I own three Timbuk2 messengers and I am really impressed by the materials used and build-quality overall.
However for the Bender, I was quite disappointed. Firstly, the "light-weight" nylon does not feel as sturdy as my other Timbuk2 bags. The stitches also do not seem to be as good as the ones in the messengers, not sure if its due to the new material or Made-in-P********** or just my imagination...
The bag is very roomy @ 27 litres, but due to the filmsy material it doesn't hold its shape very well. I suppose its the trade-off for using light-weight nylon.
I like the design though, but was just very surprised by the difference in quality between my other messengers and/or even when comparing my Q backpack...
I will still buy Timbuk2 in future, but not without handling it in future...Its a regret I have to rate it a 2-star...Don't get me wrong, Timbuk2 products are generally of 5-star quality.
Owner of 2 laptop messengers, 1 Q backpack, 1 Bi-fold wallet & 1 "light-weight" Bender......
I traveled around SE Asia for 6 weeks using this bag. It has quality craftsmanship and is lightweight. I bought it because it had (i) those straps on the outside that can hold an item outside the bag, and (ii) because it had a little pouch area where you could place a small laptop/ipad without it banging around.
The good:
1It is super lightweight and really can hold a lot. If you are using this as an overnight bag, you will be able to fit much.
2Quality craftsmanship. Whatever this material is, it stands up to everything I threw at it.
The bad:
1If you're using this as a day bag, it's inconvenient. It is missing small interior pockets. It has some, but they are so tight, that you really can't place much inside. The one outside is huge (as long as the bag), and this doesn't allow you to easily get at your sunglasses or ipod or whatever quickly.
2One of the worst parts of the bag is that if you are carrying something using the straps on the outside (in my case I carried a pair of scuba fins), you can't access the outside pocket as the fins (or skateboard or whatever) blocks this pocket.
3There is a small side pocket but it too is super tight and small and doesnt really suffice to hold anything of any size (and this includes a water bottle!). If they could just add a small, but usable, outside pocket, it would make this bag much better.
4The shoulder straps are uncomfortable. Once I had 7-8kg in the bag, they sort of cut into your shoulders. You just have to grin and bear it there is no way to adjust and no padding to assist.
5The straps on the outside are adjustable BUT they do have a limit. And sadly, the limit was reached for my fins. Also, the straps do not stay tight the come loose and require constant re-tightening or whatever you are holding in them falls out.
Its sad really, because this bag had such a great start. But it's like the person who created this bag didn't travel with it. When you add up all the small things, you realize it's not as usable as you'd like.
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I'm a full time student. I bought this to replace a Dakine Eve Women's Backpack that I used for a little over 2 years, 6 days a week until the lining starting peeling which almost drove me insane. Immediately I noticed this backpack made a huge difference on my back. It distributes the weight of what I carry (I drink lots of water)in a way that does not hurt my back. It holds everything (school and personal items), easily fitting my 14.1 HP laptop. I can't vouch for the durability since I've only been using it for a few weeks now but it seems well made. I would definitely recommend this product even though I haven't used it for long, I am very happy with this purchase.
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My daily bike ride to school is a 20 mile round trip through hot Houston humidity and this backpack has become my favorite companion. It sits perfectly on my back, keeps the sweat on my back to a minimum and easily holds everything I need for my classes and the gym. My favorite part are straps on the back, I use the top one to fasten my helmet securely to the pack and the bottom as a clothes line for my towel and riding gear. This will be my third purchase from Timbuk2 and I've been pleased with them all, the quality is fantastic.
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Overall, I'm satisfied with this. I take in on 15-20 mile bike rides each way to work (~40 mile round trip). Still get back sweat but not as bad as my old backpack, but aside from getting away from using a bag, I realize that will still be an issue.
The bag is a little long, though I'm only 5'6.
I like ithaven't tested it in the rain yet, but hopefully it keeps my stuff dry!
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At first, this thick neoprene sleeve would not fit my new Toshiba Satellite P205-S6337 17 inch laptop. After working with it, and stretching it for almost thirty minutes, I was able to get it in and zip it. The next day it was easy to remove the sleeve and MUCH easier to reinsert the laptop the second time around. I have not noticed any stitch breakage yet-and would recommend this item if you want a really snug fitting sleeve that won't allow any movement of the laptop inside.
