I ordered my small on sale from Timbuk 2 I'm surprised and how big it is, it swallowed the stuff that has been bulging out of my backcountry snowboard bag. very nicely made though I am happy that I didn't buy the medium

I have the Hemlock in brown, medium size. For those of you who are concerned about its lack of sternum straps, I've never wished I had them. The straps are well designed and it really stays on your shoulders. The medium size bag is huge when fully rolled out, but not unwieldy. Waterproofing is excellent, as I've been through some serious downpours and everything stayed dry. I'd definitely recommend one.

Has anyone considered getting a backpack from an ARMY Surplus store? I've seen some bags that look like they would make great bike backpacks and would hold a ton of ****, plus I think you can find some that are waterproof, I went to look for one this weekend but I showed up 15 minutes after closing.

just ordered the hemlock. but i have a question, is the roll top waterproof on the inside (in case i wanted to use it as an ice chest)? thanks

I've got a surplus alice pack but it really needs a frame to keep from being just a big sack. But riding with the frame would make you the ultiimate Fred.

Anyone have any feedback on how bad precip needs to be before non-rolltop packs like the Chrome Warsaw start letting water in? I'm moving to a rainy place and I'm not sure what direction to go with my next pack...

Update on my backpack situation:

I managed to find a Missions Workshops Vandal on eBay for $152 shipped. Snatched it up pretty quick, and it arrives tomorrow.

I'm torn between a backpack or a single-strap messenger bag.

Talk me into one or the other.

Backpack. I like how it distribute weight equally across both shoulders. I kinda ditched my messenger bag ever since I got my timbuk2 hemlock.

Yeah that's what I figured.

That hemlock does look good. Been looking at that one and the grubstake (also from timbuk2) and feeling very tempted to get either.


EDIT: Well, after some deliberation, I decided to bite the bullet and go with a new Hemlock ($68 on ebay). Went with a Medium, since I have a 15" Macbook Pro and wanted to err on the "safe" side.

I was looking at a small hemlock bag too. I didn't want a bulky bag but I needed something that fit a 15" mac. I settled on a Timbuk2 Q. Slimmer profile than a medium hemlock but bigger than the small. Also has a sternum strap but no bottle opener or water bottle holder very happy with it tho

Are you going to be walking with your bag at all? Messing bags are notoriously uncomfortable on your spine when walking. I have an old Waxxed Canvas Timbuk 2 Bolo (I think its 3600ci its certainly larger than the modern XL) I can't wear my messenger bag for any length of time though it's very comfortable on 2 wheels. My new Hemlock on the other hand is just comfy all the time

Thanks. I ended up actually going for a Hemlock (see my previous post)

How di dyou land one for $68? I dont see any of them in this price range?

Thanks,


SEN

i picked up a small black hemlock for 68 bucks off ebay too but i think i got the last one cause when i searched for it after they were all 90 and up lol

would you say these bags are sufficient for grocery runs?

I googled it and found it in the shopping results.

Do tell how it is. I am looking into getting a rambler

Timbuk2 Q is good for a small ass grocery run. Today I stuffed it with a bag of frozen vegetables, 2 frozen dinners, premixed salad bowl, half gallon of juice, and a bag of string cheese. I probably could have put more stuff in there but it would've been packed! oh yeah, plus a u-lock w/ the groceries.

Chrome Ivan is pretty good. Fit a case of red bull, a pair of jeans, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks, a rain shell, a 12" laptop and charger, a pro DSLR, flash, 2 extra lenses in cases on a belt, u-lock, lockring wrench, multitool, chain tool, front and rear lights, pump, tube, pens, and a 375ml bottle of scotch. Granted, I only had to ride 4 miles with it (that load with that suspension system approaches critical mass), but it fit somehow. Just gotta pack real carefully, and not be afraid to put socks/shirts wherever they will fit.

CAN OF WORMS


I really like the Manhattan Portage Ballistic bag
(not for biking specifically, but its awesome, and only 99$)

i got my hemlock small for $48! whoo! i did post up that sale link couple months ago. Anyway, every couple of weeks I have to ride a very short distance (1.5mile) to carry over 10lbs of cat litter. My mess bag used to make this trip very uncomfortable. The strap will really dig in to my collar bone with 10lb+ weight. But the hemlock is great. Kitty litter + some other groceries + Fahgettaboudit U-lock, no pain.

I've been rocking this Ortlieb backpack for 2.5yrs and love it...they sell two larger models if you want to carry a ton of stuff. Waterproof, rugged, simple...high quality bag you'll be using 10yrs later.

you have the medium or small?

small