now.

My husband bought this pack for me 5 years ago for Christmas. I have used it as my exclusive work bag since. I absolutely love it and it still honestly looks brand new. BUT I am starting to outgrow it and need a bigger pack. For years I've dealt with smaller size just fine and chalked it up to only needing what actually fits inside. But my work has changed and I need something that can also fit a portable monitor as well. I'm devastated and wished the company made just a bigger version of the exact same pack. If you're listening TIMBUK2- we would love a larger size of this exact pack! :) most reviewers say they love it but it's just a tad too small. The other options of packs are fine. But this one is perfect.

Compact, lightweight and versatile. Great travel tote and or everyday companion.

This is the first Timbuk2 bag I have purchased, and I am SO in love with it as my everyday slim backpack. It can hold my MacBook Air, iPad Pro, wireless keyboard, and the usual suspects (wallet, AirPods, keys, glasses case, umbrella, etc.). I love the two external zipper pockets, especially the bottom one that is equipped for compartmental organization. I was initially concerned about the side bottle pockets being too small since other reviews repeatedly say they're not usablebut my two slim Zojirushi insulated bottles (one for coffee and one for water) fit perfectly, and I knew they would because I measured the diameter of both before purchasing. I love that the key holder is long so that I can open doors without having to remove my keys from the holder. It's professional enough to carry to medical conferences and stylish enough to please my past-graphic designer aesthetic (love the CMYK pops of color!). My favorite part is the neon yellow interior that helps it be easy to find items at the bottom of the bag. The only improvement that I could see being helpful is to add a trolley sleeve that can slip over carry-on luggage, but it's not a huge deal since I'm not traveling as much. The only minor gripe that I have is that the backpack straps are narrow and slightly uncomfortable when the pack is heavy. I haven't taken this bag hiking yet, but I know I will be able to fit a hydration bladder in the laptop compartment. I was researching for a while on a replacement all-around convertible pack, and this one checked all the boxes for me.

I love my new Eco Nautical Pop tote! The little color pops are nice and more than that, I love the design tucking the backpack straps away, accessible outside pockets, and just enough room to jam my laptop and a knitting project into the main compartment.

Love this bag! So gorgeous and well made!

I love this bag more than I thought I would. I commute using public transport so this bag is great for hanging on the shoulder or on the back. It's comfortable and distributes weight well. It's quite spacious and the pouches and pockets are helpful to store snacks, stationery, wires/cables etc. My macbook pro fits comfortably in the laptop section, which I was initially worried that it might be snug. The only con is that the water bottle pocket is too narrow and can only fit slim bottles or it's a struggle to put it back in or take it out. Wish that was made with a adjustable fabric!

This is my favorite work bag ever. It fits my 32oz water bottle and my lunch. I use the laptop sleeve to carry files and papers. I use one of the front pockets for keys and the other for random things like lotion and a toothbrush/floss. Mostly I use the carry straps, but love the backpack straps for when I have to walk a longer distance. It is small enough to lock in a file cabinet drawer at work. Although I bought this for work, I think it's also going to double as my travel backpack. It will easily fit some extra clothes and toiletries and will fit under any airline seat.

This bag is perfect for work! Fits my laptop, folders and legal pads, charger, wallet, phone, snacks...like other reviews, I do agree the side pockets are pretty useless; you definitely couldn't fit a water bottle in them, but maybe a granola bar! I love that I can easily switch from a tote to a backpack, and I don't mind the straps hanging out. I do wish there were more color options.

Great workbag. I can carry my lunch, laptop, and miscellaneous items with room to spare. I get tons of compliments on the vibrant colors.

Great bag. After a few weeks of use, I am quite pleased. Admittedly, I have not used the backpack feature for an extended amount of time, but briefly, it also seems fantastic. Using it to get to the office and then around campus. I look forward to traveling with it!

Love this bag! It's small but a nice profile for me. I love the straps to carry and the straps for backpack. My only wish is that it was a wider opening. I love the fabric a the strength of it.

I love the style of this bag and weight! The versatility of using it as a backpack or tote is everything! I wish it came in black with the pop of colors. But otherwise, I love it and highly recommend!

My office is now hybrid and I needed a better way to lug my laptop back and forth to the work, and this bag is the perfect solution! I was nervous it wouldn't be big enough (I was using my medium size timbuk2 messenger for a while) but this holds everything I need for work, and I love all the organizational pockets! My only tiny complaint is that the "anti-authority pocket" is extremely small. It does not hold my wallet or phone! Not really sure what I'm supposed to stash in there.

Great work bag. Love the ease of carrying as a tote, but option to wear as backpack when the load is heavy or the walk is long. Pockets are organized without being too fussy. The color pop is the perfect playful twist on an otherwise professional looking bag. Only wish is that the tote handles could fold in to disappear when using as a backpack.

Such a great bag. I'm a professor and this is perfect for my short bike commute and for toting around campus. There's plenty of room for my iPad, books, water bottle, sunglasses, phone, keys, wallet, etc. On days when I go to the gym after work, there's even enough room for gym shoes and a change of clothes. I got the navy and I like the color contrast on the zippers. That said, it would be great if it came in more colors.

This is my favorite bag from your company so far. I brought it on my business trip last week, and it fits my 16-inch MacPro laptop, iPad, cable storage case, wallet, and paperback. I alternate between using it as a shoulder bag and a backpack. The straps are sturdy and can handle the weight of all my devices and some.

I use this daily for work. It fits everything I need including my laptop and other devices. Perfect size, great style and durability. I always love Timbuk2 products. I have several and they have all lasted me for years and still look new.

I use the product everyday as my go to work bag. I use it to carry my laptop and work related stuff.