timbuk2 classic messenger bag small vs medium

The Slant team built an AI & it's awesome Find the best product instantly. This doesnt hinder the use of the bag, but some found it to be a little awkward. Maximum laptop size: 13 inches to 15 inches. It's too big. The Brain Bag is a bit floppy, and the CPL has excellent construction but a few confounding design flaws most since rectified. Your keys just happen to hang on the metal key fob off to the side, your pen can fit perfectly into one of two designated slots, and your tablet has its own mini padded compartment. This handy backpack has two laptop sleeves and three mesh pockets that can fit your dongles, books, laptop, small tripod, camera, and personal items with room to spare. Years ago, while wandering through the gift shop in a museum, I was struck by a large shoulder bag made from a lovely, tapestry-like material. When testing, Haleys sister observed that the black-on-black accents made this bag acceptable to wear with an Air Force uniform (PDF)something many bags are not. $12.80 shipping. Your cart qualifies for free shipping. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. I can pack more, save on space, and best of all, I only pull out one cube as needed instead of rummaging around in an unorganized suitcase. While there is a learning curve to using the cam-adjustment strap on the Classic, it makes for easy adjustment once you get used to it. With its roll-top closure, featuring a magnetic G-hook, it felt like everything was safe and sound in the bag. If you don't thoroughly activate the plastic keeper in the cam adjuster, the strap will slide open unexpectedly. Unfortunately, it looks like Timbuk2 doesnt offer the customization options I got anymore, so maybe the catch is that I can never buy another one that feels just right. Its a wonder she hasnt been to France yet, but its next on her to-do list. The Classic covers your primary needs for organization and packing, without a ton of superfluous extra pockets to grapple with. This is the best, most affordable leather bag we tested, with its full-grain leather, organized interior, and lengthy straps. Its okay to like a backpack with lots of pockets (and, from looking at the rest of this article, many of my colleagues do). All of the bags pockets are protected by one large flap that both Velcroes and buckles shut. A classic, simple backpack for everyday use. When testing the bag in our office, biker extraordinaire and appliance expert Tim Heffernan noted that someone could potentially apply enough pressure to dislodge the buckle, sending their belongings straight to the ground. Its safe to say that when we first began writing this guide, neither of usJordan Bowman and Haley Spranklewere on the messenger-bag bandwagon. But the straps are wider and flatter than most, so the bag is comfortable on an average commute with a few items stashed inside. My suitcase would explode across her apartment, and I became the house guest every New Yorker hates to have. Exterior water-resistant finish for protection in light rain. Sold by kristinb831. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Performance Comparison This iconic Timbuk2 bag is popular for a reason - it is affordable, durable, weather-resistant, and reasonably comfortable. Get this if: Youre looking for a sturdy and flexible bike messenger bag, with the ability to either have a roll-top or traditional flap closure. However, the Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag lived up to its reputation, standing out from the rest because of its great weight distribution, comfortable shoulder strap, and organizational features. The Classic is the only one to come in an extra-small size as well as far more colour options. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag $ 99 A comfortable, low-profile, fairly affordable messenger bag with a big main compartment and as many little sub-pockets as you might want. The Monty Bag has a more streamlined shape than similar bags made by Chrome, and its minimal design is perfect for the biker who wants a less-intense messenger bag. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. The slightly unwieldy but lovely Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L has been my main work bag for well over two years (I have the first-gen version), and it has traveled with me all over the country and beyond while holding up to abuse and looking clean in its charcoal colorway. Ive used mine until some of the tapestry has begun to unravel, but even that sort of adds to its feel of something old-fashioned but still useful. Lots of small, medium and large pockets everywhere . But if there is a spill, the lining is easy to clean it has handled chicken curry and rum punch with more aplomb than my stomach lining. FAST 'N FREE. The front also has both a Velcro and a snap closure, keeping everything you want inside and everything you dont want outside. Several features make this bag easier to use - from the simplicity of the velcro and plastic buckles for opening and closing it. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag Medium Nylon Brown/Orange Laptop Crossbody USED. Why its great: The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag offers a winning combination of well-thought-out features for the frequent commuter and a ridiculous number of organizational pockets, all at a reasonable price and with a lifetime warranty. This bag has the best weight-to-volume ratio because it boasts a minimal weight for the amount of space it provides. However, if you're the type of person who prefers to stow your laptop in a padded carrying case, then this need not be a dealbreaker. The polyurethane and polyester material is waterproof, and the exterior access laptop pocket is protected by a flap of the same material, so water doesnt drip in. The Classic performed fairly well in terms of comfort for having a generous shoulder strap and sitting more vertically on the back. Let us know! The pad is quite large and can be a bit awkward for the first few wears, but we soon realized its one of the bags best features. or Best Offer. Underneath the front flap, there is a zipper pocket for small essentials that has a long keeper strap for keys, a cargo pocket for a phone, and a side zipper pocket for a wallet or anything else you need to access easily. The Kinsale has a magnetic closure on the inside of the flap that allows you to quickly access the bags contents during a commute. My piles of clothes simply took up too much room. And since no two people or commutes are the same, we found the eight best options for anyone. Dial in comfort (on the fly) with an adjustable shoulder strap and buckle. Even though they were perfectly long enough for Haley (who is 5 feet 7 inches), Wirecutter staffers who were taller or who had broader chests or breasts noted that it was a little more difficult to find a comfortable length for them. Large Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag : 7.87W x 20.08L x 13.78H, 28L. Posted by Dexter . When you pack it with a laptop or books, you can feel some space between the bag and your back. The Timbuk2s interior has a waterproof lining to help protect your laptop and notebook from a sudden downpour, and the upper corners of the opening fold inward to reduce the chance of water leaking in when the bag is shut. Removable crossbody strap add stabilization on sizes small and up. This feature is essential for maximizing comfort while cycling and gives the bag a low-profile feel that is much more comfortable than the alternative. I picked up one of their bags, a Breakout I believe, to replace a dying North Face Recon. If you cant find the Everywhere Belt Bag, this slightly larger 12.4 x 2.6 x 5.7 belt bag may suit you especially if you like pink. Why its great: Mission Workshops The Monty stood out among the bike messenger bags we tested because it brings a sleek design to sturdy, utilitarian construction, plus its thick shoulder padding makes it more comfortable for long trips. The Classic earns high marks in this category because it is designed with longevity in mind, and it is made with burly materials that are abrasion, and water-resistant. (According to one companys associate, in hitherto-undiscovered ways; I am very hard on my accessories.) It also looks great. Why its great: The Matt & Nat Martel Messenger is at the crossroads of professional and pretty. To determine the volume to weight ratio we weigh the bags as soon as we receive them, with our size Medium Classic weighing 2.02 pounds. Many women use the small classic as an alternative to a purse. I mean, sure, the Errant was great when I was commuting every day with exactly the same combination of laptop, notebook, and other work accessories. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the seat-belt buckle is a favorite among many, one Wirecutter staffer wasnt particularly sold on it. The fact that there is such a debate is of no surprise to us. It knocked on her hip during her commute, partly due to the lengthy straps and partly due to the structure, so it proved to be a little clumsier to maneuver on a crowded subway. Stuff gets out. We tested the compact size, and think the full-size option is better suited to a person who needs to carry a larger laptop, like a 16-inch Macbook Pro. Its padding means you shouldnt have to worry about your laptop getting scratches or dents. but is streamlined. See our ethics statement. Learn more. Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor. It also has a far more generous warranty. I wasnt always a diehard fan of packing cubes, though; Im actually a recent convert. My Recommendation: Skip navigation. The color is boring. Traditional messenger bags for any commute: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette. There's a range of sizes that can schlep anything from just your daily essentials to 4 large pizzas, all while delivering easy access and comfortable carry while walking, commuting or cycling. I'm talking small things like loose threads . This bag also offered plenty of internal organizational features, including a 15-inch laptop sleeve. Timbuk2 Messenger Bag vs Chrome Messenger Bag You may have heard from cyclists and daily commuters about the debate between which is better; the Timbuk2 or the Chrome. With its more-structured build, the Martel bag resembles the classic camera bags of yore, while also offering a simpler, modern look and the laptop compartment you need. How can we improve GearLab? The improved shoulder strap features a curved air mesh strap pad for comfort, durable webbing, and Timbuk2's Double-Loop CAM buckle for quick adjustment and to eliminate dangling straps. Rain gets in. Its our Classic Messenger Bag, designed in San Francisco over 30 years ago, enhanced with modern upgrades. Matt & Nat offers only a one-year warranty, which is on the low end for a messenger bag, especially compared with some other options that have lifetime backings, like the Timbuk2. Its style is deceiving at first. other_canonical $ 79.00. (If youre anything like Haley, this feature will save your hide, and maybe even your laptop.) It also hurt our shoulders more than any other bag we tested. Many noted how important it was to keep their personal items secure, others said that organization was key, and some said that looks were just as important as anything else. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The Peak Design Everyday Messenger was very structured, and it is even advertised as a camera bag. Plus, there were no real organizational features, leaving this bag on the outs with us. A comfortable, low-profile, fairly affordable messenger bag with a big main compartment and as many little sub-pockets as you might want. Its also not quite large enough for a laptop. Get this if: You commute by bike and are looking for extra security. Free shipping for many products! The Classic messenger bag is the most affordable bag on the list and its definitely the best entry level messenger bag out there. The combination of structure and padded sleeve should leave you feeling secure that your laptop is in good hands or pockets. Previous reviewers tested this bag on the right shoulder, but we found this to be too uncomfortable as the plastic cam-adjustment mechanism sits on the shoulder, rather than the padded shoulder strap. *At the time of publishing, the price was $79. The Citizen also has a stabilizing strapa smaller tie that runs from the main one to the corner of the bagwhich keeps the bag solidly in place and secured to your body. Having a fully stocked bag at the ready makes it easier to get out the door and change your kid on the go. Despite its trimmer build, the Kinsale also features a snug laptop pocket, organizational compartments, and overall good structure. The discontinued Brooks Brothers Canvas Messenger felt like Frankensteins monster: It was tailor-made for us, but it kept hurting us unintentionally. Luckily, the stabilizing strap would act as a backup if that happened, Dimensions: 13 by 22 by 7 inchesMaterials: tarp and nylonCrossbody strap length: 35 inchesWeight: 2.8 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: variations of Black, Gray, Camouflage, Tan. Dimensions: 11.8 by 16 by 4.7 inchesMaterials: 50 percent polyurethane, 50 percent polyesterCrossbody strap length: 45 inchesWeight: 1.77 poundsWarranty: two yearsColors: Black, Charcoal. But the luggage pass-through on the back really says it allthis bag is much better suited to a weekend work trip than to a daily commute. Color Eco Black. You can treat the canvas with wax to make it more waterproof, but that changes the look and feel of the material. We also like the small nylon handle on the back of the bag, which made it easy to pick up the bag and move it around without having to tuck it under our arm like we were playing a game of rugby. Also, the Chrome has nice gussets between the flap and the bag, preventing rain from getting into the bag. Get this if: You need an inexpensive messenger bag that has a classic look and a variety of useful features for organizing everything you carry. The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is the culmination of 25 years of cycling expertise, design innovation, and customer feedback. If you have lots of backpacks, purses, wallets, etc and are ashamed to admit it this sub is for you! Get this if: You want a stylish and well-organized bag constructed of full-grain leather. We took these 18 bags out into the real world to see how they worked. (Waterproofing is fairly common in messenger bags, thanks to their bike-courier origins, but its not universal, and so its good to see this in an affordable bag.). This round, we tested a three-toned green and black bag, which did not show marks or signs of wear throughout our time with it. It opens by itself. We do love the strap minder, we just wish the cam strap were a little easier to engage. Timbuk2 This is the Classic Messenger from Timbuk2. It doesnt hold shape very well, falling into a more frumpy, lumpy look when packed with any assortment of belongings. Laptop totes arent as easy to swing around to your back if youre biking, and they tend not to have closure systems that are as good as those on a messenger bag. On sale for $31.20. However, you can request a custom right-shoulder carry bag from Timbuk2, if you are so inclined. Timbuk2 - Classic Messenger - Large. I got a large Timbuk2 messenger bag in 2015 just in time to haul it around a CES show floor after wearing out a few smaller options from fancier brands. The Tom Binh Synapse 25 is quite expensive for a backpack (though I assume some of that cost comes from the fact that its made in Seattle), but I knew that it had been a good buy when I was stuck out in the rain with it all night and it kept my stuff dry. (Some other bags have a habit of devouring small items and turning into a black hole whenever you need to find something in a pinch.). And honestly, I didnt even really need my whole wallet since both the grocery store and the liquor store took Apple Pay. The back compartment has enough space for a 15" laptop. Timbuk2 - Classic Messenger - Medium. I did not need a notebook. Timbuk2 - Medium Classic Laptop Messenger (Black) $14.25 + $12.55 shipping. Were in the process of testing the new version, the Rains Messenger Bag. Overall, it feels like it strikes the perfect balance: its tough (and light) enough for prolonged outdoor use, while still being classy enough to tote your laptop and lunch to the office. So instead, for the past two years, Ive been using the simplest backpack I could find. Details, You are ${ shippingDifference | toUSD } away from free shipping Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Small (2) $89.00 MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Wildfire Expandable Briefcase (172) $199.00 Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase (7) $189.00 Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Extra Small (1) $79.00 Chrome Mini Metro Messenger Bike Bag (5) $125.00 Osprey Ozone Carry-On Boarding Bag (1) $150.00 MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase (170) It is not geared toward tech but has two laptop sleeves and three mesh pockets that fit my dongles, books, laptop, small tripod, camera, and personal items with room to spare. Timbuk2 Flight Classic Messenger - Extra Small $71.20 MSRP: $89.00 (250) Timbuk2 - Micro Classic Messenger Bag - Extra Small. The patented cam strap works great, as long as you make sure to click it into place, otherwise, the strap will slide through the device causing the bag to slide down your back. We stocked each bag with our regular goods, always including a laptop, a laptop charger, a notebook, a book, a phone, pens, and a clothing item. If you're in the market for a messenger bag, you have no doubt seen and considered the Timbuk2 Classic. Amazon is making that search easy today by offering the Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag for just $56.96, down from its usual price of $149.00. . Small Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag : 5.12W x 16.14L x 10.63H, 14L. The strap on it is big and padded enough that it wont dig in if Im carrying a couple of laptops, a bunch of camera gear, and the general odds and ends I cram in a bag, and the quick release makes it easy for me to adjust the bag so it fits closer to the body on longer walks. Though the inside doesnt allow for much organization, it does feature a padded laptop sleeve, fitting a laptop up to 13 inches. Haley Sprankle was an updates writer at Wirecutter covering kitchen gadgets and financial content. Its also totally waterproof, a thing I accidentally tested on day two when I was caught in a deluge. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Timbuk2 Small Red Flight Messenger Bag 12"Wide x 10.8" Tall Crossbody at the best online prices at eBay! The main compartment of this backpack perfectly fits a laptop and a few packing cubes, and the water bottle pocket is right in the center of the bag, keeping it from weighing too heavily on one shoulder. However, the structure made her feel like her personal items were well protected. Timbuk2 Classic Black Gray Speckle Messenger Bag Small. I looks like trash once full. Whether youre trekking into the office or lugging your books halfway across a college campus on a bike, a messenger bag will suit most working professionals and studentstheyre flexible bags that can look equally good holding just a book or loaded up with a full days worth of gear. Two Wirecutter writers tested 18 messenger bags for two months, commuting with them daily. The only downsides are a) I feel sort of basic when a co-worker shows off some gorgeous Peak Design product and b) I like it so much that I feel like I must have struck an unwitting faustian bargain with a trickster god. This bags minimalist look allows it to fit a wide range of occasions, whether you need it to be a chic accessory or an essential tech carrier. Ours has survived seven years and three kids, and weve used it everywhere from grocery stores and zoos to hikes in the woods. Sarah Jeong, deputy features editor, [Note: Until the Everywhere Belt Bag is available, weve substituted the Lululemon Athletica Wunderlust Belt Bag.]. *At the time of publishing, the price was $140. Finally to round out this section, I need to Timbuk2 Classic Messenger - Bag Reviews Part 3 - Gridski Sleek, stylish, and restrained, the Rains is a little black dress of a bag, with a shoulder strap thats more adjustable than most. Dimensions: 9.9 by 13.8 by 2.9 inchesMaterials: leatherCrossbody strap length: 59 inchesWeight: 2.8 poundsWarranty: one yearColors: Black, Brown. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The bag couldnt retain any shape, and we never felt like our personal items were safe when we were wearing it. The canvas material is also susceptible to scratching. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Its surprising how attached you can get to a bag especially the bag that you use to carry your laptop, your sweater, your lunch, your notebook, your exercise shoes, your kids diapers, or any of the other stuff you need. Though the Commuter Bag appears to offer little organization and no laptop sleeve, the laptop sleeve is actually hidden in the back of the bag, with separate access from the exterior, allowing you to grab your laptop without having to open the main flap and subject the interior to the elements. So I bought the Lululemon Everywhere belt bag (a nice euphemism for a fanny pack) in very practical all-purpose black. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag Review (2 Weeks of Use) - YouTube 0:00 / 11:48 Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag Review (2 Weeks of Use) Pack Hacker Reviews 51.6K subscribers Subscribe 393 49K. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. That said, we appreciate the design of the strap-minder as it keeps excess strap material from dangling like limp pasta while using the bag. The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is reasonably priced, and its packed with pockets. Mission Workshops The Monty comes with a lifetime warrantywhich, as with most bags, doesnt cover wear and tear. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Durable, Water-Resistant, fits 13", 15", 17" Laptop Visit the Timbuk2 Store 5,196 ratings | 355 answered questions Price: $114.45 - $145.80 Free Returns on some sizes and colors Size: Select Color: Bookish THE CLASSIC MESSENGER: The original Timbuk2 messenger improved by 30 years of expertise And you will need to arrange and pay for shipping the bag to the companys repair facility; the cost will vary, depending on where youre shipping from and what service you use. It holds most of your office. To my surprise, they not only worked but I also fell in love with them. With this sleeve a small bag size fits up to a 13" MacBook, medium bag fits up to a 15" MacBook, large bag fits up to 17" MacBook, all accommodate a tablet. Nathan Edwards, senior editor, reviews. We also found that some of the other color options looked radically different compared with the black leather; they looked more rugged and less appealing, but functionally the bag itself was the same. The adjustable shoulder strap reaches up to 64 inches in length, the longest of any bag we tested, so its well suited to people with longer or thicker torsos. Flaws but not dealbreakers: There arent many pockets on the Rains Commuter Bag, so theres not much room for organization. A cool mesh baby carrier with four different positions. Ive been using the bag regularly for two years, and its worn well no scratches, no tears, no fading, and no issues with the zippers or pockets. Although all the straps have a purpose, they kept getting in the way, which was frustrating considering this is a bag thats built to be simple and functional. And thats exactly the way I like it. But you know what? Dimensions: 10 by 14 by 2 inchesMaterials: full-grain leatherCrossbody strap length: 64 inchesWeight: 3 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: Chocolate, Black, Grizzly. Some found the yellow accent on the inside of the black Kinsale to be gauche, but others liked the stark contrast. Timbuk2 Command Messenger (Small) (Nylon) It may be safe to say weve drunk the Chrome Kool-Aid. Description: Black commuter bag. ), The only problem with this bag is that it got TikTok-famous this year, which I guess I should have known once I saw half the people in my neighborhood walking around with some version of my bag in various colors. This has been great for taking out single items even if they are packed at the bottom. Timbuk2 is the world's most trusted and popular messenger bag. Top Pick 1. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Eco Black, Small New *READ DESC* at the best online prices at eBay! The gorgeous, classic design wasnt enough to save this bag from all its flaws. When I need a little more professional bag I use a the Telfar Medium Tan Shopping Bag, which a friend sold me on by saying it could hold a 15-inch laptop, charger, wallet, and two bottles of wine.