Timbuk2 "Q" Laptop Backpack

I've had the backpack for about 2-3 weeks now and am having to return it:

The laptop sleeve is a great idea but the bag itself is not working out for college use.

Pros:

1. Great laptop sleeve! Best I've seen in a backpack. It's lined in a very soft, stitched/padded, microfiber-type material and the opening is on the righthand side when wearing it (so it's easy to pull out laptop without removing entire backpack).

Also, there's "buffer" space between the bottom of the bag and the laptop sleeve.

2. Lightweight

3. Chest straps are removable (so they don't hang there all the time)

4. Pretty comfortable

5. Side handle near the laptop sleeve comes in... handy

Cons:

1. Thin material (but that's probably why it's lightweight too. E.G. Corners and edges of books sticking through bottom of bag)

2. Questionable quality (stitches are coming apart in a few places already)

3. No place for umbrella or water bottle

4. Power adapter compartment doesn't work well for Apple chargers, though it would be good for PC ones

5. I have no idea why it comes with a metal bottle opener permanently attached to the shoulder strap... I'm assuming it's a bottle opener but either way, it makes some noise when setting it down, especially on a metal desk leg

Ultimately, I'm returning it because it's too small and I doubt it would hold up.

With one book, folder, notebook and Macbook Air with charger (with a few other small things), I can barely fit a 27oz water bottle inside main compartment (where I definitely wouldn't want it to leak) and I can't fit an umbrella ANYWHERE. There is nowhere to stow it on the outside of the bag.

When there's a book in the main compartment, it's shape is distinctly visible through the bottom material. Setting the bag down like this would wear a hole through it pretty quickly.

So, it's a great light-duty bag if you want to take a laptop to the coffee shop with a couple magazines or a small book.

It's not the best to take to campus for a full day of school.

This 2011 version of the Q has fixed the issues of the original. The pad at the bottom of the laptop compartment has been replaced with a hammock that the computer rests on. Then there's a space between that and the base of the backpack, which is better than a cushion anyway. Really great design!

I have a heavy Macbook Pro 15.4", and I'm a wimpy girl. I was really looking for something that would distribute the weight correctly, and also something that didn't weigh a lot itself. Originally I'd planned on getting one of the Swissgear bags, but found out thru reviews that they were really heavy even empty. These Timbuk2's have good reviews, and I watched all the videos on their site to get an idea how how big each version was. This one is plenty big! Really glad I didn't go for the HAL. Note that I'm not a student, so I don't have to haul around books. I've got my Nook and a reader's journal, the power cords, my iPod, other chargers, my calendar, and a few other things, and the bag feels like it's empty still. Not even expanded. The best part of all is that when it's up on my back, it no longer feels heavy.

There are a surprising number of pockets. I did find that the charger fits even better in one of the interior ones, with the extended power cord along with it. The bottle opener is kind of ridiculous, but it will work really well as a place to keep my keys.

BTW, the computer compartment is large. My 15+" Mac slides in and out easily. I like the side entry. Means a little bit less lifting of my weighty computer.

I got the purple and blue one. The color is much deeper than pictured, a gorgeous combination of deep purple and deep blue. Really happy with this purchase.

Buy Timbuk2 "Q" Laptop Backpack Now

I purchased this as my everyday carry around pack (I walk a mile to school one way). Perfect for a book or three and a laptop. I usually carry a standard sized binder (9"x12"), 2-3 average sized books (5"x7" or less) along with my laptop and power cord. Keeps my laptop secure with minimal jostling even when the rest of the bag is empty. The power cord pocket just fits my standard size cord and the front compartment is large enough to hold a magazine and standard utensils. Items in front compartment may get a bit damp in rain if the bag is completely full but laptop is always dry. Swing around access makes it easy to pull laptop out and also give access to a small pocket perfect for storing keys and wallet in.

Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 "Q" Laptop Backpack Here

Working in the wireless industry, I tend to carry a LOT of gadgets. Usually, backpacks of this size are heavy before I get all my goods in there. After seeing my bosses Q Backpack, I knew I wanted one. I carry this to work everyday and here is a list of the items I carry daily:

Samsung Chromebook

Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablet

Microvision SHOWWX+

Tekkeon MP3450

Cradlepoint CTR-35

8-10 power and multimedia cables

Microsoft Touch Arc Mouse

Bose IE2 headphones

Bose BT2 headset

Oakley Diesel Glasses in hard case

miscellaneous pens, business cards, allergy medicine, etc.

With all of my junk loaded in, the pack has more room if needed and is significantly lighter than most backpacks. The shoulder straps are comfortable and very flexible at the top due to the unique connection. The back padding keeps you comfortable without making you sweat. The side handle and easy access laptop pocket are perfect for someone who is in and out of offices, cars and airplanes all day. I haven't found a need for the built-in bottle opener yet, but summer is just around the corner.

My last computer bag was a Tumi Tech and it lasted five years, at a cost of $250. Let's see how long my Timuk2 lasts!

Bottom line, this is a very well designed bag with tons of pockets and features, while remaining very light. I highly recommend this bag.

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This backpack is roomy and has a variety of useful pockets and organizers. It's my go-to commuting bag and has served me well in the first few weeks of use. The front (lighter colored) pocket is made of sealed canvas and is quite water-repellent. The rest of the bag is fairly water-resistant but not completely so. The zippers and seams are not taped, so beware. Because the bag is not particularly deep, most items placed in the bag remain upright, so it's easy to stash a water bottle, umbrella, and other long slender objects. The laptop compartment is spacious and can easily accommodate both my macbook air and iPad. The articulated straps are nice for comfort, but the very flexible attachment points at the top do cause the straps to flip over almost every time I put it on. Bottom stash pocket is useful for small items, but it extends into the main compartment in terms of filling space. There's a mesh pocket at the top of the back wall of the main compartment. Overall very pleased with this bag thus far, but will probably give it a good spray with CampDry to make it more water-proof.

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