My favorite type of messenger bag is the Timbuk2 for sheer style points. I have been into their messenger bags for quite some time now and can comfortably say that they’re getting better all of the time. I first reviewed the Commute medium (US$100) messenger bag back in 2001 and am ecstatic with some of the improvements to this wonderful case. Read More…
My favorite type of messenger bag is the Timbuk2 for sheer style points. I have been into their messenger bags for quite some time now and can comfortably say that they’re getting better all of the time. I first reviewed the Commute medium (US$100) messenger bag back in 2001 and am ecstatic with some of the improvements to this wonderful case.
The Commute medium is an all-around great piece of luggage because of its combination of solid construction, laptop protection and excellent lines. It doesn’t hurt that the crew at Timbuk2 has an excellent design sense and comes up with good color combinations too. A hip bag allows you to carry around your PowerBook without giving away your dorkiness.
Timbuk2 messenger sacks have changed a lot since the first Commute bag I reviewed in 2001. First and foremost Timbuk2 added a waterproof rubberized bottom panel to the Commute messenger bag which keeps your precious cargo dry during the rainy season. The bottom panel has the additional benefit of keeping the bag upright when placed on the ground whereas the previous Commute tended to tip over.
Timbuk2 built a protective laptop sleeve into the inside of the case and elected not to make it removable – which is smart – as I usually never remove the sleeve anyway. They also increased the size of the outside pockets making them more practical for a water bottle, for example.
One minor beef with this otherwise great bag: the quick-adjust removable shoulder strap comes open a little too easily and when it’s closed and it can interfere with the position of the (optional) shoulder pad at shorter lengths. Hardly a deal breaker but worth mentioning.
The bag itself has a rugged ballistic nylon exterior and must have been sewn by a crew of very happy elves as the stitching and detail are flawless. The inside of the case is lined with waterproof nylon and TB2 even had the foresight to increase the amount of flap material around the top opening of the bag to further protect your PowerBook from the elements.
Suffice it to say that the Commute Medium is the perfect messenger for your PowerBook 15-inch, and it’s not so big that you over stuff the thing. Although, if you have a fetish for cables, buck up for one of Timbuk2’s fine Clear Zip Pouches (which I reviewed in March) while you’re at it. They help organize the mess of cables, adapters, dongles and doodads in your current gear bag.
