Santaria

So I took a trip down to Marshall's and noticed that they have a ****load of Timbuk2 Mess bags for sale at like $39-29 each. I get excited because I JUST purchased a 17" laptop - and as I'm looking I get the distinct impression that these (mediums) are going to be too small and realize I'm not going to get something on the cheap afterall.

So my question is, does anybody have the XL bag and carry a 17" laptop inside? It'll get used for commuting and I'm iffy about putting the computer in a panier due to bouncing, etc.

vegipowrd

I've used my wife's bag (I think an XL) and my 15" Macbook Pro tends to swim in there a bit. I A 17" would fit fine, I just wish I was sure what size I've used.

I'd also plug getting a neoprene sleeve if you don't have one. I love it because it also fits folders and other crap, it's is great at forcing some structure when I'm not carrying much and it gives a ton of padding when I'm schlepping a bunch of crap.

LoRoK

Ditto the neoprene sleeve. I keep mine in my bag at all times. Keeps corners of books and crap from poking me in the back.

tdot-miele

take veg's advice... the timbuk is notorious for lack of padding and pockets on the inside. they hold up very well though... atleast they used to. I have an XL and worked it for a few years too. If you get one... make sure to get a strap pad for your shoulder, and tie a bandanna or something at the bottom near the slip-clip, your waist will thank you

whatsham

i dont understand the reason to tie something near the slip clip?

Meepers

you hit it all the time with your wrist/arm. it doesn't feel good and it pops the quick release open. i use a velcro cable tie to keep mine shut. but my timbuk2 is so old and beat i only use it when it is really bad and i know i am going to fall and get really messy.

whatsham

ah i see,
i avoided this problem accidentally by using a right hand bag on my left shoulder.

great bags though. tough as nails

c0urt

buy a neophrene sleeve. my macbook has been through hell and high water including several bike wrecks and still works great.


I use a left hand bag on a side note.

Meepers

mine is a right hand bag. the quick release on on the right side so if you need to loosen/tighten your bag in a hurry you can use your dominant hand. but my bag is so old now (at least 7 years, i think more) that is is pretty worn out. so if i bump it it pops open. and even though it is closed and holding the strap in place it seems to hang open a bit, which i why i think i hit it open a lot. the other problem i face is that the strap seams to be to long. i have so much slack in mine that there is a huge loop hanging at my side. but over all it is a great bag, i love it to death. kept my stuff dry in the worst weather and got me through college. now my timbuk2 bag is my beater bag for when i am just out riding around and i know i am going to get dirty, or if i am on my mountain bike and i might dump it doing something stupid.

edit:
did you mean you use a bag meant to go over you right shoulder and wear it on your left shoulder? hmmm. i can see that working. reach over to loosen, but the tighten up might be a hassle.

whatsham

yeah thats what i meant...

i just swing it round front when i gotta loosen or tighten it

Jake_M

I DIY'd a cardboard box and duct tape laptop sleeve. I was able to custom fit my laptop, and it protects it in just about any bag. The Timbuk2 I got was from a buddy of mine and it had the laptop sleeve sewn in, but it wouldn't allow the bag to sit on my back right. So i ripped it out, and now I just use my own, and it works great.

This instructable covers it for the most part, but I think you can figure it out.

MAK

The medium T2 is 18.75 inches wide and 10.5 inches high. Why won't a 17" computer fit in even with a sleeve?

roastbeef

not to hijack the thread, but i just checked out timbuk2's website and found this. if they made them large, i would totally pick one up.