Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack

Since I've started going into the office a few days a week, I've wanted to get a convertible tote/backpack to carry my laptop back and forth. I prefer a tote bag while commuting on public transit because it's more secure, but I like having a backpack option for when I walk part of the way home - and for transiting through airports. This bag is almost perfect. It's lightweight but still provides enough padding for my laptop, and I can fit both my 13" work laptop and my 15" personal laptop in it if necessary. The shoulder straps are long enough that I can carry the bag comfortably over my shoulder even if I'm wearing a winter coat. The granite colour (a mid grey/blue shade) is a nice change from black, and the light grey lining makes it easy to find things in the bag. The outside zip pocket works well for carrying a transit pass, office key card, keys (clipped to the lanyard so I don't lose them) and phone, while the sunglass pouch is a great pocket for storing a mask (plus a spare). It's easy to convert the bag to a backpack and the shoulder straps (or backpack straps) store out of the way when not needed. I also like the vertical/portrait orientation of the bag, because it takes up less space when I'm carrying it in a crowded subway. And I like having an interior zip pocket (for security) to carry my wallet. I was a little worried that the bag would be too big for my frame (I'm 5'7"). The bag is a bit long, but it's not overwhelming. There are a few details that could be improved: it would be nice to have a pair of zippers on the outer pocket, so that I could open the pocket from the top and not risk spilling something out the side. The interior zip pocket that I use for my wallet could be a little bigger. And it would be nice to have a little padding on the shoulder straps - when the bag is packed full, it's heavy on my shoulders. But these are minor details.

I actually came to the Timbuk 2 site like 2 years after buying this backpack solely to say how much I love it. I use it every day for work, traveling, sports, anything. I wear it as a backpack and as a tote and it's comfortable both ways. It's super cute for a backpack. (I guess there are cuter totes out there but the backpack function is key!!) I get lots of compliments. It holds the perfect amount of stuff. Really great quality. I am really hard on my stuff usually, and I have had no issues with it whatsoever. Fabric repels water. I usually put my laptop in a case when I carry it but I'd do that with any backpack. I have carried a laptop alone in the sleeve and that's fine. I like that you can zip away the backpack straps if you really do want it to look totally like a tote (but I usually keep them out). It's really been awesome, I love that I can be comfortable carrying it around campus but then I can shift it to a tote before going into teach or into a meeting and it looks a bit more professional. I have neck and back issues and this tote definitely helps ergonomically. I have the black. Truly love this bag!

This was my go to backpack during a 2.5 week trip to the Philippines. It was comfortable and durable. I wore it mostly as a backpack because I like my hands free. It's a good size for a day trip bag since most of my trip was on the go. Fits a sweater, 32oz water bottle, sunblock, bug spray, portable charger, wallet, deflatable pillow and some small snacks with more space to fill. If you overstuff it, it can be too heavy and uncomfortable. The backpack straps can be a little thicker because I did notice it start to thin as the trip went on. I liked the different compartments. The main zipper had a total of 2 compartments plus a small zippered compartment that could fit a small wallet. There's 2 medium sized compartment on the outside of the bag. One with easy access and the other on the same side of the backpack straps. The small zippered compartment on the outside had a decent amount of pockets. Overall, I would recommend.

I bought this for a daily work bag. When it first arrived I immediately loved the color and the fabric. You can tell it's really well made. I was hesitant because you can't stow away the backpack straps. And it's also weirdly tall (compared to my previous bag.) I quickly got over my hesitations because it's so functional. The pockets are perfectly placed and sized. The padded computer pocket is a must. I love the side phone pocket. And it's a great looking bag. I use the backpack straps more than I thought I would. While a water bottle pocket would be nice there plenty of room internally for a well-sealed one.

As a bike commuter, I really like the flexibility to go between tote and backpack. I own several Timbuk 2 bags and the durability and capacity keeps me coming back.

Beautiful unique color. The straps are a bit too long for my liking (I'm 5' 3"), wished there was a way to shorten. I like the clean look of no external water bottle slot on the side, but a way to keep a bottle inside upright on the side would be perfect! I love everything Timbuk2!! Keep feeding my bag addiction! :)

most totepacks don't have padded straps but this one does. makes it easy to use as a backpack or tote.

I bought this to use as a carry on and it worked great for carrying my laptop and essentials while on the plane

This is the perfect work bag. It isn't bulky and holds just the right amount of things which for me is a lot at times. I like how I can wear it as a backpack or a tote and the straps I'm not using never seem to get in the way. When I purchased the bag a year ago it only came in black and blue. Hopefully you keep this bag. I don't need another one anytime soon but I'd definitely buy again.

I used my bag everyday to and from work. It is great. Look so great and I am so happy with this.

Perfect bag for commuting to work and traveling, and looks good too! I have to bring a huge laptop (16 inches) back and forth from the office, and this bag is great for carrying it around comfortably with additional room in the bag to fit my other things. Love the choice of wearing it as a backpack or a tote. Would definitely recommend!

I am not one to write reviews, but I love this bag! It is light, a pretty dark blue color, and has just the right amount of pockets to hold everything I need for work. I searched for a new work bag for a while and looked at a wide range of fabrics, features, and prices, and I am so glad I found this one. It is perfect.

Love my bag. The color and material are great and nice quality. Love the versatility too, of going from backpack to tote. This is my second Timbuk2 bag in this similar style.

loved the design and qualty of materials

Originally ordered the cocoa color, and it was more green than it looks online. Exchanged it for black and it's perfect. This bag is sturdy, but lightweight, and has a ton of great pockets. It also looks nice, so great for work or casual.

Great bag! I use it for commuting and it easily fits my laptop, tablet, books and lunch stuff. I love that I can use it both as an over-the-shoulder bag and backpack. So many pockets, helps keep me organized :)

I use this bag for travel and shopping on my bike

I've had this bag for almost 2 years now. It's my work bag. I'm a high school orchestra director and this is durable enough to throw in my laptop, small purse, calendar, folders and music scores while still being stylish. So nice to be able to carry as both a tote and a backpack when you need your hands free in a pinch. Probably will buy again when this one gives out (although it's holding up pretty well right now.). Great buy.

I love this bag!! I wish it did have exterior pockets for a water bottle but then it might look less sleek. I just got a tall slim water bottle that I carry inside. It holds more books than I realized, and my lap top. Great bag. Functional and cute!

Great bag; not what I needed

Love the backpack convertible to tote I've purchased. The exterior fabric seems to be durable and weatherproof. I love how much space it has and how many things I can fit in it. You do have to be careful when carrying a laptop as a tote. May be best to wear as a backpack when that happens. Would purchase this again!

Great bag for my wife! Bigger laptop at 17.5in fits just perfect. Love how it also repels water. Not as big as a backpack which is great.

Love this bag. Great size and excellent color!

Great commuter bag! Love the easy transition from backpack to tote as well as the overall style. It is a bit smaller than expected but fits everything for a work/school day and the waterproofing is a life saver.

I use this bag everyday . Very compact . Just enough room