Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsTimbuk2 Closer Case, not spacious or small, specific featured bag for specific needs.
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2020
A little more time to investigate, and a different bottle to test the water bottle slot lead to an upward revision of a star. The water bottle slot is still too small for travel mugs, barely fitting my 16oz hydro flask and at that so snuggly it takes some effort and focus to get it in and out. Second, again with focus and determination I got my 13" laptop into the back slot for it and removed it, albeit more easily than my initial attempts suggested would be the norm. I think the stiffness of the bag is due to being designed to ensure the laptop remains protected while traveling, as well as retain it's shape so it appears more like a briefcase.
So at this point I kinda like the bag,
*Original review*
-1 My first impressions were the package was huge for a bag labeled "small". Like, isn't that bigger than my regular sized backpack I was hoping to replace? Sure enough, after taking it out of the packaging and comparing them it is, once turned sideways, larger than my backpack.
-1 Following that I started looking through the pockets trying to figure out where things would go and how to comfortably carry it. Deciding that, since it was built to carry a 13" laptop to try and insert mine into both places it seems like it should go and, thanks to the zipper, I could not get it into either one. I've no issues fitting this laptop, in an oversized sleeve, into my backpack's laptop slot.
-1 So, failing on both being minimalist and comfortably carry what it's designed it's time to look through the features it does have. And, the next one that really bothers me is the clips for the top. Metal top, plastic bottom, suggests to me it's not designed to last so much as appear to be designed to last. Unlike my last two issues, this one strikes me as a personal issue that, maybe with time, I'll come to enjoy.
= Strap feels nice, durable, and comfortable texture. It is, unfortunately, secured with what feels like cheap plastic. So, again, not a bag to be worn while riding or such as it's seemingly too fragile to bear with the wear and tear. Cushion is extra long though, again seems to be intended for the bicycle commuter, just not designed for their challenges.
=Materials are stiff, maybe if they wear down a bit they will be more comfortable to sling and carry items, maybe it's intended this way to provide more protection for inner contents. At the outset this, particularly with the cushion on the strap, seems less than ideal. Water bottle mesh pocket seems fine, albeit very firmly grips the bag and so may be difficult getting an item in and out.
= Color is a darker, sort of granite, gray, rather than a brighter looking white. Amazon picture is off, but overall I'm pleased with the look of this bag.
+Minimum star because that's required on Amazon for a review, functionally as ever making it a 4 star review (stars 2-5 being the rating for the product).
+ Some of the touches, like what appears to be hints of reflective materials, and the soft straps, feels designed for an urban commuter. Durable, yet comfortable enough to put up with daily.
Conclusion, roughly an hour of fiddling and I'm feeling like it's not a bag worth the brand name, nor the $70 price I paid for it.
