These cookies do not store any personal information. Duraflex plastics, YKK water-resistant zips, and some pretty trick bike grip zip pulls. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The crossbody strap keeps everything securely where it's supposed to be, but you can feel a bit of movement and corners sticking out — this isn't a bag that becomes one with the body. Best Timbuk2 Messenger Bags reviews and buying guides: The list with the top Timbuk2 Messenger Bags in 2021. So most of the carry gear we review was created with a series of compromises built in, so that it can hit a mainstream price-point. Some of this is size-dependent; we tested the medium size, which is pretty large at 21 liters. The Timbuk2 Command wins our Top Pick for Business Use. No issue here. If 21 liters sounds like too much, you can get a nine liter (size extra-small) or a 14 liter (size small) as well. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The looks are shooting for performance stealth tech. You can’t throw it over Niagara, but you’ll be fine riding through a Seattle winter. Increasingly, we see the messenger bag as filling the role of the casual briefcase, the purse (or "man-purse"), or a gym bag. This bag performs quite well in the rain. So how does it perform? So the Especial is all about Timbuk2 going all out. Developed by professional bicycle couriers in the late eighties, the bag's iconic shape, 3-panel design trademark, and crossbody functionality, has proven timeless. Comparing the top three Timbuk2 messenger bags is a very pleasant exercise. This is aimed squarely at the cycling commuter. Got feedback? There’s no dreaded Gorby Gap, with the slight tube opening pinching on closure, which seals the bag up a treat. The Classic has effective yet minimal electronics-friendly features. Keep your gear protected and secure as you ride with the sturdy Timbuk2 Especial messenger bag, which pairs a simple, sophisticated design with protective materials. Look out for an email asking you to confirm your subscription to Carryology. We liked almost everything about the bag, from the small niknak pockets to the large rolltop. I haven't had to use it in the rain, but I would be very surprised if any water got it at all. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! The Especial is more about breaking free of the price-point constraint. If they swapped those external pockets to push into the side zones you’d get around this issue and the bag would hit the excellent zone for organising. The Classic is highly water resistant, but you have to be mindful that the corner wings are folded correctly before heading out into rain. Add Classic Messenger Bag - Small to Compare ... Especial Messenger Bag. On a rainy day, the zipper lets water through into the laptop compartment. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. My wife may even say Iâm a bag fanatic. Your inbox. The small looks tight. From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. You should also check the Bedouin, which has more style but fewer features. Unfortunately the velcro system that facilitates this can make a bit of noise as you settle the positioning in (Velcro rips are very disconcerting). They all have been heavily reviewed by thousands of buyers across the web and they consistently rate 4.5-5 out of 5. The front flap secures both with Velcro and partially-concealed SR (side-release) buckles, very straightforward. ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE – THE WORLD'S BEST BACKPACKS CURATED IN ONE SPOT. This particular version comes with a lot of features that I absolutely love and a few minor things that I would change but all in all a solid product to consider if youâre looking for a messenger bag. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. For a long time Iâve been a messenger bag fanatic. It performs well, especially if you like getting geeky with your carry. The camming buckle and adjustable strap design on the Classic is easy to use, but it's not optimized for both shoulders. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Let us know! It performs well, especially if you like getting geeky with your carry. Just keep in mind that if all of these pockets are used at once and packed full, the bag can get awkwardly bulky and front-heavy. It has thoughtful features that are streamlined and usefulânot too much, but enough to stay organized and have a professional look when you arrive at a meeting. The bag should last. The bag has few pockets and has many zippers leading to it's main compartment which I felt is unnecessary. There’s Polyester Ripstop (Cordura), TPU coated nylon, TPU coated polyester, lots of reflective binding, lots of Velcro, and even some airmesh on the shoulder pad (always a bad move on bare skin). Compared to $179.00. There are side pockets hiding next to the flap for accessing contents on the go. While there is a sleeve for a laptop, there's not much padding. Thanks for subscribing. MW Rummy is the benchmark in this space. The Timbuk2 Classic is, as the name suggests, a classic messenger bag with a well-deserved following. My old timbuk2 bag finally started to wear out after 5+ years of hard use, so it was time for a new one, and the Claro was the best/simplest option available. There is nice width, a good curve (avoiding the pinch some do), and firm padding. However, if you’re going to overnight or travel with it you’ll need the medium. If you're not careful and the sides stick out from under the flap, then water has an easy way to enter. Features for electronics are minimal but sufficient, and the price point is ⦠We liked the small version more than the medium. GearLab is reader-supported. With so many brand name components $179 for the small or $199 for the large actually feels like pretty solid value. The strap can be worn on either shoulder (though it's optimized for the left), and it's easy to adjust. There are stiffeners in the side walls to keep its form, but the tapered base won’t let you stand it up for office duty. There is an internal divider with light padding for a laptop, and several zippered pockets which help organize cords and smaller items like a phone. Finally, the main compartment of the medium size is large enough to accommodate larger items like running shoes or a big water bottle. There’s a nice sleeve to position a laptop well, but it’s not padded at the base. So it’s more performance than style focused, with a clear bent to wet weather. Once the flap is open, the same area with the Napolean pocket offers two more, one with a zipper and one without. I've been looking everywhere for a messenger bag for my netbook. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are also compression straps that cinch from the bottom to help keep everything compact and secure when not loaded to max capacity. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Free Shipping. As with all reflective binding we’ve tried, it will crack around the fold areas, but the overall benefits make this worth it. Also there is a twin section pocket on the front. Unfortunately there’s still the rip of Velcro to open the flap, but at least the first action of releasing the buckles has poetry. The reflective tabs hanging off the bag improve comfort in another way: they help with safety when cycling on busy roads. Is the Especial Cuatro an ideal bag for bike commuting and outdoor adventures? The Classic has a simple yet effective pocket and organization scheme, complete with a pleasing sneak-access side zipper just under the flap that is great for a wallet. Timbuk2 Especial Cuatro Review. All black is a winning combo often missing from T2 (where gray binding often waters down the black colorways). Reproduction without permission is prohibited. SIGN-UP AND SCORE THE LATEST NEWS ON THE WORLD'S BEST CARRY. This is an Everyday Waterproof messenger. Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? This... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Waterproof laptop sleeve, weather resistant, easy to use, great features, ambidextrous, brightly colored interior, Waterproof, comfortable, lightweight, highly durable, ambidextrous shoulder strap, Incredibly durable and weather resistant, ambidextrous strap, spacious, Unique low-profile shape, secure, expanding compression straps accommodate many load sizes, durable, Exterior water bottle pocket is small, shoulder padding can get bunched up, tips over easily when set down, Tips over easily when set down, doesn't have very many pockets, expensive, Stiff when new, boxy shape, buckle on shoulder strap is bulky, very loud to open, Few pockets, not very waterproof, can only be worn on one shoulder, This tried and true design continues to be one of the best simple messenger bags on the market, This well-featured bag is feature-rich, fully ambidextrous, and highly weatherproof, With thoughtful features and burly weatherproofing, it's comfortable, lightweight, and ready to be your go-to bag, Checks all the right boxes of what makes a great messenger bag, including looking super stylish, Deceivingly compact, this mighty sling bag can adapt to many different load sizes and is highly durable. I don’t think we used them once though. Work or play, the Classic can handle most anything you want to throw at it. Timbuk2 is clearly confident these bags will keep your cargo dry; not only does the landing page for this new series contain the phrase âno wet laptopsâ, the site is wallpapered with images of rain and wet (but happy) riders. It's a nice concept and, once you get the hang of it, very quick and easy to adjust. This has more organising, but is not as elegant or expandable. In most respects, this bag is also quite waterproof, though moisture can sneak in the sides under the flap if you don't have it folded correctly. I love those old folk who always simplify the world into two types (which I’m about to do to messengers): Type 1: Those free-form messenger bags that don’t have a flat element anywhere. If you grab the bag without the front flap firmly closed, it will tilt forward, and the inner compartment will open, so make sure you pay attention when in a hurry. The Timbuk2 Especial Messenger bag is definitely superior to mostly all other messenger bags when it comes to the material it's made out of. Thirty years of experience gives us continued improvements for today's modern commute. Timbuk2 Blink Backpack. If you’re into minimalist poetry, you’re checking out the wrong bag. It works, but it's not optimal. It means it’s a reasonably square messenger, but with some tapering elements to break that up. Nostalgia aside, many of our testers now say they prefer to commute on their bikes with a backpack instead of the classic messenger bag, so Timbuk2 offers those too. Since weâre going to discuss the value at the section below, letâs talk about the price point category of Timbuk2 Command.People often say that $100+ is an expensive category, but these people often forget the fact that youâll be using this messenger bag for years to come. Securely cinch things up with magnetic buckle closure straps and use reflective hits to keep you visible to fellow night commuters. From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. A waterproof laptop compartment means you can forge ahead with confidence that your gear is protected even when the skies open up. Unfortunately there is then airmesh (scratchy on bare skin), the strap webbing is a little short, and the loose end flaps around unless you use the plastic clip (which is a bit annoying). Carryology delivered. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Timbuk2 Especial Spoke Messenger Bag at Amazon.com. He never gives a basic review of anything – there’s always an insight or three. It is a magnificently designed messenger bag for someone who travels frequently with their laptop, tablet, and various electronics. Timbuk2 weatherproof messenger bags are designed with water resistant zip closures & materials to protect your gear in style. Like its namesake, this is a classic bag with great features for everyday use. $124.73. Timbuk2 was born and bred in San Francisco, and they still make their bags in the Mission District. The divider has minimal padding, the back of the bag has none, and there's no closure system for the top of the "sleeve." Built like a urban warriorâs shield, the Especial Stash Messenger Bag is your defense against the war on inclement weather. The laptop area on the medium size Classic fits up to a 15" laptop; smaller computers slide around a bit. Stash Messenger: There's quite a few smaller pockets ideal for a phone or phone charger. While the Classic can be worn on either shoulder, if you prefer the right side, the cam system will be on your back and out of reach instead of accessible at the front. We love you. We were scratching our heads a little with this one.