REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Durable
Weather-resistant
Simple but functional organization features
Customizable
REASONS TO AVOID
Left-shoulder carry only
Minimal protection for laptop
Shoulder strap is somewhat finicky
Timbuk2 Classic Review
This durable, weather-resistant, and simple bag is thoughtfully designed with great pockets and reasonable comfort, all at an affordable price
This bag has the best weight-to-volume ratio because it boasts a minimal weight for the amount of space it provides. Other bags may provide more comfort or storage features, but that can account for a higher weight.
Credit: Jared Ross
RELATED: Best Messenger Bags of 2024
Our Verdict
Iterations of the Timbuk2 Classic have been around for over 30 years, and with good reason. It is affordable, durable, and commutes well on and off the bicycle. It has just enough pockets to keep your daily kit well-organized without the added stress of figuring out how to use superfluous features. While the laptop compartment offers minimal padding for a computer, it does have enough space to accommodate your laptop in a case. This bag is made from durable Cordura and has a weather-resistant liner to protect your gear in all conditions. If you're looking for an affordable messenger bag that will last for years to come, this is one to consider. Get the skinny on how it stacks up against other top products in our article on the best messenger bags.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Timbuk2 Classic | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $160.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $179 List $179.00 at Amazon | $29 List $27.99 at Amazon | $46 List $30.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Short wonder this weather-resistant bag is so popular, it carries a ton for the weight and strikes the balance between affordability, simplicity, and durability | A weatherproof, rugged, and user-friendly messenger bag with tons of pockets, comfort, and space for up to a 17" laptop | This well-featured bag is feature-rich, fully ambidextrous, and highly weatherproof | A small bag on a smaller budget that is great for trying out a messenger-bag style option or the rare walk to the office | This compact option has some nice features, but doesn't perform as well as other bags in our lineup |
| Rating Categories | Timbuk2 Classic | Chrome Buran III | Timbuk2 Especial Stash | Oiwas 15.6" Laptop | Matein 15.6" Laptop |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Packing & Organization (30%) | |||||
| Electronics (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Timbuk2 Classic | Chrome Buran III | Timbuk2 Especial Stash | Oiwas 15.6" Laptop | Matein 15.6" Laptop |
| Measured Weight | 2.02 lb | 2.71 lb | 2.28 lb | 2.00 lb | 2.00 lb |
| Advertised Volume | 16 L | 24 L | 17 L | 15 L | 15 - 18 L |
| Measured Volume | 18L | 22L | 15L | 15L | 16L |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 1.80 oz/L | 1.97 oz/L | 3.07 oz/L | 2.13 oz/L | 2.00 oz/L |
| Dimensions | 14.6" x 12.2" x 7.1" | 21.25" x 12.25" x 7.0" | 17.5" x 12.2" x 4.7" | 13.8" x 5.7" x 11.8" | 15.7" x 12.6" x 5.2" |
| Shoulder Preference | Either | Either | Either | Either | Either |
| Number of Compartments | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Number of Large Pockets | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Number of Small Pockets | 5 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of Zipper Pockets | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Key Clip? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reflective Material? | Yes, but very small | Yes, on bottom straps | Yes | Yes | No |
| External Side Pocket | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleeve For Laptop? | Yes - 16" | Yes - 17" | Yes - 15" | Yes - 15.6" | Yes - 15.6" |
| Stabilizing Cross Strap | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Available Sizes | XS, S, M, L | One size | M, L | 15L | 15-18L, 16-20L |
| Size Tested | Medium | One size | Medium | 15L | 15-18L |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Timbuk2 Classic is an iconic messenger bag that is durable, weather-resistant, reasonably comfortable, and offers a ton of space for the weight.
Performance Comparison
This iconic Timbuk2 bag is popular for a reason - it is affordable, durable, weather-resistant, and reasonably comfortable.
Credit: Jared Ross
Comfort
The Classic performed fairly well in terms of comfort for having a generous shoulder strap and sitting more vertically on the back.
We appreciated that this bag carries like a messenger bag should — resting between the shoulders and waist at a diagonal angle rather than sitting horizontally at the waistline. This feature is essential for maximizing comfort while cycling and gives the bag a low-profile feel that is much more comfortable than the alternative. That said, the Classic does have a boxier design and it doesn't conform to the body as well as other messenger bags in our review. When you pack it with a laptop or books, you can feel some space between the bag and your back. Additionally, the Classic is designed for left-shoulder carry, which is ideal for right-handed folks but not for lefties. However, you can request a custom right-shoulder carry bag from Timbuk2 if you are so inclined.
The generous shoulder strap and body-conforming design of this bag make it reasonably comfortable, as long as you are mindful to pack it well.
Credit: Jared Ross
Packing & Organization
The Classic covers your primary needs for organization and packing without a ton of superfluous extra pockets to grapple with.
Underneath the front flap, there is a zipper pocket for small essentials that has a long keeper strap for keys, a cargo pocket for a phone, and a side zipper pocket for a wallet or anything else you need to access easily.
The front panel has a series of pockets you can use for your essentials, although we found that storing our U-lock in the front of the bag collapsed the front, making it awkward to access gear in the rest of the bag.
Credit: Jared Ross
On the back side of this panel, there is a longer zippered pocket, as well as four slots for pens, headphones, etc. Then there is a slightly padded divider that creates two compartments — one for up to a 15" laptop and the other for your clothes, jacket, lunch, or workout gear. In the larger compartment, there are also holsters on either side of the bag for a water bottle or travel mug.
You can slide a travel mug or water bottle into the holsters on the side of the bag to keep your containers upright and separate from the rest of your belongings.
Credit: Jared Ross
Electronics
The Classic provides some of the lowest levels of protection for carrying a naked laptop, which is why it received a lower score in this category.
The back compartment does have a lightly padded sleeve for carrying a laptop, but there is no additional padding on the back or bottom of the bag. However, if you're the type of person who prefers to stow your laptop in a padded carrying case, then this need not be a deal breaker. Even if you use a padded case, we appreciate the isolated storage area for a laptop, as it means you're less likely to spill food or coffee on your electronics.
The back compartment has enough space for a 15" laptop. However, it is minimally padded, so it works better to protect your computer in a padded case, before putting it in the Timbuk2 Classic.
Credit: Jared Ross
Ease of Use
To score this metric, we consider the ease of packing and unpacking, whether or not the bag's design is intuitive to use, and how easy it is to put on, take off, and pick up. The Classic performed above average in this category thanks to its simple design and one-hand adjustable shoulder strap. The downside is that the bag's pliability made it somewhat more difficult to pack compared to others.
While there is a learning curve to using the cinch-adjustment strap on the Classic, it makes for easy adjustment once you get used to it. It's easy to tighten with one hand, though you'll be left with plenty of extra strap flapping around, and can be loosened with one hand as well by pinching the cinch buckle together. If you don't frequently adjust the strap length, the strap-minder helps keep excess strap material from dangling like limp pasta while using the bag.
The patented cam strap works great, as long as you make sure to click it into place, otherwise, the strap will slide through the device causing the bag to slide down your back. We do love the strap minder, we just wish the cam strap were a little easier to engage.
Credit: Jared Ross
Previous reviewers tested this bag on the right shoulder, but we found this to be too uncomfortable as the metal cinch buckle mechanism sits on the shoulder rather than the padded shoulder strap. If you're a lefty, we recommend contacting Timbuk2 to make you a custom bag with right-shoulder carry. Beyond the straps, we do love the intuitive design of the bag and storage features, as well as the top handle for picking it up like a briefcase and the strap for affixing a bike light on the bottom of the pack.
Several features make this bag easier to use - from the simplicity of the velcro and plastic buckles for opening and closing it. To the added benefit of having a leash for your keys.
Credit: Jared Ross
Construction Quality
The Classic earns high marks in this category because it is designed with longevity in mind and made with burly materials that are abrasion and water-resistant.
The face fabric of the Classic is made of Cordura, a durable nylon fabric, and is lined with thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU, a plastic coating used to resist water and protect the fabric from abrasion. While this bag is not as waterproof as other bags in our review which feature a dual liner, it does resist wetting out and will protect your gear in a light storm. This round, we tested a three-toned green and black bag, which did not show marks or signs of wear throughout our time with it. However, lighter colors do show some markings with use, though they are merely aesthetic, and, in our experience, the Classic can withstand years of use with minimal effect on the bag's overall integrity.
The outside of the bag is made from Cordura - a burly, abrasion resistant nylon that can endure years of use; and the inside of the bag is lined with TPU, a plastic tarp that makes the bag weather-resistant to protect your gear in a light storm.
Credit: Jared Ross
Should You Buy the Timbuk2 Classic?
While many cyclists have transitioned to carrying backpacks or panniers for their daily commute, the messenger bag still appeals to folks who prefer the look of a briefcase or laptop bag with more functionality for getting to and from work or school. The Timbuk2 Classic strikes an ideal balance between durability, style, comfort, and affordability. You can customize the features, shoulder carry, and colors, but this can quickly drain your bank account if you aren't careful. If you're looking for a bag that can carry a ton without breaking your back or the bank, this bag is a great option.
The Classic is a workhorse bag that can fit all the gear our test team needed with ease.
Credit: Hale Milano
What Other Messenger Bags Should You Consider?
If you're in the market for the best bag out there, the Chrome Buran III is a great option. The Buran delivers top-notch comfort, durability, and spacious organization features. Another option, ideal for the electronically and digitally connected nomad, the Timbuk2 Especial Stash is ideal for protecting fragile and electronic items from the weather. The whole bag is water-resistant, and it has a waterproof laptop sleeve. Along those lines, if your electronics tend to be photography equipment, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger was a standout performer with photographers in mind. All the above are quite serious messenger bag options. If you're not sure that's your style, we recommend something like the Oiwas 15.6" Laptop for the casual commuter or someone just trying out a messenger bag for the first time. It still has plenty of organization features and is relatively comfortable for your commute.
A classic messenger bag that will keep up with your commute for years to come.
Credit: Jared Ross
—
Mary Witlacil, Hale Milano
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