Developed by professional bicycle couriers in the late eighties, the bag's iconic shape, 3-panel design trademark, and crossbody functionality, has proven timeless. The bag has few pockets and has many zippers leading to it's main compartment which I felt is unnecessary. How can we improve GearLab? If they could reduce their dependence on Velcro, simplify a few elements, nail the main strap and get some side zone pocketing sorted, they’d have a cracker of a messenger. FREE SHIPPING. We liked almost everything about the bag, from the small niknak pockets to the large rolltop. The Classic is lightweight with big volume - the best of both worlds! Shop for Timbuk2 Messenger Bags at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. But as with lots of specialist bags, that single-minded focus actually results in quite a resolved product, which works pretty well as a general work or travel messenger. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Timbuk2 Especial Spoke Messenger Bag at Amazon.com. The Timbuk2 Command wins our Top Pick for Business Use. It features an excellent design with high-quality manufacturing at a very fair price — an easy and obvious choice for one of our Best Buy Awards. If 21 liters sounds like too much, you can get a nine liter (size extra-small) or a 14 liter (size small) as well. The Especial 2.0 bags feature waterproof tarpaulin TPU fabric for dependable all-weather protection. Since we’re going to discuss the value at the section below, let’s 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 you’ll be using this messenger bag for years to come. We tested a medium; you can get the small or extra-small sizes for even less. I doubt they’re making full margin on this bag. The Timbuk2 Especial Stash is a comfortable, lightweight, and highly functional messenger bag. They all have been heavily reviewed by thousands of buyers across the web and they consistently rate 4.5-5 out of 5. They created the iconic messenger bag look back in 1989 and design their products to last a lifetime. Ahhh, Fidlock. It's at home on a bike or at the office, staying comfortable all the while. My prior bags were Kelty, Osprey, and Hedgren. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The Especial Medio blue/red is the perfect color blend for a professional look with a little bit of personality (red zippers), unlike all of the boring all-black bags you see all over the city. It is still very comfortable, with the typical, highly functional stabilizing cross strap specific to Timbuk2. And if your bike has a motor in it, this is a pretty good option to consider. The divider has minimal padding, the back of the bag has none, and there's no closure system for the top of the "sleeve." The internal water bottle pockets can nest small cords nicely, and the zippered pocket on the inside front is suitable for a large cord. It has thoughtful features that are streamlined and useful—not too much, but enough to stay organized and have a professional look when you arrive at a meeting. LIFETIME WARRANTY. The main strap buckle is plastic rather than anodised aluminium like more high-end messengers are now doing. We most recently tested the medium size Classic, which is a whopping 21 liters, the largest in our review. This bag performs quite well in the rain. That whole performance vibe does leave the bag looking quite synthetic, with the TPU coating a bit vinyl-like and the small bumps on the back panel pads having a touch of Oakley style S&M. 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). There's quite a few smaller pockets ideal for a phone or phone charger. Free Shipping and Lifetime Warranty. I've been looking everywhere for a messenger bag for my netbook. This single difference in approach makes a huge change to the vibe of a messenger. Tourbon Handlebar Bike Saddlebag Messenger Bag. You should also check the Bedouin, which has more style but fewer features. If you’re into minimalist poetry, you’re checking out the wrong bag. Messenger bags launched the Timbuk2 brand. There are also compression straps that cinch from the bottom to help keep everything compact and secure when not loaded to max capacity. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We didn't do this before one of our water tests and water easily snuck in. With rigid items in the bag (books, laptop, etc. On a rainy day, the zipper lets water through into the laptop compartment. While most T2 messengers sell for around $100, the Especial is $200. For a long time I’ve been a messenger bag fanatic. Additionally, there is a piece of webbing sewn to the outside of the bag that is intended for a bike light. ), there's noticeable space between the bag and your body. So the Especial is all about Timbuk2 going all out. I don’t think we used them once though. The fabric is supple on the Classic, and its got a boxier old school shape — it isn't like the bike-specific models that sit more vertically and flush to the back. If you're looking for a highly water-resistant bag designed for cycling, this is a great choice. There are side pockets hiding next to the flap for accessing contents on the go. The Classic can fit any of these roles, and it's also great when on a bike. Most product design is done to a price target. It deals better with tech and toys than most bike brands, and the weatherproofing is excellent. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There is nice width, a good curve (avoiding the pinch some do), and firm padding. The strap can be worn on either shoulder (though it's optimized for the left), and it's easy to adjust. 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. Hadrien is a carry designer, a co-founder of Carryology, and is behind most of the amazing illustrations and infographics you see on the site. The Especial is more about breaking free of the price-point constraint. The Classic provides excellent value for the price point, as do all our Best Buy winners. This is aimed squarely at the cycling commuter. They look sharp and interesting and are covered in reflective tape. The Classic is highly water resistant, but you have to be mindful that the corner wings are folded correctly before heading out into rain. The system also runs the risk of being TOO easy to use — if you're not careful and you don't press it down to lock completely, it can fly open. The Timbuk2 Classic has a lightweight design and generous shoulder padding. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. So how does it perform? I love an ambidextrous main strap. We advise you to study our buying guide before you spend any money on Timbuk2 Messenger Bags. This has more organising, but is not as elegant or expandable. The Classic has a low-profile grab handle, which is set slightly toward the back of the bag. It's simple but effective, durable, easy to use, and great for anything from a bike to the office to the gym. 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. That means the feature set, the performance spec, and even the look of it are all about getting to work or uni and home again, no matter what the weather or time of day/night. Compared to $179.00. Thanks for subscribing. It’s all easy to clean, but if you have a white cat, you’ll notice. 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. So this is my first Timbuk2 experience. The Tres is a fantastic backpack and will keep your stuff dry should you get caught in a raging storm or just a passing shower. There are lots of reflective hits, which are a great way of making a black messenger safer. I bought and returned the Timbuk2 Commute 2 bag because the laptop compartment on the back of the bag is zippered but has no rain protection. We were scratching our heads a little with this one. In our time with the most recent version, we had zero durability issues, but we'll be sure to report back if this changes. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, With a longstanding reputation that it continues to live up to, this staple bag is simple yet thoughtful. Fidlock use magnets to make opening buckles one-handed a breeze, and it really does make a difference. Timbuk2 Especial Tres Backpack – Overall Impression. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The bag should last. As with all reflective binding we’ve tried, it will crack around the fold areas, but the overall benefits make this worth it. It works, but it's not optimal. The double-loop cam buckle system on this bag is designed to allow quick and easy shoulder strap adjustments while eliminating any excess webbing. This bag also reminds us of the Kona in the ‘more is more’ approach, but this is a much more resolved bag than the Kona. Type 2: Messengers designed around a flat back panel. They are better suited for things like cables or snacks, keeping them tidy and out of the way in the corners of the bag. Timbuk2 Especial Tres Review_ Travel gear is an essential part of life these days. Timbuk2 weatherproof messenger bags are designed with water resistant zip closures & materials to protect your gear in style. Cinch straps go across the bottom to keep everything tight and low profile, but they can also be used to hold a jacket or thin yoga mat if needed. The Stash is part of Timbuk2’s Especial series of next-generation messengers and backpacks, made for slick looks and hardcore water resistance. The looks are shooting for performance stealth tech. Features Exterior is built to last with ripstop Cordura nylon and heavy-duty stitching; water-resistant lining keeps contents protected and makes clean-up a breeze This actually gets a bit annoying, but you learn to deal with it. It means it’s a reasonably square messenger, but with some tapering elements to break that up. I guess that means they want you to buy one of their sleeves to work with it. 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 bag has few pockets and has many zippers leading to it's main compartment which I felt is unnecessary. Once the flap is open, the same area with the Napolean pocket offers two more, one with a zipper and one without. Part of what's so great about this bag is that it doesn't fit into any one box. As anyone who has been “in tune” with bicycle bags and the like knows, Timbuk2 is a name to be reckoned with. The bag is … The reflective tabs hanging off the bag improve comfort in another way: they help with safety when cycling on busy roads. 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. Is the Especial Cuatro an ideal bag for bike commuting and outdoor adventures? 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ... (652) 652 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. On the product hangtag, Timbuk2 says “…Especial is our very best,” and it shows. This is ‘more is more’ design. The following backpack is for all those who love the simple, minimalistic … This is an Everyday Waterproof messenger. Work or play, the Classic can handle most anything you want to throw at it. 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. Timbuk2 was born and bred in San Francisco, and they still make their bags in the Mission District. MW Rummy is the benchmark in this space. Duraflex plastics, YKK water-resistant zips, and some pretty trick bike grip zip pulls. GearLab is reader-supported. every two weeks. Good construction, very comfortable on my back, holds what I need, gets the job done. It won’t wrap and form around you as well as some classic messenger forms, but it will deal better with laptops and square things. Heck, the full name is even the Especial Cycling Messenger Bag. The front flap secures both with Velcro and partially-concealed SR (side-release) buckles, very straightforward. This bag also focuses on cycling, so if you’re looking for a travel-focused messenger check out other styles from T2 with flip down TSA laptop sections and luggage handle pass throughs. I haven't had to use it in the rain, but I would be very surprised if any water got it at all. But these are all small enough niggles. The Classic messenger bag is durable and waterproof, and kept our gear inside dry through the rain. You can’t throw it over Niagara, but you’ll be fine riding through a Seattle winter. The larger the brand, the more that tends to play out. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Durable, comfortable, simple but thoughtful storage, customizable. It means you can change things up and save your spine alignment, wearing it on your right or left shoulder with only a little fiddling to swap. 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. If you choose to customize it rather than go for a ready-made version, you'll quickly find yourself adding fun features and kicking up that price, so keep that in mind when considering what you want. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Comparing the top three Timbuk2 messenger bags is a very pleasant exercise. Increasingly, we see the messenger bag as filling the role of the casual briefcase, the purse (or "man-purse"), or a gym bag. The Timbuk2 Classic is, as the name suggests, a classic messenger bag with a well-deserved following. 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. It only weighs two pounds giving this bag a great volume to weight ratio — remember, the bigger the number, the better for this number! I think this is a brand positioning piece for T2, and so you get the benefit of that. Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? The Timbuk2 Catapult Messenger bag is a mini messenger-sling that does double duty—it cradles your tablet-size laptop in plush comfort, while repurposing your U-lock as a bag latch. Features for electronics are minimal but sufficient, and the price point is … Like its namesake, this is a classic bag with great features for everyday use. However, if you’re going to overnight or travel with it you’ll need the medium. 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. 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. The zips are all weatherproof, and the suspended lining works well. The medium looks scaled up so it’s missing some of the charisma. There are lots. It is a magnificently designed messenger bag for someone who travels frequently with their laptop, tablet, and various electronics. So it’s more performance than style focused, with a clear bent to wet weather. It's a nice concept and, once you get the hang of it, very quick and easy to adjust. ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE – THE WORLD'S BEST BACKPACKS CURATED IN ONE SPOT. It performs well, especially if you like getting geeky with your carry. This retro, little bag is uber versatile and can … If you're not careful and the sides stick out from under the flap, then water has an easy way to enter. The laptop area on the medium size Classic fits up to a 15" laptop; smaller computers slide around a bit. Still, we did find ourselves wishing for at least one external zippered pocket. Timbuk2 Especial Cuatro Review. This is more volume with a lighter weight than previous iterations of this bag, and some reviewers online feel that durability has gone down because of this. On the inside, there's another wide zip pocket and four non-zip pockets in front of that (two of which are for smaller items like a pocket knife or pens). From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. While there is a sleeve for a laptop, there's not much padding. Let us know! A waterproof laptop compartment means you can forge ahead with confidence that your gear is protected even when the skies open up. The simplicity of the Classic makes it exceptionally durable, though the lighter colors do get dirty relatively quickly. Unfortunately there’s still the rip of Velcro to open the flap, but at least the first action of releasing the buckles has poetry. Add Classic Messenger Bag - Small to Compare ... Especial Messenger Bag. Best Timbuk2 Messenger Bags reviews and buying guides: The list with the top Timbuk2 Messenger Bags in 2021. 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 you’re looking for a messenger bag. From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Timbuk2 takes a flat back panel (type 2), and then creates form out from that. SIGN-UP AND SCORE THE LATEST NEWS ON THE WORLD'S BEST CARRY. Stash Messenger: There was a time when Timbuk2 was the only brand of messenger bags you would see on a daily basis. Lifetime Warranty. Cloaked in a black on black, weather-resistant material on the outside, a waterproof laptop compartment keeps your computer safe and dry on the inside. There’s no dreaded Gorby Gap, with the slight tube opening pinching on closure, which seals the bag up a treat. Free Shipping. Inside the main compartment, there are two side pockets intended for water bottles (one mesh, one solid), but they're too tight for a liter Nalgene. If you have some lumpy/bulky items, they still fight for space with all the pocketing essentially in the same zone. Securely cinch things up with magnetic buckle closure straps and use reflective hits to keep you visible to fellow night commuters. Your inbox. There is a nice sectioned off organiser accessed from within the bag. Because it’s all black this abundance of materials doesn’t clash too badly, so the overall effect is again of performance synthetic. The small looks tight. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! The clever adjustment system involves a camming buckle and double-backed straps — a design element that helps eliminate the excess strap material that would otherwise dangle in your lap when biking. The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is an interesting bag for sure. The Timbuk2 Proof is a messenger bag that is well suited to more formal environments and business uses. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Built like a urban warrior’s shield, the Especial Stash Messenger Bag is your defense against the war on inclement weather. This section is dedicated to the one thing most people worry about – the cash. Review: Timbuk2 Especial Stash Messenger I've been looking at this bag for a while but there doesn't seem to be much info on it and I ended up grabbing it blind as … The fabric wets out a bit, but the bag has a robust liner and great side folding flaps that seal the contents from the rain — just make sure they are folded properly before heading out, as mentioned above! Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We liked the small version more than the medium. 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. Thirty years of experience gives us continued improvements for today's modern commute. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. 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. Value for the Price. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. ... Especial Messenger Bag (42) 42 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. It performs well, especially if you like getting geeky with your carry. It’s built well. The Especial almost has great pocketing. He never gives a basic review of anything – there’s always an insight or three. They really have something special on their hands here. I think your design philosophy will affect this choice more than anything (is more, or less, more…?). If you are looking for a roll-top, waterproof bag to haul a lot of gear, you should take a serious look at the Especial Tres. While most models pick a feature to add, the Especial adds pretty much all the features. The stitching stays put. 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). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Got feedback? The Especial is Timbuk2’s full spec messenger, with all the bells and whistles designed into it. Due to its shape, it carries rectangular items better—such as a laptop, tablet, notebooks, binders, folders. The Especial is Timbuk2’s full spec messenger, with all the bells and whistles designed into it. 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. Carryology delivered. 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. It works a treat for everyday work stuff (laptop, tablet, mouse, charger), and has space for a sweater or jacket. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Even though the Classic isn't tailored to cycling as specifically as other models, it's still excellent on a bike. With so many brand name components $179 for the small or $199 for the large actually feels like pretty solid value. All black is a winning combo often missing from T2 (where gray binding often waters down the black colorways). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It’s better than most other messengers for this. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But times have changed and there are.. It misses some of the style of other brands, but fills that void with features. Trending top #5 Hand Files Products: 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. Also there is a twin section pocket on the front. The Classic is conducive to good organization and being packed to the gills. The Classic has effective yet minimal electronics-friendly features. The rest of the hardware is solid but unremarkable stuff. Interestingly they’ve used a Velcro hack to keep the opening behaving (which feels a little like a duct tape solution), but it works well enough. There’s a nice sleeve to position a laptop well, but it’s not padded at the base. It's Quality Gear. Even though the fabric shows signs of wear in a relatively short amount of time, this does not compromise the weatherproofing or performance; it's strictly aesthetic. Timbuk2 delivers on their Timbuk2 Especial Tres Backpack, literally. Unfortunately the velcro system that facilitates this can make a bit of noise as you settle the positioning in (Velcro rips are very disconcerting). Read the review to find out. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The main strap of a messenger is a huge part of its comfort, and the Especial does a fairly good job. T2 have spent the coin on some of the best buckles out there. All trademarks property of their respective owners Designed over 25 years ago and updated constantly since, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger bag features a curved air-mesh strap pad for increased comfort, fine webbing and buckles that adjust quickly. The camming buckle and adjustable strap design on the Classic is easy to use, but it's not optimized for both shoulders. No issue here. Or, if you want to go bigger, there's also a size large, which boasts 28 liters. We love you. Timbuk2 is clearly confident these bags will keep your cargo dry; not only does the landing page for this new series contain the phrase “no wet laptops”, the site is wallpapered with images of rain and wet (but happy) riders. This is a really solid messenger if you are commuting. I like bags and could own many more than I already do, if I had somewhere to store them. Born and bred on the backs of San Francisco bike messengers, Timbuk2 builds tough-as-Hell backpacks, messengers, travel bags, and accessories designed to outlast you. 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. Finally, the main compartment of the medium size is large enough to accommodate larger items like running shoes or a big water bottle. My wife may even say I’m a bag fanatic. The strap comfort is almost as good as the Mission Workshop bags. Timbuk2 Blink Backpack. Some of this is size-dependent; we tested the medium size, which is pretty large at 21 liters. The weatherproof Especial Stash Messenger is built like an urban warrior. $124.73. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Everyone of these bags are rock solid buys that will last you a long, long time. Look out for an email asking you to confirm your subscription to Carryology.

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