Good evening, SF.

Work has issued me a new laptop, and it's a serious workhorse. I like it!
However... it's big and heavy. I got used to the 4-pound 14" laptop I had before, and it would fall easily into the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger that I currently carry. (As a side note, my Classic Messenger isn't super well-padded on its low side.). This new machine is a 17" beast, and I pretty much have to wedge it into the current bag.

I've enjoyed this Timbuk2 messenger, no doubt, so I headed over to Timbuk2.com to look for "what's next." I found the Alchemist 2.0 ( linky), which seems well-suited to a 17" laptop and an average day's worth of gear and supplies. It's laptop-oriented, so probably better padded than the one I'm carrying now. And it's clearly designated as fitting a 17" laptop.

Anyone have experience with this particular pack, or good recommendations to make? Thank you all.

Swiss Gear is about half the price. I have a Swiss Gear but not as large as a Messenger.

I use Topo Design. It can convert easily to a backpack if needed. The bottom is padded a bit and reinforced. The shoulder strap is padded and very comfortable.

Timbuk2 bags are "American" made and have been quite popular with the tech crowd. (I put American in quotes because Timbuk2 hails from and makes their custom bags in San Francisco. So take from that what you will.)

I used one for a while, though not the bag you mentioned. I would easily recommend them based on the quality of their work.

I have a maxpedition mongo I have been daily using for around 15 years. I just replaced 1 buckle, other than that it doesn't even look worn. A couple molle attachments do, but not a thread broken on the bag.

I think the min to is no longer a regular line product, but they do show up occasionally.

A Timbuk2 bag survived 3 years of law school, and carted around a 17" laptop and a whole lot of heavy, hardbound law books. It's over 11 years old now and I still use it when traveling.

I carry a 17 inch laptop in a Timbuk2 large classic messenger bag every day. REI has great deals on them- the last one I bought there was 50% off.

checked the one I no longer use, would send it too you , no where near big enough ,

Also check out messenger bags made by Chrome. They offer a messenger bag that fits a 17" laptop. Chrome, is like Timbuktu, in that it is a company that manufactures its products in the USA.

I use one of these from Saddleback and it held a 17" MacBook, (now a 15") It's a heavy beast though and not padded by anything other than the thick leather.
https://saddlebackleather.com/...er-briefcase-classic

Woot will have decent looking leather messenger bags from time to time. You would have to check every day, though.

Wow, it seems there are more Timbuk2 fans here than I had expected.

I looked at Maxpedition and found a pack called Skyvale. I like its construction and arrangement, but it seems it's suited to a 15-incher, max. Rats.

ShneaSIG: Which model of Timbuk2 bag is yours?

REI is a good Timbuk2 source, despite its politics. There's an outfitter in the next town over; perhaps I can get over there tomorrow.

CaptainMike: The Saddleback is a beauty, but at almost $700 it's way beyond my budget. (Still nice to drool at, though.)

quote:

Originally posted by Orguss:
Timbuk2 bags are "American" made and have been quite popular with the tech crowd. (I put American in quotes because Timbuk2 hails from and makes their custom bags in San Francisco. So take from that what you will.)

I used one for a while, though not the bag you mentioned. I would easily recommend them based on the quality of their work.

As a former employee of said brand, I'll clarify, the Made in USA product is only for the Custom styles, everything else is made overseas. T2 employs about 15-25 workers on the manufacturing side of the house, numbers vary depending on season and demand; all are super hardworking and I have nothing but the highest respect for their hard work. The Custom styles are just that, you can build a bag/pack to suit your tastes, occasionally limited edition fabrics and details will be incorporated into the process, mostly seasonal trends. The Classic Messenger can be built with a corduroy lined, laptop-sleeve built-in. I'm more partial to backpacks but, that's me.

From the regular production side, the Commute is the long-time most popular amongst work professionals, the backpad sits easier on your hip/back and the fabric isn't as aggressive on fabrics as the Classic Messenger can be. The current version called the Commute 2.0 is much more refined, nicer fabrics and is geared for air travel with the zip-down laptop sleeve and luggage pass-thru.

As for durability, messenger bags are pretty tough and hard to destroy, the most worn-out bag I've ever seen was a bus mechanic with the local transit system. He used a small CMB when he had to go on call-outs from the yard and threw his necessary tools in the bag, the liner was worn through but, the outer fabric was still holding up.

I just search for '17" laptop messenger bag' on Amazon and read the reviews. Then I buy the cheapest one I find interesting because if I don't like it, I'll just buy the next one that's cheap. But I'm just cheap that way.

I've had two Timbuk2 both have held up great. One I got in 2010 and used for undergrad to masters with no signs of damages.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
Woot will have decent looking leather messenger bags from time to time. You would have to check every day, though.

Well, Woot has one today (3/4). You'll just have to see if it's big enough and if you like it.

Backpack wise I have a North Face Surge. Holds just about anything I might need (pens, books, notepads, charger, mp3 player with a little area to thread out headphones/ ear buds, water bottle holders, and an area to hold snacks or a sammich.

The best massager bag style I've seen was from Buffalo Trading Co.

I have a Hazard 4 Sherman bag that I got from WARPIG. I get compliments on it almost every month. I've had had it for over a year.

Timbuk2 offering 20% off custom bags

20% Off All Custom Bags
Use Code: CUSTOM
Valid: 3/4 & 3/5

I have a messenger bag, perfect size and is wearing like iron.

Timbuk2.
I have a couple, no complaints with either one.