Originally designed for hard-working urban bike messengers, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag features a durable and iconic construction that has become an everyday, all-purpose bag for bikers, student, and working stiffs alike. Store your small items in the internal organizer pockets, and keep your books, documents, or packages safe and dry in the waterproof, vinyl-lined main compartment. The quick-adjust cam buckle and buckled cross strap (not available on XS) secure the bag whether you're riding through traffic or sprinting to catch the train. Reflective tails keep you visible when dodging angry commuters in large SUV's. The Covert option features a large reflective center panel for increased visibility.
Bottom Line: The original messenger-style commuter bag.
Ok, first of all, Backcountry.com has the best customer service on the Net. With that said they will always make things right even if you are disappointed.
So after ordering this bag 3 times and getting a bag that is not what is shown in the photo or confirmed via the phone or chat service they went above and beyond and accepted all the refunds per their guarantee. The problem is the photos show the bag with a shoulder strap pad which it does not come with and the tabs are not what are show either...they are the long reflective tabs that can be disconnected (but do not look very professional unless you are a bike messenger, which I am not). I really wanted the bag in the photo in size small but that seems to be a pipe dream at the moment. Do not totally blame Backcountry.com though....Timbuk2 is out of touch with its stock photos not to mention its inventory in general - the bags are also now made in China (as with everything else sold in the States these days). If you buy this bag in any color in size small or X-Small expecting a shoulder pad strap...expect to shell out $10-$15 extra when you have to ORDER it seperately either from Backcountry.com or Timbuk2.
Backcountry.com....what happened to changing your photos???????????????? That was supposed to happen more than 3 weeks ago...but alas the photos still are reflective of what you are NOT selling - so expect many more frustrated buyers.
Wow. I would never have imagined how indispensable this bag would become before I bought it. I used to use a DaKine backpack for my bike commutes to work and for a briefcase when I needed it. It was OK - drawbacks included a sweaty back, difficult access during a ride, and poor shape/configuration for computer and file transport.
The Timbuk2 Commuter fixes all these issues - it hangs low and secure during rides (no sweaty back), provides access if needed, is super-durable and is waterproof enough for any weather. I recommend the Commuter model for its corduroy-lined, padded laptop pocket and carrying handle, and though this may be the case on classic models, the attention to detail made in this particular bag's numerous and varied pockets is really stellar - divider for laptop and files, phone pocket, (brightly colored!) key lanyard, etc, etc. Looks smart as a briefcase when used that way, as well.
My bag is only a few months old and is just getting broken in, but other reviewers say these bags last years. Seeing the quality of construction in mine, I have no doubt this will be the case.
[XS] 12.8 x 5.25 x 8.5in (32.4 x 21.6 x 13.3cm); [S]14.5 x 9.75 x 5.25in (36.8 x 24.75 x 13.3cm); [M] 18.75 x 10.5 x 7.75in (47.6 x 26.7 x 20cm); [L] 22.5 x 12.5 x 8.5in (57 x 32 x 21.6cm); [XL] 26.25 x 14 x 9in (66.7 x 35.5 x 23cm)
