Bag Review - Timbuk2 Especial Messenger

Today's long overdue review is on the fantastic Timbuk2 Especial Messenger. There are not a ton of reviews of this bag out there, so I thought I'd help the community out. This bag was purchased by myself and not a review sample.
To be honest, after a month and a half of use, this messenger has replaced my Flapjack as my preferred EDC bag. Despite the lack of internal organization, key lanyard and overall higher price, this bag has won me over. If you see me out and about with a bag on my shoulder, it'll probably be this one.
Malama Pono!

[@bobsyeruncle5545]

Fantastic review. Bought this bag because of it and loving it so far on my daily commute. Thank you.

[@adriantait3525]

Thanks for taking the time. Great review. I would love to see the Medio Especial backpack review when you can!!

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

Can do! As soon as my day job settles down it is first up!

[@rorigillmore141]

cant believe their only bag with stabilizer strap has been discontinued haha guess i have to go for something else

[@didierpetre4490]

I always wonder about the real use of such very or too big bags. If they are completely full (water bottle, laptop and big books included), they become impossible to carry more than 30 minutes on one shoulder. In addition, there are too few pen holders or inside pockets, forcing you to buy even more divisions and pouches.

[@maaanuel87]

Ever since buying a bag with fidlock buckles I have hated the duraflex buckles on my Timbuk2 Classic Messenger. I think I might have to buy the Especial. Really enjoyed your video review. Keep the videos coming! :)

[@halimfrancis5841]

*I'm an amateur rider, and **Latest.Bike** performed as expected. It was easy to assemble and adjust, and I like the grip-shift. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase.*

[@user-sm7kr8ok2m]

that was a nice review! really helpful. but it seems Timbuk got rid of the rear zip access. cant understand why. seemed like a really nice feature

[@ukaszwyrozumski505]

nice review. thank You.

[@1975DAW]

Great item to have in our weekender horse trailer!

[@NaMeiner1]

Did you notice that the front compartment of the bag is divided by velcro?

[@willemjohannes9007]

You touched on this a little bit, but how does it feel on your back, comfort-wise? How long is it sitting on your back during a commute and how does it feel by the time you arrive?

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

Great Question! With about 10-15 pounds it isn't that noticeable after my commute. It carries weight well, ALMOST like a backpack. The strap is well designed and the whole back panel curves a bit to provide a bit more stability. Because this is a large, I do notice its size over a smaller bag. I really noticed its size when I used it in Disneyland earlier this year. Packed queues pushed my ability to move around. If you are regularly in a crowded public place and don't need the extra capacity, definitely go with the medium.

[@717filmsmasuno]

Hi man! How does it work for everyday cycling? I think the storage and distribution aregreat, but is the bag comfortable for commuting?

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

It works just fine. Just load it smart. To be fair most of my use with it has been on a motorcycle, not a bike. The strap is well designed and the stabilizer strap works as expected. Keeps everything in place when you are getting buffeted by wind from big trucks so I'd guess it would hold up to the back and forth motion of cycling. I hope this answers your question.

[@jonasvm]

what do you think of the new timbuk2 especial stash?

[@sandriacrittendon4947]

Can the median size bag carry a 15.6 in the laptop section?

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

I had the medium for a bit but returned it because it was a bit small for my needs. It fit a 13" MBP in the sleeve but I do not think a 15" or larger would fit unless it was loose in the main compartment. The large size would definitely fit a laptop like you mention.

[@sandriacrittendon4947]

Thank you.

[@groupnakub]

13 it fine 15.6 i think it can not

[@kash7212]

Where can I buy this bag as I don’t see this particular bag style at Timbuktu 2

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

This is a discontinued model. Timbuk2 seems to want to make fashionable bags these days, rather than workhorse gear. Unfortunately your best bet is either the used market or finding a vendor that has "new old stock" available. I just took a peek on Offerup and there are some available.

[@kash7212]

@@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591 I guess I am ok coz I really like this bag .

[@ovDarkness]

Why do you buy 35l courier bag, when you cary basically nothing in it? My Helikon Messenger Large weighs in over 9kgs with my office laptop (14" Thinkpad), and about 11kgs with my 15" Dell Precision.

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

Good question, thanks! One of the things I like about this bag is it doesn't "feel" like a 35 liter bag when it is empty. However, when I'm on my way home on my motorcycle and have to pick up a few items from the store (no saddlebags on the bike) I have plenty of room to store them. I have gotten over the "if it holds X amount of stuff I'm gonna fill it up" part of EDC.

[@pinchemark]

Is this the large or medium sized version?

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

This is the large size. I had a medium size for a bit but it was a bit too small for my daily carry and use.

[@fromyorkshire]

@@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591 In the UK, the Medium is for a 15" laptop and the Large is 17". Is your version a 17" laptop version? (you say 15 in the video, but you also say Large). I have a 15" MacBook Pro, wondering if the Large will be too big for me. Great video review, thanks.

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

@@fromyorkshire The large will accommodate a 17" laptop but I've never had a device to verify it. Sorry if I caused any confusion. I'm using a 13" MBP these days so the sleeve is hilariously large.

[@fromyorkshire]

@@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591 No worries, thanks for the reply. I've ordered the Large (17") myself. I have a 15.4" MBP, I reckon the extra space will be good for storing my coat, cables, books and whatnot. I hope its the right one since returning it to the store overseas will be expensive! :)

[@groupnakub]

This bag weak point is rubber coating start to crack

[@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591]

How long have you been using the bag before it started to crack? Mine is still holding up great.

[@hungheykwun]

@@perfectlyaverageeverydayca6591 mine cracked as well. about 2 years

[@freediverx]

Wouldn't Timbuk2's lifetime warranty cover that? I suppose it boils down to whether they'd consider it normal wear and tear and/or whether it affected the bag's weather resistance. "Damages not covered are those resulting from abuse, normal wear and tear, accidential damage, and cosmetic damages that do not affect the functionality of the bag (such as scratches or stained fabrics)."

[@freediverx]

The latest version of this bag no longer sports that access zipper along the top/back (among other design refinements). timbuk2-messenger-especial-stash-messenger-bag-jet-black_4620-4-6114_front-Timbuk2-ffff8181010181ff-1989_720x.progressive.jpg Perhaps Timbuk2 viewed it as a weak point in the bag's water-resistance? Curious if you'e ever been caught in a big rain storm while wearing yours and whether you experienced any water leakage from that top zipper...

[@biakhui5580]

The side zipper on vertical pockets- very stupid! Once you forget to close it, you gonna loose everything while cycling.