I just got this bag in the mail today so this is just an initial review until its been tried and tested some more. My first impression is that it is a durable backpack. It easily fits my rather large 15x10 inch laptop in a nice padded velvet pocket. In fact I really see no need to put an extra case around your laptop when you have it in this pack. Even with my laptop it still has plenty of room to spare. I can easily fit three days worth of clothes and bathroom supplies in the bag with the laptop (I'm a male by the way haha).
Pros:
1. Durable
2. Great laptop compartment
3. Light
4. Fits well on shoulders
Cons:
1. Price (a little on the expensive side)
2. Color (I ordered the blue and black, and the blue is definitely a more navy/dark blue than the one in the picture)
3. Does not have a sternum strap (I think one would add a lot to the bag)
Note: I am 5'8" and the bag fits me well. However, I would not recommend it to anyone much shorter than 5'8" because its a relatively tall backpack.
Overall its a sound replacement to my old backpack. Its a little bit on the expensive side, but I'd recommend the bag.
This is a nice backpack for bicycle commuters. The pack is taller than most, but also thinner and less deep. That keeps it from shifting around on your back as you bike. A sternum or waist strap would help even more, so I'm knocking off one star for not including either. I suppose you could buy a sternum strap separately.
Note that this pack is not deep enough to hold a ton of school books, but you probably would not want to bike with that load anyway. I'm average height and on the skinny side and this pack fits me well. If you're a shorter guy or average sized woman, this pack may be too tall for you.
The laptop pocket is nicely padded and has a separate zipper access on the side (a nice feature). The Amazon description says the pack fits 17 inch laptops, but Timbuk2 hang tag advertises 15 inches. I suppose some larger laptops will fit, but some won't.
The U-lock pocket on the side of the pack is a real nice feature. It holds pretty securely, but an extra tie down strap would be nice. The pocket is also deep enough to hold a large bicycle water bottle.
Yes, the MSRP price is extremely high and it is not worth that price. However, since this pack has been discontinued, you should be able to buy it for less than half price, which is reasonable for a high quality pack that you use every day.
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I've been a big fan of Timbuk2 bags. I have the medium Classic, and the large-sized Commute 2.0 messenger bags. They both still serve me well to this day. They're rather large for the amount of stuff I carry to work nowadays, so I was looking for something more compact, and the PROOF Backpack is just perfect for that.
As with all Timbuk2 bags, this one is well designed from its fit & comfort, to the well laid out compartments, and the overall quality.
The PROOF Backpack is a slightly tall bag, but not so tall that you look like you're about to climb Mt. Everest with it. I'm 5'10", and it fits me just right. When adjusting the shoulder straps to my liking, it sits high on my back, but I don't really mind that.
It's a pretty good looking backpack too. I have the black/gunmetal color, and it's not gaudy or obnoxious, nor is it plain and dull. I can comfortably wear it to the office, without worrying that I look like an overgrown elementary school student.
I love that the PROOF Backpack is very sleek and compact, meaning it doesn't bulge out that much at all. I don't have to worry about bumping into fellow bus/subway commuters behind me while wearing it. That said, don't expect to carry a ton of stuff in this bag.
I usually carry the following items in this backpack:
1) 13" MacBook Air in its neoprene sleeve (the laptop compartment can easily store a 17" laptop)
2) 10" tablet
3) laptop/phone/tablet chargers
4) mouse
5) portable hard drive
6) Xbox 360 controller
7) sunglasses w/ case
8) compact umbrella
9) water bottle on the side
It would be great if the PROOF Backpack had a sternum strap for added stability; but who really goes hiking or climbing with a 17" laptop? Although, this bag is designed for bicycling, so yeah, it would come in handy for that.
Lastly, like most other Timbuk2 bags, the PROOF is a little pricey, but totally worth the price for its overall quality and design. I was very happy to find this on sale on Amazon just recently.
Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 Proof Backpack Here
The item is better than itself seen on the pic, the quality seems real good and the color is brighter.
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quality wise this is a great backpack, and i love the laptop compartment as it is its own separate compartment rather than a pocket. This keeps the laptop flush on your back and more comfy then it moving around inside. also very durable and and great in all weather conditions. very ergonomic too
i give it 3 stars though because it is too tall... when you ride a road bike and get low on the drop bars, when you tilt your head up my helmet hits the top of the pack. no biggie for short rides and probably won't happen on a mountain bike or hybrid where your stance is less bent over, but after a 55 mile ride my neck hurt from the additional pressure i was putting to keep my head up.
i now use this for travelling tho and it is great for that... but for biking i now have something else.
The laundry bag my mom made for me is in its final lap after over 10 years of use, so I decided to get a new one. This one is functional. However, some grommets would help as the string is fraying the openings. The strap is way too long, and just after 2 uses, I see those seams starting to be compromised a little. For the record, I don't overload the bag. The material itself is a nice quality, and heavier than I expected. But a shorter strap, perhaps a bit wider, with more reinforcement, would make the carrying less awkward. But like I said, it's functional.
