Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Scholar Tote Pack

I really love the ease of converting from a backpack to a tote which is just what I need so I can wear as a backpack when walking but use as a tote at work or when not as heavy. Fits my laptop, water bottle, lunch and more. The only thing I wish is that there were larger pockets and the water bottle holders on the sides can only fit smaller bottles.

I love this bag. Most of the time I keep the straps tucked away, and it's absolutely perfect for my day-to-day office bag. I beg you- PLEASE add a trolley strap to the next version. I would love to be able to toss this on my roller bag when I'm travelling. The water bottle pocket is too small, but so what. It holds a small umbrella perfectly. I really love this bag.

This is a great-looking upright, narrow work tote. I'm 5'3" and large bags overwhelm me. The exterior pockets allow for item organization while the open interior (with just a computer divider gives you flexibility. The construction is solid and I've used the backpack straps while traveling. Great convertability! I would only change the shoulder straps to be a tad bit longer.

We're on a trip through Japan. This backpack leaves my arms free and running for trains easier. A pocket inside halfway up, for smaller items like camera and wallet, would be nice. The rounded top is an unexpected plus; less awkward..

Love this bag for my daily commute to/from the office. The lanyard for my keys is super helpful, and the two sets of stash pockets on the front make it easy to find things quickly. My one hesitation on giving five stars is the side compartments: while large enough to fit an umbrella or skinny water bottle, it sadly does not hold my coffee mug.

Very good bag however the backpack straps could be a bit more supportive, other than than though it's awesome! Super well sized tote straps, very functional, tons of pockets!

I have had my other timbuk2 backpack for over 5 years. This bag is nice as it can be carried as a backpack or a tote bag. Seems very sturdy and made with good material.

I needed a new work bag that delivered on function, but also wouldn't drag down cute outfits I wore. After excessive research, I decided to give this one a try (despite some mixed reviews) and it is quite literally the perfect combination of form and function. Fits my 13" MacBook with plenty of room, phone and laptop chargers, a change of shoes, water bottle, and has lots of dedicated pockets for my various little items (chapstick, keys, wallet, etc.) in the 2 front pockets. I generally carry it as a backpack but love the flexibility to use as a tote when the mood strikes. Small enough that it doesn't overwhelm my frame (or hurt my back) but large enough for all my belongings. Go ahead, do yourself a favor and order it.

This is my first timbuk2 product and the quality did not disappoint. However to major flaws. As many people mentioned the water bottle holders do not hold any water bottles I own. Even my skinny hydroflask. Secondly the back pack straps. You can unclip the bottom portion and tuck the bigger parts into the back pocket however the shorter end of the strap goes where? I have tucked them into the water bottle slot. I love the colours and will test out the water proofness in vancouver weather.

I've been using this as a bag for work and this is great! The material is quality and the backpack convertible option is great for rushing to and from the office. It also looks nice as a tote and good for any after-work activities. I saw some reviews that the buckles are tough to hide away but I just keep them half hidden even when I have my straps on so it doesn't bother too much. It is pretty box-y and square when you put it on as a backpack, in case that's not anyone's aesthetic. I agree with the other reviews that the side pockets can be larger as it's definitely not large enough for most reusable water bottles. It fits my small umbrella though. I have not used it as an overnight travel bag yet - it seems like it can fit a decent amount of items that my other backpacks can though.

Nice bag and well constructed as always from Timbuk2. I love the convertible features. The bag is a little narrow but good for travel.

Overall I like the bag and it fits my 15" MacBook Air which was my main concern. It doesn't stand up on its own and in some places the outer material feels a little flimsy or cheap, which I wasn't expecting compared to multiple other timbuk2 items I have that are all very solid and feel high quality materials. The laptop area is nicely padded though.

I use the bag every day

I purchased this bag to use as my purse when traveling. This way, I have the option of alternating between the backpack and tote, depending on whether I want my hands to be free and what kind of luggage I will be using. I love the colorful accents and pockets.

Got this for travel - I love a tote bag when I'm on a trip, but really needed one that zipped. This is great for that, and large enough to hold my small laptop. I wish the handles had a slightly longer drop - it's usable but not my preferred tote handle length. It's handy to be able to convert to a backpack although I haven't used this feature much. Got stopped by another traveler at the airport, who commented on how it was also exactly what they were looking for.

I really Iike this bag. The backpack straps are comfortable and I like the flexibility that allows you to carry it as a tote. But the water bottle pockets are a bit narrow. They really only hold slim bottles. A minor complaint, I wish the bag had at least one interior pocket for small items, but it does have exterior zipper pockets plus a long key strap (so nice!)

Wish you guys had this kind of color combo on more sytles!

Love the size ( not too big). Really like everything, zip top closure and pockets. Would have 5 stars but the outer side pockets are useless. Can't even fit a standard size bottle of water in and barely fit a travel umbrella in other. It's a very tight fit. Why have these pockets when literally nothing fits in them . Still love this bag!

Great looking. Amazing utility. Fits laptop, books, journal and more with ease. Genuinely love it! Thanks

The Scholar Tote Pack works great as a backpack. However, I feel there is one major design flaw as a tote. When the bag is in "tote" mode, the two shoulder straps tuck nicely away but the connectors for the backpack straps hang down freely. I adjusted their length, tried to tuck them into the side pockets, I even used binder clips to attach them to each other to keep them out of the way. None of these options will work for me since I often store my bag in the back seat of my car and may need to retrieve it and I don't want these two straps to get caught in the process. Other than that, it's an awesome bag and seems substantial. I really wanted it to work for my needs and am sad to have to return it. (keep in mind, this is my opinion based on my own experiences.)

I purchased the bag because I needed something waterproof in which I could carry a planner, phone, and laptop. It fits everything very snugly...almost too snug. My water bottle is large and there just isn't enough space. So bottom line, the bag is nice, but if you are thinking of taking anything other than a small laptop and planner, look for something larger. I was thinking of returning it, but the bag is so well made and it is making me rethink how much I really need to take to work every day.

I think this tote/backpack is super cute, I get compliments on it all the time. I wish that the side pockets and front pockets were a little bigger. I can't fit any of my small hydroflasks in the side pockets because they are a smidge too small and the fabric is very stiff. Other than that, it's great, I just make do by carrying my drinks. It's perfect for taking to work (I'm a nurse).

This is a gorgeous bag...great colors, fabric, workmanship. It looks like it will be durable, too. I am amazed, since this must be a product so easily prototyped (not to mention that Timbuk2 has been designing bags for a long time), that there are at least two significant design flaws. As many others have noted, the side pockets don't fit anything larger than a 12 oz can, so most popular water bottles will not fit. And, when the bag is converted to a tote, the backpack anchor straps cannot be tucked in. So this sleek tote has straps dangling and ready to catch or trip. I feel badly for the many people down the development line who did such a great job creating, branding and selling this bag. None of their efforts can save it from the mistakes of the design crew. Crazy mistake! One prototype in the hands of a user would have saved it.

I love everything about this bag except for two features: the "water bottle" pockets on each side. What water bottle do they imagine people use? My umbrella fits perfectly on one side, but the other side is useless. The quick / secret pocket won't fit my wallet. I could see using it for ID/cc only, but would love it to be a bit bigger for an actual wallet. The material is top notch. The colors are spot-on. Having a tote bag/backpack combo is pretty sweet. Just a few tweaks and this bag would be perfect.

I loved this, but the backpack straps did not put away as nicely as I thought they would and when wearing this as a backpack, the strap hanging off of the back (you can see it in the pictures) is odd. Loved the color, material, features otherwise.