Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Scholar Tote Pack

The bag is great. Perfect for commuting. The bag can hold several items but still stay slim when not filled. The backpack straps are comfortable and the tote handles feel extremely strong. The bag seems extremely well built. The zippers are sturdy. I do wish it had a sternum strap. I also wish there was a short handle on top. I keep the backpack straps out at all times. So when I am holding it by the tote handles, the backpack straps are dragging across the ground. The secret zipper compartment on the side could be little bit bigger. It can only fit a credit card sized item.

Work requires me to conduct site visits all over the city. I am out and about on trains, buses, ferries, you name it. This bag is perfect for the task. Its roomy, has 2 side pockets perfect for water bottles, phones, umbrellas, whatever. The additional zippered pockets are great, too. The best feature is that the bag converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack.

I bought this tote/backpack because I wanted something slim and structured that would offer good protection for my laptop and storage for my daily essentials. This bag does just that. I love how it keeps its shape--it's not bulky/floppy like other totes I've tried. I love the pockets on the front and how the straps stow away in their own pockets so I can carry it as a tote without them flapping around. One drawback for me is the water bottle storage on each side of the bag. They are SUPER narrow. I just nearly sent it back because of this, but I loved the other features so much that I decided to give it a go. The pockets fit single-use water bottles perfectly, but I had to search for some slim reusable bottles that will fit in these pockets. After I found those, I have no complaints about the bag. I have been carrying a water bottle in one of the pockets, and a small umbrella in the other since THE RAIN WON'T STOP HERE. On that note, the bag repels water well, so I stow my laptop and documents in there without fear of them getting drenched as I run errands. All in all, really happy with this bag. Wish it were available in more colors. I'd love to see a deep plum like I've seen with some of their other totes. I look forward to using the bag as a carry-on when we travel. I really like it.

great construction, cool style but was too small for my laptop

On the whole, this is a great bag. However, the sewing on the lining on the key pocket almost immediately became undone, allowing my keys to get lost or stuck in the main lining of the bag. This is very annoying. I'm pretty sure I can fix it which is why I haven't returned it, but I shouldn't have to do this so quickly, and it's ruining the experience on what is otherwise I really nice product

On the whole, there's a lot to like about this bag. I think it's well constructed and very versatile. However, the lining of the key pocket almost immediately ripped, allowing my keys to get stuck or lost in the inner lining of the bag. I'm pretty sure I can mend it, but it's going to be annoying because of how the bag is constructed - and, in any event this shouldn't have happened so quickly in the lifetime of the bag. Additionally, I'd like the water bottle pockets to be slightly wider - it will fit a slim Hydro Flask but it's a tight squeeze, and I had to give up my plans of sticking a collapsible umbrella in the other pocket. I'd also like there to be more pockets in the main compartment - the pockets on the outside are great, but one zippered and maybe a couple of open pockets in the main space would be wonderful

I really like the look of this bag and appreciate that it can convert to a backpack. I like the fact that the main compartment has a zipper and the pockets are adequate. I am giving it three stars because the water bottle pockets on the side are not practical at all. They will barely hold my phone. I am so bummed that given the cost of this bag, these pockets are functionally useless.

Good commuting bag and I like the versatility of a shoulder bag into a backpack. I am giving it three stars because I wish it was a little bit wider all around. The bag is quite snug so it makes it challenging to put a lot of things into the bag, pockets, and the water bottle pockets on the side are very narrow. Maybe this will stretch out over time?

I am a little disappointed as it looked bigger in the pictures. Timbuk2 has outstanding quality, but I was looking for something to put yoga gear in. I wanted it to fit 2 yoga blocks, but it was too small and I happen to buy a final sale so I am stuck with it.

I bought this bag with the idea that both the straps back style and tote would be good but the backpack straps are not easy to tuck it. But the rest of the bag is pretty good.

This bag looks good and the color scheme is very pleasing. However it's functionality is not good. The proclaimed water bottle holder on the sides are so narrow, it holds a small umbrella but not a water bottle. The inside area that has pockets for cell phones and glasses are so shallow that it won't zip with my iPhone 8 inside. It won't accommodate a RayBan sunglass case. Also I can't swing it around to get inside while it is on my shoulder. When I try to get inside it while standing and having it on my shoulder, I cannot reach the interior. The shoulder straps are not padded at all so it is not comfortable. All around not a good bag for me.

This bag is super great and looks amazing! Unfortunately I carry a lot of stuff to work and depend on my water bottle which doesn't fit in the side pockets (although S'well bottles do fit!!). This would be a PERFECT diaper bag or everyday large purse/pack for traveling or school. I loved all the pockets and organization just wan't quite big enough for me

This bag is super cute and functional, but I specifically bought it because other reviews said a water bottle will fit in the side pockets. I don't know what size bottle they think will fit in those. They are tiny pockets that do not stretch at all. There is no way a normal sized (20-24 oz) water bottle will fit. Very disappointing. So if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't.

Love the idea of this tote pack, however, the straps do not stow Returned it because straps flopping around was annoying.

I loved the concept - tote bag that can turn into a backpack. However, was disappointed. 1. I don't like that the straps are always out. So when using as a tote bag, the backpack straps are hanging out, and when using as a backpack, the tote bag strap hangs over. 2. The water bottle holder on the side is too small. So the bottle has to go inside the bag, which takes up space. 3. It's too small, especially for travelling. I would have returned it for a different bag, but I live outside the US, so too complicated to return it.

The bag is well built and has very good materials, construction details and general bag function. However, I deduct 2 stars because the two side pockets are worthless. The only thing that can fit inside of them are pens or an umbrella when this bag and bag type BEGS for it to be a large enough pocket to hold a water bottle. It doesn't even hold a small diameter water bottle such as a Kleen Kanteen. Missed opportunity for what could have been a perfect tote with just enough pockets, but not too many. The inside volume is small, but in a good way. There's enough space for what you would use this bag for, but when you have to put your waterbottle inside the bag, it takes up valuable space. Think: laptop, thin fleece, papers/folder/task stuff for the day which all compress and lay flat waterbottle messes up the whole inside game. Definitely test drive this bag in real life before you purchase. It functions better as a purse than a tote.

The bag is well built and has very good materials, construction details and general bag function. However, I deduct 2 stars because the two side pockets are worthless. The only thing that can fit inside of them are pens or an umbrella when this bag and bag type BEGS for it to be a large enough pocket to hold a water bottle. It doesn't even hold a small diameter water bottle such as a Kleen Kanteen. Missed opportunity for what could have been a perfect tote with just enough pockets, but not too many. The inside volume is small, but in a good way. There's enough space for what you would use this bag for, but when you have to put your waterbottle inside the bag, it takes up valuable space. Think: laptop, thin fleece, papers/folder/task stuff for the day which all compress and lay flat - waterbottle messes up the whole inside game. Definitely test drive this bag in real life before you purchase. It functions better as a purse than a tote.

Its a nice bag. Wish I could put the totes straps away. Also wish it had a extra strap on top so can grab it easily and hang it on a hook easily.

Loved this bag and the color way online and have enjoyed my prior Timbuk2 bags. This one has many great features, including good organization for going to work at various sites (need to take lots of "supplies" with me). Unfortunately, the outside pockets could not accommodate my coffee tumbler or water bottle. Both fit into a normal car cup holder, so they aren't particularly large bottles (Sigg 17oz. and Thermos 16oz. Travel Tumbler). I also tried a Zojirushi bottle (the narrowest I own) and it didn't fit either. Ultimately I returned the bag because it couldn't use the pockets as intended, so it didn't really suit my everyday needs. The laptop pocket easily accommodated my 13" MacBook Air, likely could fit a 15".

Water bottle pockets are too small. I use this as a mom and travel backpack/tote. I had to buy a special extra slim bottle after looking extensively for 1 that would fit. There are NO kids' water bottles that will fit these pockets. I had to cut the black elastics on each pocket to get my bottle and other items to fit. Storage pocket for backpack straps is ok. Pocket for lower straps that clip onto shoulder straps is too small and difficult to stuff straps into. It's too frustrating to use regularly, so I don't bother. I like the idea of this bag but struggle to understand how anyone actually road tested it before approving the final design. Unfortunately, I cannot return it and will probably be looking for something more useful. Moms, keep looking.

I was really excited for this, but definitely disappointed. I bought it to use mainly as a backpack to carry school stuff around (iPad, water, a jacket). The small size is great for me, as I'm on the smaller/shorter side (5'3) and don't like the bulky backpack look, but I was REALLY annoyed by how the tote straps just hang loose with nowhere to go. Not only is this aesthetically awkward, but also kind of hazardous (could get caught on something). No place to secure or attach or tuck them in (this is visible from one of the product images but way more apparent in person). As many ppl have said the side pockets are kind of useless so it'd be great to use a stretchier material for that. I would probably return it if I didn't have to pay for return shipping. Just not a well-thought-out design.

I bought this bag as my husband has at least 8 (no lie) work bags and I wanted a nicer one for me. I liked the idea of the tote/back pack. The material is so nice for all straps and the bag. But the compliments stop there unfortunately. You cannot - I tried - to fit a water bottle of any size in the external pockets - as I tried the side label tag ripped off. A mini umbrella fits. I have to carry back and forth to work an HP workbook that has a cover and 2 folder for work, each ~1 each thick. That's all that can be squeezed into the bag. It's good that the bag zippers - that's a plus. But perhaps I underestimated the size in thinking it would meet my work needs - unfortunately it does not. Timbuk 2 works feat for my husband and his collection - just not for me .

I love the fabric and construction of this bag, but it is too big for me and the backpack straps are unwanted and too large and in the way. What I really want and need is a tote. I do not use backpacks. I thought this would be more tote-like. I sent it back immediately.

The backpack straps are great but the shoulder straps don't stay up for me.

I wanted a commuter tote that I could also wear as a backpack to hold laptop, gym clothes and the contents of my purse. Unfortunately at 3 inches, this bag is way too slim for that. I had to cram my running shoes in vertically and I could barely fit in everything else. Also, I use a coffee thermos that fits into every standard cup holder but I had to twist and shove it into the side pocket to make it fit, and once I had it in the pocket it took up space in the main compartment by pushing into it from the outer edge. I am returning it. If it was 1-2 inches deeper and had bigger or expandable side pockets it would've worked. If you want to carry a laptop and a couple of papers it would be fine. It is definitely not a full purpose bag.