Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Especial Stash Messenger Medium

I like the bag, travelled with it yesterday. The bad was a little awkward to travel with, especially with "briefcase" type handle. I may have overstuffed it. But the bag looks pregnant - not slime an stylish. Lastly, not sure this bad is a good fit for a sports-coat. I thought it was. I may exchange this bag. Feature I loved! 1) good shoulder fit (once you get it setup) 2) great compartments 3) love the bright green liner -- works well on your eyes to differentiate when it's open 4) love, love the quick clips and the key fob leash

I've contacted customer support about a concern below. I will change my rating depending upon how they respond. Firstly, the bag is well made with quality materials. My concern is that the shoulder strap was very complex and I wasn't able to figure out how to adjust it. 1) the shoulder strap design is exceedingly complex and, in fact, did not fit well. This is my 3rd Timbuk2 messenger bag and so I know that with prior bags, the shoulder strap has been sufficient and fit reasonably well. 2) Coming with a built-in shoulder pad is a nice idea, but the strap didn't seem to adjust and seemed to slip off my shoulder and I have a fairly large frame at 6 foot 2. 3) In addition, I think the metal buckles and the metal bottle opener, while it looks kind of cool, are actually hazardous. It's more than possible that my finger could get pinched in the narrow openings of these metal features. 4) At the end, I had to entirely remove the half of the strap with the metal buckles and the built-in pad and just use the other half that was only the nylon strap. After doing that, the bag fit much better, however, I realize this was not the design that was intended and could effect the longevity and utility of the strap. 5) For example, in shortening the strap (so that the bag now fits my frame), I'm unable to spin the bag from back to front in order to use the pouch without removing the bag from my shoulder (which is something that the standard messenger bags (at least the old strap design) allowed for. 6) Additional feedback: I was surprised at the neon yellow interior. I suppose this aids with visibility and contrast with the black exterior but I didn't expect it. Was a white or light grey interior considered as a more neutral alternative? At the moment, I am not recommending this bag. If they fixed the strap (just make it a simple, easy design) and the interior color, it would be great.

First time use, got on the bus and 60mins later the bag cover is already scratched! Just from bumping into other passengers and bus seats, the flimsy vinyl material is not scratch resistant. Once scratched will it now still be weather proof? I appreciate the large interior space for holding large items like jackets, but wish there were more pockets for organization like cables, chargers etc. With the single large space you're dumping everything in and then fishing with your hand when you need something. Overall I'm disappointed with this bag for the full price I paid. Would never buy this again. Look at Kreiga bags instead they are more durable and waterproof.

The strap is designed to not have the pad in the middle. Crazy. The loop on the back does not fit the timbuk2 suitcase - poor design.

The strap design and weight distribution isn't for me. It must work for some people, but the lack of versatility make this bag a burden to put on and take off. Otherwise, the bag seems sturdy and well made. The organization is good, but nothing special. The waterproof laptop sleeve is a bit tedious to access. I found myself reluctant to use it because it was a very tight fit.

I really wanted to like this bag. I'm a business student and was looking for a bag that I could use here at school and then eventually as a work bag in a couple of years. I liked the fact that it was waterproof, had enough (but not too many) pockets, and the magnet closure. However, two design choices are causing me to really consider returning this product. 1) The permanently fixed shoulder strap. I get it, its a messenger bag and meant to be worn while riding a bike, but the shoulder strap is really annoying. You essentially are forced to wear the bag across your back; the strap pad is fully to one side of the bag. Why not give the customer the choice on how to wear the bag? Let the pad slide along the strap so you can wear it around the back or over the shoulder. 2) The grab handle. The grab handle on the back is pathetic. Its skinny and uncomfortable to hold. Furthermore, its it a really weird position so when you do use it, the bag isn't straight up and down but at an angle. At least if you are going to put it there, make it large enough so the bag can be slid over the handle of a piece of luggage. I really want to like this bag and may test it out for a couple of days, but I just can't get comfortable with that strap.

I had my eye on this messenger bag for quite some time until I finally decided to buy it. I was so excited when this bad arrived, but then as soon as I tried to fit my 14" macbook I realized the bag was too small. Great construction and quality, waaterproof, but it barely fits a 14" laptop! Ended up returning it . What a shame.

Purchased this bag as it is one of the few I could find to fit a 17 inch laptop, one of many Timbuk2 bags I've had over the years. Overall the bag is just OK, but I really do not at all like the strap used for this bag. It's ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and overly complicated. I'll buy Timbuk2 products again, but definitely not this bag.

This is a gorgeous, stylish bag with great features. However, the non-adjustable strap pad is a deal-killer, so I'm returning mine. No idea why the strap is so impractical after so much work went into the design of this bag. I'm hoping Timbuk2 fixes this promptly, as I'd order it immediately.

The inside of the bag is really good. The strap twists and is hard to adjust. This bad strap design ruins the bag and keeps me from using it every day.

The actual bag itself I love! The bright inside makes it super easy to find things and the organization and space is great. I also have had it in heavy rain and lots of heavy snow - everything was dry when I got to the office of back home. The downside is the strap is just awful. It would be such a great bag if there was a different setup with that. Because of this, after like 1yr of trying to get it to work, I am donating it and back to the search of finding another water-proof bag for commuting.

I wish I listened to my better judgement and other's reviews but I was swayed by the sleek style and design. The strap on this bag is as bad or worse than people say making it practically useless. My Patagonia bag was heavily used for five years, this is being retired after one.

I just received this highly anticipated bag and had mixed feelings upon its use. The good- the look and feel water tight laptop compartment magnetic buckles The bad- the strap system is way over designed and is quite uncomfortable different straps lengths would be helpful bag is a bit smaller than I anticipated bag narrows at the bottom, reduces capacity and stability poor organization price This bag will serve as a weekend replacement for overnight or light trips. Its limited capacity, complicated strap and buckling system and narrow spacing keeps this from being a solid workhorse of a daily carry. I was able to catch this bag on sale which was helpful as the full price option is not worth the compromises it offers. Until a new version addresses these concerns, my search for a alternative continues......

This bag would be awesome if an alternate strap was offered that allowed the strap pad to be centered in the middle of the strap. I've read the description and watched the video to see if I missed something about the strap design. I would've loved using this bag for school when I was much much younger, replacing my backpack. I still like Timbuk2 and ordered another model to use for work. I'll use this bag for weekends

Well, they asked me to write a review, so, here we go: Got the bag, and after five minutes it was clear that it would go back. It feels flimsy, not cheap, but thin, not giving much protection. It has too few pockets. In the flap, there is one - but it could be sooo much bigger. This way it is it barely fits a passport. Under the flap? Next to nothing, minuscule pockets that barely hold anything. The laptop compartment? So impractical, with the zipper on top, so hidden, that you need both hands to put the laptop inside. A pocket on the back of the bag that serves as a strap to put the bag over the handle of a roller suitcase? Not here. The magnetic latches? Faulty design. the beauty of magnetic latches is that you just let the flap drop - and the magnets hold it. Here, you need two hands to even close them... If it wasn't falling apart after 15 years I'd keep my bag from some European competitor forever - but this one is not the replacement I was hoping for. Too bad.

Bomber bag, but the absolutely worst strap system ever. Strap material is slick and floppy, pad is fixed in place, unable to adjust. Buckle is bulletproof, but with the strap, it slides through terribly. Sad they absolutely ruin this bag with a garbage strap system.

Before completing this survey, I wanted to give some time using this bag. After about 2 months, I'm going back to my old Timbuk2 bag. I need a slightly wider bag that can stand on it's own when you are putting some files or a laptop in the bag. The clasps for the flap are neat but because the bag is not big enough, I am not using them.... I also am not a fan of the shoulder strap and the side pocket will not keep a water bottle in it without falling out... I like the pockets/compartments of this bag and the quality finish is good but I need a more functional bag. Overall, I have liked Timbuk2 bags as this is my 4th one, but this one is not meeting my needs.

Needed a new bag that could stand up to the rainy Seattle commute. This is a good looking messenger that keeps the rain out, but the obnoxious strap really ruins its likability. As others have mentioned in earlier reviews, the strap constantly slides through the buckle, so trying to adjust the length is futile. The strap is flimsy and always twisted. There is a pad, but it it is in a fixed position, so you can't slide it along the strap to fit on your shoulder. I finally gave up and attached a strap from my old Patagonia bag. It looks funny, but at least it works. With a nearly $200 price tag, I expected better functionality. Pro tip: Get the size large (34L). At the time of purchase, only the medium (20L) was available and it's a very tight fit if you put anything in the interior zipper pouches.

Please let us know when you have designed a replacement for the strap. It is a major annoyance.

I spent some time looking for a perfect bag. My typical hang-up was that as a design professional I needed to fit a 15" laptop which eliminates a lot of possibilities. White I think the form and construction for this bag is nice and certainly met my needs from a space perspective, over the last few months I have found myself more and more frustrated with the strap. I think the mechanics of it are sound and the hardware is well made the webbing itself seems much too thin. Because of how slick and thin it is it is constantly slipping through the adjustment buckle. The result is that nearly every time I lift the bag the strap slips out to full extension. Additionally the strap is constantly twisted and refuses to lay flat at the points it connects to the bag. I think a thicker webbing would have solved all these issues but as it stands it's a problem every time I pick it up and requires a lot adjustment.

I love this bag, I know this is contrary to my 2 star review but honestly, the bag is excellent. A good amount of space, great number of pockets, fun hidden areas, nice color, incredible weather proofing, the magnet clasps are genius. I serious love this bag. The strap is a different story. It's real bad, the inability to shift the pad on the strap is heinous, the weird dangling piece meant to resize the strap is a major annoyance, especially since the end is strong Velcro so it's a magnet to all my winter sweaters coming out of storage. The black anodized bottle opener is so small you can't get good purchase on it with your hand so unlike the ones you can buy separately it's an ordeal to actually open a bottle with, the first time I tried I wound up with 4 huge scrapes across the black bottle opener, it's also not removable from the strap. The magnetic "quick release" I have yet to find an actual use or purpose for. Overall the bag is excellent, but for a company that's been making straps for bags for 30 years to release this strap as is, it's a total miss, I love timbuk2 but this strap is a major disappointment on what is otherwise my favorite bag I've ever purchased from them. I can't honestly recommend it with this price tag seeing as how you'll have to replace the strap to really enjoy the functionality of the bag.

First, thank you! I have 3 Timbuk2 messenger bags currently in use, all 3 are bombproof. Unfortunately, the Stash, not so bombproof, thus the return. Relative to the bags I have, (one which is at least 20 years old) the Stash not worthy of your reputation.

Very disappointed in the utilitarian design of the messenger bag received. Compared to the Timbuk2 messenger bag i bought 8 yrs ago, this new design just didn't cut it.

Bag gets smaller towards the bottom. Doesn't really sit well on table or anything. Falls over always because of the uneven dimensions. Great quality materials. Strap also is annoying gets stuck against bag where it's joined.

Would be the perfect bag... if they offered it in a small. Not everyone wants to lug around a 20L bag as their everyday. Unfortunately this is another new design only offered in a large size.