Timbuk2 classic messenger bag question
 

Thinking of getting a large one as my commuting and in cab briefcase as they're reasonably priced. Problem is all anyone ever seems to review is the carrying strap and waterproofness, neither off which matter to me as I will be carrying it in a pannier.
My concern is how the pockets, and especially the zippers hold up, and function. any feedback would be helpful.

I love mine.

Been using it for, idunno 5-10 years? Extremely well made and tough. Held up very well in a crash situation too. Can't go wrong with it. No loss in functionality over the years.

I have a Timbuk2 Hunchback Rack Trunk bag & think the brand has great quality. which is good cuz this thing was wicked expensive

EDIT: just watched the company video. like that cross strap. don't know why it has a giant main flap tho. seems like extra material for no benefit. my Dad got me a courier bag a while back that just has a zipper at the top. wonder what it looks like packed to the max, like w a sweater. maybe then the flap serves a purpose?

I've had a size medium for a few years. The zippers strike me as medium quality - but I don't use them much. The main compartment of the bag isn't zippered, the top just folds over and sticks with velcro and 2 plastic snap-buckles. So it's somewhat insecure in that respect - if you turn it upside down and shake it things might fall out. That doesn't bother me that much, but TBH I think I would prefer a zipped up main compartment.

Overall I really like the bag and use it a lot. No sign of defects or poor design, other than you can't turn it upside down and shake it. I think the strap system is great, with the 2nd cross strap you can strap it tight to your back and run or bike.

FWIW: http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...rando-bag.html

I have the Timbuk2 medium messenger bag - I love it and i've had exactly zero issues with it holding up to the abuse i give it. I empty it all out and run it through the wash with a hang dry about once every 6 months. It's got style and quality - couldn't be happier.

I have one that I modified into a pannier. I used a pvc pipe under the main flap and used carabiners on each end and one from the bags center handle to click onto my rear rack. I also used Kiwi brand "Camp Dry" spray to water proof it. worked well for my needs until upgrading to Topeak bags. My only complaint is the main flap is only held closed by one clip so securing smaller items is a must. besides that, I really like the bag.

Clever! Was it OK to wear it on your back after these mods?

I'll never understand messenger bags vs. backpacks. Every time I try to wear a messenger bag it swings off to the side and I have to keep adjusting it every 20 feet.

I guess the hipsters just deal with it.

Some have a 2nd strap with which you can clamp it tightly to your back.

http://cloud.timbuk2.com/static/Prod...S02_model1.jpg

Bike messengers were using these bags long before hipsters culturally appropriated them.

Hence the name. LOL.

This does look interesting. I currently use a Mission Workshop backpack. I may get a medium one of these for a change. Use my MW in rain an big carry, this fair weather and light carry.

My son used to be a messenger in Chicago. I guess I ought to ask his opinion (he got me the MW) :D

...And getting scoliosis out of strutting around the college campus with them.

Adding another strap...I don't see how this is any different/easier/etc. than a backpack.

The hipster comment was just a joke. :p

The messenger design allows you to compress a (large/bulky or compressible) load down close(r) to your back and keeps it from wagging behind you like a puppy dog tail. To stay put it uses your back to bear the load on a bike rather than your shoulders.

The secondary strap can stay put.

Never felt my backpack "wagged like a puppy dog tail", nor that my sholders bore the load :foo:

Hipsters are fair game for joking. ;)

The difference between a messenger bag and a backpack is that with a messenger bag you can loosen the straps and swing it around and access it in a second. If you don't have to access it easily the backpack is better.

You need to add the sternum strap. The advantage over a backpack is that you can load a messenger bag without needing to take it off.