Timbuk2 Updates The Classic Messenger
In San Francisco, Timbuk2’s Messenger bags are the gold standard. If their factory pictures and policy weren’t enough, they offer some of the best customization tools we’ve seen, through Build Your Own Bag. Sure, you can choose the color of your bag- but also the material, and choose different options for each of three panels. Over a dozen color choices as well as some funkier specialty fabrics should suit just about every taste, but there’s plenty more- adjusting the logo color, binding, liner, opting for an empty inside or pocket (or a laptop loveglove, more on that shortly). They’ll even make adjustments for right- or left-handed use, and offer a few different reflector options for those who could use a little extra shininess during night-time excursions.
We previously reviewed their Commute 2.0, but having such control over the look and feel of our bag made our new Classic Messenger more unique and more personal. We chose a small grey/black/blue version with compression straps to help us keep it thin. We also selected the lightweight X-Pac fabric- made from nylon but backed with polyester, it didn’t feel quite as sturdy as our previous bag, but held up well over a month of constant use- it simply showed more signs of use. It’s a bit more expensive, so if a few ounces don’t make a difference to you, we’d suggest sticking with the original Ballistic Nylon, or for waterproofing, trying out the similarly-priced fabric-backed tarpaulin. The shipping was super-quick- our bag arrived within a few days of customizing through the normal ordering process. We loved the shipping materials too- a bit of San Francisco style and re-usable to boot.
If ordering, definitely consider adding the “Grab Strap”, the normally-included-by-default handle on the top. And if you have a laptop, the loveglove is pretty nifty- it’s a molded foam insert that suitably protects your notebook computer, and offers a few extra straps for sliding your power adapters and cords into. It does add some weight though, isn’t removable, and it’s only available in one color (a bright red) that may or not fit your design scheme. It fit our iPad pretty perfectly. A few built-in pockets for change, wallets, and our small electronics were welcome, and the zippers were fine (and pretty well-sealed against the weather as well). The primary velcro closure kept the contents of our bag secure and held up against repeated abuse. Our bag cost $185 as outfitted, but they can start as low as $100 for the extra-small (which still holds quite a bit)- a bit of a premium over off-the-shelf versions, but not bad considering the sheer number of fun options.
