Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag

This bag is amazing. I have not owned another messenger bag before and am switching from a swissgear ibex backpack. Though this does not protect a laptop as well as the swissgear (incredibly padded), that is not what this bag was designed for. The Timbuk2 Dlux large messenger bag looks, feels, and performs superbly. I can bike with the bag without feeling hindered or worried about the placement of it.Initially I was skeptical about the material and quality, but upon first inspection, I immediately changed that; the nylon is fantastically made, thick and sturdy, with a (weighty but) protective TPU lining.Pros:This bag is made with incredibly sturdy material. Significantly thicker and tougher than I had initially expected.It's enormous and fits everything that I need to lug around, including a few grocery runs.This bag looks amazing. I have had several compliments from various people.Easy access to the goods inside.The weight feels more distributed than I expected.There are a good number of small pockets that are incredibly useful.Cons:There are not as many dividers for management (there is one behind the laptop sleeve, but the bottom connects to the main pocket under the sleeve, though I understand that it allows better protection for the laptop. This is a very minor complaint as I am used to a backpack with multiple medium sized pockets for organization)Size: for some people, this bag may simply be too huge. I prefer a massive bag to tote around all my essentials, especially whilst travelling. (I got the large)The weight might be excessive for certain people, though I find it to be fine.What I would change:I would add one or two medium sized pockets, possibly above the water resistant tpu lining.Lighter maybe? Though I feel it might take away from the strength and durability.19/M/student, have owned this bag for 1 yearEDIT: after using this bag for a while longer, I standby what I said about study construction- I have taken a few major falls onto my messenger and, though scratched up, has no holes, with my laptop inside, which escaped unscathed, though a metal waterbottle resting in the main compartment did get dinged up. Unfortunately one of the buckles (sternum strap, which I use incredibly frequently) is partly broken, though it still works. A minor complaint that I have with this bag is actually with the readjusting strap; on a few occasions, I have accidentally nudged it and the quick release buckle that shortens the length has come loose. I do wish they had a waterbottle holster and a method in which to compress the (bottom of the) bag (I think the custom order bags allow for this feature).EDIT: I sent Timbuk2 a quick email about a replacement buckle and their customer support was fantastic, quick, and very friendly. I got replacement buckles soon after.

I looked at all of the competition and this bag fit the bill the best, but there are a few details which could make this bag much better. I was looking for an all-around bag that would be a bombproof commuter, yet refined enough that it's not unwieldy on a crowded metro and I don't look like a bike messenger when I walk into a law firm. I'd guess you're already familiar with the pluses so here are my gripes (maybe I'm just a cup half-empty kind of guy).1) It's not actually all that big. I like the width (strap to strap) but it would be much more functional if were just a couple of inches deeper (top to bottom) without sacrificing any convenience. 2) the front flap is too short to cover the pockets when it's stuffed. Again, another couple inches would've made a world of difference. 3) the plethora of pockets on the front are not very functional because they don't expand, yet share the same space, being stacked on top of eachother, meaning, if you fill the middle pocket, nothing will fit behind it or in front. I end up only using one of them. That goes for the napoleon pocket too. 4) the adjustable buckle digs into my ribs pretty bad when cinched up for riding. Wish it had some sort of soft backing. 5) NO EXTERNAL POCKETS!!!! the outer zipper lets you in kind of like an external pocket but kind of cumbersome and not very functional. Seriously, this is a no-brainer and most of the competition offers them. 6) no external bottle holder. Got a drink you want to bring along? Better toss it into your bag next to your iPad... again, Timbuk2, WHY YOU NO!? 7) no compression straps. I really wish I were able to reduce the volume when not full. 7) shoulder strap is not very plush and easily slides off. I get a decent ache when fully loaded (~20 Lbs) after about 10 minutes. Going to try out the Delux strap replacement soon.All that said, I would definitely buy this bag again. The infrastructure is extremely solid, internal rubber lining is very thick & well fitted, laptop sleeve is great and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE having a sternum strap (an important feature that seems to get glossed-over in the description and reviews) for spirited city cycling.