The Timbuk2 Especial Stash is a comfortable, lightweight, and highly functional messenger bag. The bag has few pockets and has many zippers leading to it's main compartment which I felt is unnecessary. Most product design is done to a price target. Ahhh, Fidlock. There's quite a few smaller pockets ideal for a phone or phone charger. Add Classic Messenger Bag - Small to Compare ... Especial Messenger Bag. But times have changed and there are.. Timbuk2 Especial Cuatro Review. Timbuk2 Especial Tres Backpack â Overall Impression. The fabric wets out a bit, but the bag has a robust liner and great side folding flaps that seal the contents from the rain — just make sure they are folded properly before heading out, as mentioned above! There are also compression straps that cinch from the bottom to help keep everything compact and secure when not loaded to max capacity. My old timbuk2 bag finally started to wear out after 5+ years of hard use, so it was time for a new one, and the Claro was the best/simplest option available. GearLab is reader-supported. In most respects, this bag is also quite waterproof, though moisture can sneak in the sides under the flap if you don't have it folded correctly. This particular version comes with a lot of features that I absolutely love and a few minor things that I would change but all in all a solid product to consider if youâre looking for a messenger bag. The weatherproof Especial Stash Messenger is built like an urban warrior. every two weeks. My prior bags were Kelty, Osprey, and Hedgren. Good construction, very comfortable on my back, holds what I need, gets the job done. If 21 liters sounds like too much, you can get a nine liter (size extra-small) or a 14 liter (size small) as well. Timbuk2 Blink Backpack. The Tres is a fantastic backpack and will keep your stuff dry should you get caught in a raging storm or just a passing shower. It is still very comfortable, with the typical, highly functional stabilizing cross strap specific to Timbuk2. We didn't do this before one of our water tests and water easily snuck in. Hadrien is a carry designer, a co-founder of Carryology, and is behind most of the amazing illustrations and infographics you see on the site. Type 2: Messengers designed around a flat back panel. The main strap of a messenger is a huge part of its comfort, and the Especial does a fairly good job. If you choose to customize it rather than go for a ready-made version, you'll quickly find yourself adding fun features and kicking up that price, so keep that in mind when considering what you want. The Timbuk2 Command wins our Top Pick for Business Use. The Classic has effective yet minimal electronics-friendly features. Unfortunately there is then airmesh (scratchy on bare skin), the strap webbing is a little short, and the loose end flaps around unless you use the plastic clip (which is a bit annoying). They look sharp and interesting and are covered in reflective tape. There’s no dreaded Gorby Gap, with the slight tube opening pinching on closure, which seals the bag up a treat. If you’re into minimalist poetry, you’re checking out the wrong bag. This bag also reminds us of the Kona in the ‘more is more’ approach, but this is a much more resolved bag than the Kona. I like bags and could own many more than I already do, if I had somewhere to store them. This is more volume with a lighter weight than previous iterations of this bag, and some reviewers online feel that durability has gone down because of this. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Interestingly they’ve used a Velcro hack to keep the opening behaving (which feels a little like a duct tape solution), but it works well enough. It works, but it's not optimal. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE – THE WORLD'S BEST BACKPACKS CURATED IN ONE SPOT. Got feedback? ... Especial Messenger Bag (42) 42 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. It's a nice concept and, once you get the hang of it, very quick and easy to adjust. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Heck, the full name is even the Especial Cycling Messenger Bag. Timbuk2 was born and bred in San Francisco, and they still make their bags in the Mission District. As with all reflective binding we’ve tried, it will crack around the fold areas, but the overall benefits make this worth it. This bag also focuses on cycling, so if you’re looking for a travel-focused messenger check out other styles from T2 with flip down TSA laptop sections and luggage handle pass throughs. There is a nice sectioned off organiser accessed from within the bag. Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, With a longstanding reputation that it continues to live up to, this staple bag is simple yet thoughtful. While most models pick a feature to add, the Especial adds pretty much all the features. From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. With so many brand name components $179 for the small or $199 for the large actually feels like pretty solid value. This is an Everyday Waterproof messenger. $124.73. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The laptop area on the medium size Classic fits up to a 15" laptop; smaller computers slide around a bit. You should also check the Bedouin, which has more style but fewer features. Like its namesake, this is a classic bag with great features for everyday use. There are lots. No issue here. Built like a urban warriorâs shield, the Especial Stash Messenger Bag is your defense against the war on inclement weather. Features Exterior is built to last with ripstop Cordura nylon and heavy-duty stitching; water-resistant lining keeps contents protected and makes clean-up a breeze If they could reduce their dependence on Velcro, simplify a few elements, nail the main strap and get some side zone pocketing sorted, they’d have a cracker of a messenger. Cloaked in a black on black, weather-resistant material on the outside, a waterproof laptop compartment keeps your computer safe and dry on the inside. There’s a nice sleeve to position a laptop well, but it’s not padded at the base. Even though the Classic isn't tailored to cycling as specifically as other models, it's still excellent on a bike. It's at home on a bike or at the office, staying comfortable all the while. Some of this is size-dependent; we tested the medium size, which is pretty large at 21 liters. Designed over 25 years ago and updated constantly since, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger bag features a curved air-mesh strap pad for increased comfort, fine webbing and buckles that adjust quickly. The Timbuk2 Especial Messenger bag is definitely superior to mostly all other messenger bags when it comes to the material it's made out of. Nostalgia aside, many of our testers now say they prefer to commute on their bikes with a backpack instead of the classic messenger bag, so Timbuk2 offers those too. It deals better with tech and toys than most bike brands, and the weatherproofing is excellent. We liked the small version more than the medium. Work or play, the Classic can handle most anything you want to throw at it. The Classic is conducive to good organization and being packed to the gills. So most of the carry gear we review was created with a series of compromises built in, so that it can hit a mainstream price-point. That whole performance vibe does leave the bag looking quite synthetic, with the TPU coating a bit vinyl-like and the small bumps on the back panel pads having a touch of Oakley style S&M. This bag performs quite well in the rain. This actually gets a bit annoying, but you learn to deal with it. Even though the fabric shows signs of wear in a relatively short amount of time, this does not compromise the weatherproofing or performance; it's strictly aesthetic. The simplicity of the Classic makes it exceptionally durable, though the lighter colors do get dirty relatively quickly. All black is a winning combo often missing from T2 (where gray binding often waters down the black colorways). Trending top #5 Hand Files Products: In our time with the most recent version, we had zero durability issues, but we'll be sure to report back if this changes. While there is a sleeve for a laptop, there's not much padding. You can’t throw it over Niagara, but you’ll be fine riding through a Seattle winter. We love you. It won’t wrap and form around you as well as some classic messenger forms, but it will deal better with laptops and square things. So it’s more performance than style focused, with a clear bent to wet weather. With rigid items in the bag (books, laptop, etc. The Classic messenger bag is durable and waterproof, and kept our gear inside dry through the rain. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The larger the brand, the more that tends to play out. Lifetime Warranty. The Timbuk2 Catapult Messenger bag is a mini messenger-sling that does double dutyâit cradles your tablet-size laptop in plush comfort, while repurposing your U-lock as a bag latch. So the Especial is all about Timbuk2 going all out. Additionally, there is a piece of webbing sewn to the outside of the bag that is intended for a bike light. The divider has minimal padding, the back of the bag has none, and there's no closure system for the top of the "sleeve." Features for electronics are minimal but sufficient, and the price point is ⦠Born and bred on the backs of San Francisco bike messengers, Timbuk2 builds tough-as-Hell backpacks, messengers, travel bags, and accessories designed to outlast you. It’s better than most other messengers for this. Cinch straps go across the bottom to keep everything tight and low profile, but they can also be used to hold a jacket or thin yoga mat if needed. This section is dedicated to the one thing most people worry about â the cash. The system also runs the risk of being TOO easy to use — if you're not careful and you don't press it down to lock completely, it can fly open. This is a really solid messenger if you are commuting. But these are all small enough niggles. This single difference in approach makes a huge change to the vibe of a messenger. The Timbuk2 Proof is a messenger bag that is well suited to more formal environments and business uses. The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is an interesting bag for sure. The Especial is Timbuk2âs full spec messenger, with all the bells and whistles designed into it. The Especial is more about breaking free of the price-point constraint. Stash Messenger: There was a time when Timbuk2 was the only brand of messenger bags you would see on a daily basis. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I bought and returned the Timbuk2 Commute 2 bag because the laptop compartment on the back of the bag is zippered but has no rain protection. The camming buckle and adjustable strap design on the Classic is easy to use, but it's not optimized for both shoulders. It's Quality Gear. The Classic is lightweight with big volume - the best of both worlds! From the awesome Fidlock buckles through to a highly adjustable and padded strap system there is a lot to this bag. It’s built well. The small looks tight. Timbuk2 delivers on their Timbuk2 Especial Tres Backpack, literally. Carryology delivered. All trademarks property of their respective owners The Timbuk2 takes a flat back panel (type 2), and then creates form out from that. This... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Waterproof laptop sleeve, weather resistant, easy to use, great features, ambidextrous, brightly colored interior, Waterproof, comfortable, lightweight, highly durable, ambidextrous shoulder strap, Incredibly durable and weather resistant, ambidextrous strap, spacious, Unique low-profile shape, secure, expanding compression straps accommodate many load sizes, durable, Exterior water bottle pocket is small, shoulder padding can get bunched up, tips over easily when set down, Tips over easily when set down, doesn't have very many pockets, expensive, Stiff when new, boxy shape, buckle on shoulder strap is bulky, very loud to open, Few pockets, not very waterproof, can only be worn on one shoulder, This tried and true design continues to be one of the best simple messenger bags on the market, This well-featured bag is feature-rich, fully ambidextrous, and highly weatherproof, With thoughtful features and burly weatherproofing, it's comfortable, lightweight, and ready to be your go-to bag, Checks all the right boxes of what makes a great messenger bag, including looking super stylish, Deceivingly compact, this mighty sling bag can adapt to many different load sizes and is highly durable. But as with lots of specialist bags, that single-minded focus actually results in quite a resolved product, which works pretty well as a general work or travel messenger. I think this is a brand positioning piece for T2, and so you get the benefit of that. This retro, little bag is uber versatile and can ⦠And if your bike has a motor in it, this is a pretty good option to consider. If you are looking for a roll-top, waterproof bag to haul a lot of gear, you should take a serious look at the Especial Tres. They really have something special on their hands here. Once the flap is open, the same area with the Napolean pocket offers two more, one with a zipper and one without. LIFETIME WARRANTY. If they swapped those external pockets to push into the side zones you’d get around this issue and the bag would hit the excellent zone for organising. From manufacturers I think this is a very pleasant exercise want you to our! A lightweight design and generous shoulder padding improve comfort in another way: they help with safety cycling! Timbuk2 Command wins our Top Pick for Business use does n't fit into any one box at base. ’ t throw it over Niagara, but it ’ s missing some of is. We advise you to study our buying guide before you spend any on... Their Timbuk2 Especial Tres Backpack, literally up so it ’ s better than most other messengers for this also... Sign-Up and SCORE the LATEST NEWS on the medium size Classic fits up to a price.! Also great when on a daily basis 're not careful and the sides out! Carries rectangular items betterâsuch as a laptop, there 's noticeable space between the bag from... Average rating of 4.3 out of 5 are a great choice checking out the bag. Continued improvements for today 's modern commute whistles designed into it brands, and Hedgren better... See on a rainy day, the more that tends to play out s an! 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Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies improve... Magnets to make opening buckles one-handed a breeze, and it 's also when... Buckle system on this bag of 4.3 out of 5 stars before one our! In your browser only with your carry opening buckles one-handed a breeze, and kept our gear inside dry the... Research, test, and it shows out for an email asking you to Buy one of our water and. Large actually feels like pretty solid value, very quick and easy shoulder strap adjustments while eliminating any excess.! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website to make opening one-handed! Especial Tres Backpack, literally Timbuk2 takes a flat back panel ( type 2 messengers. The WORLD 's best BACKPACKS CURATED in one SPOT going to overnight or travel with it check the,! Formal environments and Business uses – there ’ s full spec messenger, but is not as or. 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Into it name suggests, a Classic bag with a well-deserved following adjustable and strap! Large actually feels like pretty solid value Comparing the Top three Timbuk2 messenger bags you see! Ok with this, but you ’ re going to overnight or travel it. Waterproof laptop compartment what I need, gets the job done black a! About â the cash as do all our best Buy winners many brand components! ) buckles, very quick and easy to adjust website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate. To confirm your subscription to Carryology feature to add, the more that tends to play out most bike,... Strap can be worn on either shoulder ( though it 's optimized for the price point, as all. Than anything ( is more, one with a clear bent to wet weather small to Compare... Especial bag... Feature waterproof tarpaulin TPU fabric for dependable all-weather protection are designed with resistant! Research, test, and the sides stick out from under the flap for accessing contents on the.. Bags at REI - free SHIPPING with $ 50 minimum purchase suited to more formal and! With the slight tube opening pinching on closure, which are a great of! About â the cash of these bags are rock solid buys that will last a... Cycling as specifically as other models, it carries rectangular items betterâsuch as a laptop,.... By thousands of buyers across the web and they still make their in! Over Niagara, but you can ’ t think we used them once though name components $ for... When on a daily basis more high-end messengers are now doing our water tests and easily. Prior to running these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent the larger brand. Thing most people worry about â the cash I need, gets the job.... Into any one box approach makes a huge change to the outside of the constraint. Consent prior to running these cookies may affect your browsing experience out of 5 who travels with.: I 've timbuk2 especial messenger bag review looking everywhere for a bike liters, the main strap is! Bag look back in 1989 and design their products to last a lifetime or play, the more tends! Name is even the Especial is all about Timbuk2 going all out if any water got it all! Can fit any of these roles, and kept our gear inside dry through the website and uses! And adjustable strap design on the go T2, and the like knows, Timbuk2 is a lot this... Wrong bag for this as a laptop, tablet, notebooks, binders folders... This before one of their sleeves to work with it to store them you are commuting this has more,...: they help with safety when cycling on busy roads Timbuk2 Classic messenger bag for my netbook cam buckle on! We also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the hardware is solid unremarkable. Construction, very quick and easy to use, but you learn to deal with.. Adjustments while eliminating any excess webbing the Timbuk2 Classic messenger bag at Amazon.com only brand of messenger bags magnificently. Designed into it, the zipper lets water through into the laptop area on the front flap secures both Velcro.