Thule 12 Liter Messenger Bag

I have a nubmer of different laptop bags that fit my 15" MacBook Pro, most of which are made by Timbuk2. I have both the messenger style and a backpack style, which Thule also makes.

The Thule messenger bag is very stylish. It's been crafted with an eye toward design, and that much is obvious in just looking at it. It's a beautiful bag made with heavy-duty quality materials. I like that this bag is an understated black--it looks dressier than its Timbuk2 counterpart. The two problems I have with the Thule bag are the lack of pocket organization and the buckles used to close the bag. Both of these issues aren't a problem for the Timbuk2 bags I own.

At first glance, this bag looks well organized. A slightly padded rear compartment with a velcro latch houses your laptop. Although the padding is not excessive, I don't have any qualms about it. I feel my laptop is safe enough in there as long as I don't throw it around--pretty much like any other laptop bag you might find. On the other side of this zippered compartment is a mesh pocket that might be used for folders or documents. Under the main flap is a thin zippered pocket with a soft interior where you might put CDs or DVDs. There's a phone holster with a velcro strap specificially for iPhone-type devices, and two other pockets that are very slim. I can't fathom what one might put in these pockets... business cards? Next to them is a single pen holster. I carry at least four or five pens with me at all times, so this is a gross oversight in my opinion! Inside the main compartment is a zippered mesh interior pocket and the main compartment. Normally, I put my notebooks and books, iPad, etc. in the main compartment, but I haven't figured out what to put in the two zippered compartments. They aren't deep or wide enough to hold power cables or chargers, so those have to go in the main compartment. The design is just a little awkward when it comes to organization and I'm not certain I like it.

While the buckle closures are certainly well made and nice looking, they are just too awkward to close on the fly. Heaven forbid you have to open your bag and close it in a hurry, because you simply cannot close the buckles without putting the bag down and manually sliding the metal hooks into the extremely tiny loops of webbing. I much prefer Timbuk2's quick release buckles for ease of use, or even SealLine's stretch hook closure. Thule's buckles look nice, but man, they are a pain! Not to mention they do a great job of scratching the paint when you put the bag in the car...

Also, because it doesn't have a cross strap, you can forget about riding your bike with this over one shoulder. It's made for casual use, not commuting, which is a shame, because it looks like the interior is nearly waterproof!

The one other nice addition to this bag, outside of the travel-friendly laptop compartment, is the grab handle sewn into the bag. It's sometimes more convenient to pick the bag up by a shorter handle rather than the long strap. I do like this bag, and I'll undoubtedly continue to use it, but the detractors make it more of a casual messenger bag than an actual functional one.

Most bags I have owned in the past would fall apart within about a month, Im pretty heavy handed. Usually the bags strap hinges/buckles would give out,(do to the massive weight-age put on it). This Thule bag on the other-hand; looks as good as new after couple MONTHS, everything about it very durable from the front clamps those buckles and hinges; I can say I've meet my match. Personally, I recommend this bag, to anyone looking for something that will last a long while and can take some serious weight/abuse for a messenger bag.

Best $90 Ive ever spent.

Buy Thule 12 Liter Messenger Bag Now

First things first: The construction of this bag is overall very good. Very very good. The quality of materials and workmanship are first rate for a mid-priced bag of this sort.

HOWEVER, the grab handle is absolutely, positively, unquestionably, a flaming pile of ... junk...It's like a strong shoestring. No padding. Not ergonomic in any fashion. Now, if you tend to carry your bag via the shoulder strap, this may not be a big deal. But I normally carry my bags by the handle. And this one is simply unacceptable for a bag like this.

OK, let's say the grab handle isn't a dealbreaker for you. Well, as I mentioned, the construction is good. But I will take issue with the manufacturer's description of this as a "messenger" bag. Perhaps in styling. But not in function. "Messenger" bags (as opposed to PC/laptop bags) suggest roomier, more versatile design. This bag is quite snug. It will fit your laptop (up to 15.4") a notebook, your power adapter and a mouse. Maybe a few more goodies, but not a lot. If, like me, you tend to travel with a lot of stuff, this isn't going to be your go-to bag for long trips. Fine to take to work or conference, I guess. But it's not what I'd call a messenger bag.

It is stylish, in a synthetic materials mid priced way. And there are those for whom the Thule name is worth paying for, is a value added feature. You know who you are.

Overall, I'd say this is a fine bag if you travel light. It's nice looking, it's well padded, the construction quality is high, and the price is about what you'd expect.

But that hideous excuse for a grab handle is going to be a deal breaker for anyone who plans on carrying this bag any distance by the handle.

Read Best Reviews of Thule 12 Liter Messenger Bag Here

I ordered this bag for my husband as a gift. He is very hard to please and I was excited when he asked for it. He loves it. It's very sturdy, has very nice compartment areas with additional space for other items in addition to your computer. The bag has style and function. Great find!

Want Thule 12 Liter Messenger Bag Discount?

This messenger bag is sturdy, good quality, lightweight, and has many compartments. Its also very stylish. If you're looking for the perfect messenger bag, this is it.