I added a 3rd Timbuk2 messenger bag to my collection for our trip to Spain. Messenger bags work great, but anything over 5 pounds for more than 4 hours gets very tiresome slung across your shoulder and chest. With all their big-box retailer offerings and fashion bags, I thought that Timbuk2 had lost itself along the way from a Hippie messenger shop to a corporate, sellout making poseur bags.
Their Pro Series reminded me of exactly why I bought my first Timbuk2 bag, way back in the day; it’s tough, durable, well-designed, well made, and has plenty of pockets. The tri-color one in the photo is the first and was a shop sampler at Alki Bike and Board that showed all the custom colors you could order. I think I paid like a case of beer for it or something. Later, I got the small pork-chop “man purse” and it used to carry around a Handspring.
A couple years ago, I starting traveling a lot and got the black and gray “business” bag. The business bag works very well when perched atop roller luggage and it’s very functional to take to meetings and later remove the laptop sleeve for a ride.
In Spain, we’re traveling as light as possible with the bikes and I’m going to have my laptop with me. I opted for the Pro Series Messenger Backpack to get the weight up on my shoulders more comfortably and organize myself with all the pockets! Fixed Gear Gallery reviewed the backpack ealier this year. I modified mine by adding a pad to the compression strap Timbuk2 supplies for extra-capacity. I can throw it over my shoulder for another bag position and when I need to get into the bag frequently. I also added pouches for my cell phone and camera
As Timbuk2 says, the Pro Series line was designed by a bike messenger and it shows. The bag is proudly made in San Fran. Finally, there’s no losing me in a Barcelona crowd with that orange reflective strip.
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