Ok, first of all, Backcountry.com has the best customer service on the Net. With that said they will always make things right even if you are disappointed.

So after ordering this bag 3 times and getting a bag that is not what is shown in the photo or confirmed via the phone or chat service they went above and beyond and accepted all the refunds per their guarantee. The problem is the photos show the bag with a shoulder strap pad which it does not come with and the tabs are not what are show either...they are the long reflective tabs that can be disconnected (but do not look very professional unless you are a bike messenger, which I am not). I really wanted the bag in the photo in size small but that seems to be a pipe dream at the moment. Do not totally blame Backcountry.com though....Timbuk2 is out of touch with its stock photos not to mention its inventory in general - the bags are also now made in China (as with everything else sold in the States these days). If you buy this bag in any color in size small or X-Small expecting a shoulder pad strap...expect to shell out $10-$15 extra when you have to ORDER it seperately either from Backcountry.com or Timbuk2.

Backcountry.com....what happened to changing your photos???????????????? That was supposed to happen more than 3 weeks ago...but alas the photos still are reflective of what you are NOT selling - so expect many more frustrated buyers.

i would recommend anything timbuk2 makes. i have a messenger bag. its indestructible well thought out and worth every penny. its the first time in years i actually got the quality i believe i paid for.

Wow. I would never have imagined how indispensable this bag would become before I bought it. I used to use a DaKine backpack for my bike commutes to work and for a briefcase when I needed it. It was OK - drawbacks included a sweaty back, difficult access during a ride, and poor shape/configuration for computer and file transport.
The Timbuk2 Commuter fixes all these issues - it hangs low and secure during rides (no sweaty back), provides access if needed, is super-durable and is waterproof enough for any weather. I recommend the Commuter model for its corduroy-lined, padded laptop pocket and carrying handle, and though this may be the case on classic models, the attention to detail made in this particular bag's numerous and varied pockets is really stellar - divider for laptop and files, phone pocket, (brightly colored!) key lanyard, etc, etc. Looks smart as a briefcase when used that way, as well.
My bag is only a few months old and is just getting broken in, but other reviewers say these bags last years. Seeing the quality of construction in mine, I have no doubt this will be the case.

I now own four of these bags. The small is just about right for the gym if you don't need to take shoes. It's water proof, and holds a six pack and sandwiches just fine. I have two mediums... one classic and one laptop. This is the size to get to carry just about anything. A complete change of clothes (including shoes... so you don't have to walk around in cleats) fits nicely.

Get the x-large and you can carry enough stuff for a weekend in the woods. Just don't think that it will be an easy ride with that much crap on your back.

Seriously, you can't go wrong with this bag. It'll last you forever.

I've had my Timbuk2 for 10 tears know. It's not quite as black as it used to be, but it is by far the best wearing bag I have ever owned. It gets used almost evrey day. It's a large, old style with the detactable reflectors (use a zip tie to keep from losing them over the long term). The bag has held my books, my computer, clothes for a weekend, 12 pack of beer, a pant load of jelly shots, other peoples important papers, a small dog, etc. It cleans up very easy in a front loading washing machine. Nothing has ever broke or frayed on the bag.

I have three of these bags XS, S and XL. I am sure that M and L will be added to my collection shortly. They are sturdy wonderful bags in great colors (and hello, the look matters people). It's true, they don't come with that padded strap that is shown in the picture, but it doesn't take away my "excellent" rating.

Overall great bag and perfect for what I needed. Fits my tablet from work + 2 books that I consistently use. Added the strap pad, would highly recommend. Does not come with small bag. Will be getting either medium or large for travel.

As a bike commuter this bag is great. Organization design specifically for bike accessories and the Medium size has been right-on for carrying day-to-day essentials. I also dig the reflectors, for keeping those pesky cars away.

This is a rock'n bag will use it all the time.

I love this bag for school, I do carry a lot of books and most are pretty heavy, I don't even notice the weight, plus it really is very water resistant, never had a paper get wet yet.

The x-small is a great small discrete bag for hauling around my rangefinder camera. The Domke 3 compartment padded insert fits inside perfectly and can carry my Contax G2, the 28mm, 45mm, 90mm lenses with hoods, filters and several rolls of film. For me it's the perfect rangefinder photo street bag.

Ok, this is for any serious cyclist ladies out there that are looking for a commuting bag on the bike: BIG HEADS UP ON THIS ONE: These bags were not designed for women (read: horribly uncomfortable chest strap. Expect serious boob crushage. No bueno, my friends, no bueno!) Also, I could not cinch the adjustment straps tight enough to keep the bag in place when going up steep hills (on flats, the bag pretty well stays in place). Otherwise, the durability and roominess of the pack is great. I use it as a day pack or gym bag, but I stick to the backpack for commuting.