Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag
(Click here)
Apparel Details
Brand: Timbuk2Release Date: 2011-02-01
Model: 288
Color: None
Product features:
- Durable oxford nylon fabric feels smooth and has a subtle sheen
- Waterproof TPU liner
- Classic Messenger fit
- TSA external laptop compartment unzips and lays flat to clear security without removing your laptop
- Reversed zipper along laptop compartment for improved water resistance
Apparel reviews of Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag
Customer Review: A very decent compromise
Rating: 4 Stars
This is my third Timbuk bag. I have an original messenger bag from the 90's (which is indestructible) and an original Commute bag (which is not). Before purchasing this bag I looked at Chrome, Crumpler (Heegoer), booq (Cobra Courier), Domke, Manhattan Portage, Tom Bihn and others. All of these companies produce comparable bags that are better in some way than the Command Messenger, but not in all ways. The Command Messenger however, seemed to be the right kind of compromise for an all purpose bag that will go a few miles comfortably via bike or foot to the classroom or the office and also manage an airport or two.
The Useful:
1. The Command Messenger is designed like a real messenger bag; i.e. it straps like a messenger which makes it more versatile than a shoulder bag/satchel for securing and carrying stuff.
A bike messenger bag (a wide bag with a wide, rigidly secured strap) secures the load of the bag across one's back rather than allowing it to hang at the waist like a satchel does. While the (bike) messenger bag is designed for bike use, it also works well when walking for longer distances and you'd rather not have the contents of your bag banging into your hip. Most bags sold as "messenger" bags are satchels with a less 18th century name. For instance, if the bag has metal hook and ring fasteners to hold the strap to the bag, even if it also has a stabilizer strap, it is not a messenger bag (unless made by Cocotte). Another point to make here, however, is that although the Command Messenger is designed like a messenger bag, there are better choices if you are going to be using the bag primarily on a bike. The strength of this bag, however, is its versatility.
2. It has a handle for gracefully moving it short distances when you don't want/need to get strapped in.
3. The laptop compartment zips away from the main compartment to lie flat (TSA compliance). Also, the same compartment can be accessed from the top of the bag without opening the main compartment. If you are a person who gets into class/meetings after they have started this is crucial as it avoids having to tear away the loud velcro secured main flap to get to your laptop.
4. It has little velcro tabs on the inside top of the main compartment to help secure the contents against rain.
5. It has a panel on the back to fit over the extended handle of a luggage bag; a luggage handle pass-through. (Which may have a wider opening than shown in the pictures)
6. It is lightweight. This is more important than it might seem. A 3 lb laptop in a 5 lb bag is as heavy as a 5 lb laptop in a 3 lb bag.
Notes in response to other reviews: Having the Command Messenger fall to the ground when you unbuckle the strap is only possible if you are not wearing the bag as designed. Some bags (i.e. most Chrome bags) are designed to unbuckle and fall away and you can wear the Command Messenger in this way as well. Also, the two straps on the bottom/front of the bag that hook into the main flap are compression straps: they adjust the depth of the main compartment.
The Awkward:
1. The main strap is thinner than Timbuk's regular messenger straps and not at all rigid. The thin, floppy strap distributes the weight of the bag less effectively and also allows the strap to get in the way when you are snapping in the strap buckle. On the other hand, when you set the bag down the strap lies down with it instead of remaining insolently poised above the bag.
2. The protruding cam buckle lever. This is a new design which is meant to be easier to open and close than the old flush design. The flaw here is that when walking and wearing the bag in a messenger style (high on the back), the cam lever protrudes into the wearer's right arm. With the snap buckle allowing the strap to be set at a particular length and then snapped in and out, a protruding cam lever just isn't necessary. If you wear the bag low on the back or on the hip this will not be a problem.
3. Those metal hooks (anodized aluminum hardware) Timbuk says are for "quiet entry" will get you stealthily to the moment when you need to pull up the main flap and the sound of thousands of nylon hooks ripping away from a bed of nylon fuzz alerts everyone that you are using more velcro than you need. There will be no quiet entry. And there will be no quick closure either because you will need to thread those hooks behind a very thin and flat strap.
The Neither Here nor There:
1. There is no significant padding in the laptop compartment. A neoprene insert/sleeve will solve this problem.
2. No cross strap included.
2. The inner loops which allow inserts to be attached get in the way of moving things in and out of the main compartment.
3. So many compartments for "little things" that you may be unable to find a receipt or a credit card that you stashed away.
4. There is no way of knowing what color the "Potrero" bag is unless you are holding the bag in your hand. Maybe not even then.
Overall, not as rugged as Timbuk's regular messenger bag but a good redesign that creates a more versatile product. A great bag for under $100.
Update (after one month):
1. As other reviewers have noted, the metal hooks cause the reflective material around the front nylon webbing to tear a bit (about 2-3 mm). This happens almost immediately when the straps are tightened. This is only a slight cosmetic defect.
2. The back of the bag is not the same as in the photo's. The bag I received has a wider opening along the top and bottom of the back panel (the luggage pass-through) that is meant to go over a luggage handle. This may have been changed to make the panel easier to get over a luggage handle when the bag is full.
3. When the bag is picked up by the handle (or the strap), even if the front flap is not secure and the computer section is unzipped, the bag assumes its regular shape and nothing falls out of it. Other bags either open trifold or from the top (Commute 2.0) and if not re-zipped before being picked the laptop compartment will dangle below the bag. Locating the "hinge" for the laptop compartment along the top of the bag is probably the best design feature of the Command Messenger and is the only bag I know of to have this design. The downside of this design is the potential for water to get into the bottom of the laptop compartment when set down on a very wet surface. (So for those who delight in setting their bags down in puddles. . . This is not the bag for you.)
Useful modifications:
1. I cut down a gel shoe insert to 2" width and put it in the shoulder pad between the strap and the bottom of the pad. The gel insert has a fuzzy side and with the fuzz against the strap, the shoulder pad can move along the strap without displacing the gel insert. (Technically this would be against TSA regulations)
2. Added a cross strap (1" x 40" webbing strap from REI)
3. Added a super light foam insert (app 3/8" thick packing material from a 15" computer sleeve) under the luggage handle pass-through. It is not visible and puts some padding under the laptop which helps when wearing the bag like a messenger bag.
Description of Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag
More Berlin than Berkeley, the Command's oxford nylon and anodized hardware make it Timbuk2's most sophisticated bag. Pair that with its TSA compliant laptop sleeve with studded Loveglove technology and you're practically guaranteed to fly First every time.With a design sensibility that's unapologetically function-over-form, the Command's rugged oxford nylon and anodized hardware make it Timbuk2's most sophisticated bag. Paired with a TSA-compliant laptop sleeve with studded liner technology, and you're guaranteed to fly in style every time.
Features
- Durable oxford nylon fabric feels smooth and has subtle sheen; waterproof TPU liner
- Luggage pass-through for wheeled luggage
- Anodized aluminum hardware for sophisticated look and quiet entry and exit
- Improved, TSA-compliant external laptop compartment unzips and lays flat to clear security without removing your laptop
- Laptop liner is studded for intense laptop protection
- Reversed zipper along laptop compartment improves water resistance and grab-and-go convenience; grab unzipped bag from shoulder strap and go without losing your laptop
- Three-zip front organizer with color coordinated zippers helps you remember what goes where
- Napoleon side-entry pocket allows you to grab your cash and keys without opening the messenger flap, while zipper closure keeps your goods safe
- Modular internal organization for customized storage of gadgets, gizmos, and essential items; additional organizers and accessories easily strap in and out of the internal organizing system
- Coordinating strap pad included
- Memory-adjust True Fit cam buckle eliminates daily fit adjustments; simply un-click the cam, put the bag over your shoulder, and lock cam back in for a perfect fit, every time
| External Dimensions | |||
| Size | Width | Height | Depth |
| M | 17.72" | 12.59" | 5.91" |
| L | 19.29" | 13.58" | 6.69" |
| Fits Computers With Dimensions Not to Exceed | ||||
| Size | Width | Height | ||
| M | 17.32" | 11.61" | ||
| L | 18.5" | 12.4" | ||
The Timbuk2 Quality Guarantee
Timbuk2 stands behind the legendary quality of its bags and accessories. If there's a defect with the materials or workmanship of your product, Timbuk2 will pay to repair your bag and send it back. If a repair isn't possible, a store credit will be issued for a replacement (shipping and taxes not included). If your Timbuk2 product is otherwise damaged in the course of normal wear and tear, you may not qualify for this warranty replacement. If your bag doesn't qualify, Timbuk2 will pay to send it back.
About Timbuk2
Born, bred and here to stay. Timbuk2 was born in a San Francisco garage and bred on the backs of messengers in the city streets, and the company still manufactures custom bags in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District. For 20 years, Timbuk2 has built bags and accessories for urban adventures with a simple philosophy--create good-looking, tough-as-nails bags you can truly make your own.
Carrying Cases & Bags
Apparel
Bestsellers in Timbuk2
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag,Gunmetal/ Lt.Grey/ Gunmetal,STimbuk2; Apparel
Best price: $58.41
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag,Blue/ Black/ Blue,MTimbuk2; Apparel
Best price: $44.83
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Marina Computer Bag - CoralTimbuk2; Apparel; Shoes
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 End Up Backpack - Camo / Moss / CamoTimbuk2; Apparel
Best price: $47.95
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag (Navy/ Blue/ Navy, Medium)Timbuk2; Timbuk2; Sports
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Bicycle Seat Pack,Black,LTimbuk2; Apparel
Best price: $24.95
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Underground Day Pack,Olive/ Copper/ OliveTimbuk2; Apparel
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Black/ Gray/ Black, LargeTimbuk2; Timbuk2; Sports
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Dark Brown/ Sand/ Copper, MediumTimbuk2; Timbuk2; Sports
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Cargo Tote,BlackTimbuk2; Timbuk2; Sports
Price in other shops:
Similar apparel
Timbuk2 3 Way BagTimbuk2; Timbuk2; Release date: 2011-08-01; Sports
Timbuk2 Clear Flex PackTimbuk2; Release date: 2011-02-01; Apparel
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Deluxe Messenger Bag Strap PadTimbuk2; Release date: 2011-02-01; Apparel
Timbuk2 Beer Candy On-Strap Bottle OpenerTimbuk2; Apparel
Timbuk2 Shagg Bag On-Strap PouchTimbuk2; Release date: 2011-02-01; Apparel
Timbuk2 Gripster BagTimbuk2; Release date: 2010-07-01; Apparel
Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger BagTimbuk2; Release date: 2011-08-01; Apparel
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger BagTimbuk2; Release date: 2011-08-01; Apparel
Price in other shops:
Timbuk2 D-Lux Messenger: Race Stripe BagTimbuk2; Release date: 2010-07-01; Apparel
Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger BagTimbuk2; Timbuk2; Release date: 2011-08-01; Sports