Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsDecent bag, but big problems
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
I used this bag for about 2 months and I really wanted to like it but ultimately couldn't.
Pros:
+ great quality bag: the quality and material is top notch. Performs wonderfully in wet conditions. The look of the bag is wonderful, has a very urban tech look. Bold but stealthy and sleek looking enough to not command too much attention.
+ front horizontal storage: neat little compartment that I found myself using a lot. Great for when you want to have quick access to something.
Neutral:
+/- Magnetic closure buckles: wonderful to use however feels insecure as I've encountered times where I've put down the bag and seen the bucket closures come undone.
+/- bottle/umbrella holder - neat, but small. Tbh I feel highly uncomfortable in the puches secureness to hold a water bottle in its place. Still a nice addition to have I guess, but would rather place my bottle inside the bag.
Cons:
- Horrible strap design: very confusing buckle system. User will have to go through a bit of a learning curve trying to learn how to use it. End result is still rather disappointing as the process is still quite cumbersome to get the right fit.
- 2 front pockets are rather useless: can hardly fit anything of use in the front pockets when the bag is even moderately packed. Good for storing stuff such as masks, pens, etc. I guess, but would've rather had these pockets designed to be on the inside of the bag.
- uncomfortable: when moderately packed the weight distribution combined with the horrible strap system make for a uncomfortable experience. Due to the bag's design forces the user to have to carry the bag high and tight to the body. Full loose side shoulder/relaxed back bag positions feel highly awkward as the padded strap is non-adjustable.
- disappointing storage space: on timbuk2's website it lists the bag as 17L for the medium. Compared to my other bag the Arc'teryx Granville 16 Courier, it pales in comparison as I can comfortably fit a lot more in that 16L rated bag than this.
Overall in the end I really wanted to like this bag in the end. It does have some wonderful and unique features that I liked but ultimately using this bag in my everyday life felt somewhat annoying at times. The horrible strap design and the way the bag forces you to wear it one way, imo defeats the purpose of a messenger bag - you want these types of bags to be versatile, to have that pick-up-strap-up-and-go functionality to them, however this bag doesn't provide that. All in all I'd say the bag is a good example of design over function.
