Clothing

Outdoor Gear

Best Sellers

Average Reviews Community Rating | 19 Reviews

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - 2008 BCS

Available Colors / Styles

Classic Messenger Bag
Uploaded By:
Was this helpful?
Flag This Close

Originally designed for hard-working urban bike messengers, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag features a durable and iconic construction that has become an everyday, all-purpose bag for bikers, student, and working stiffs alike. Store your small items in the internal organizer pockets, and keep your books, documents, or packages safe and dry in the waterproof, vinyl-lined main compartment. The quick-adjust cam buckle and buckled cross strap (not available on XS) secure the bag whether you're riding through traffic or sprinting to catch the train. Reflective tails keep you visible when dodging angry commuters in large SUV's. The Covert option features a large reflective center panel for increased visibility.

Bottom Line: The original messenger-style commuter bag.

Talk shop with all the gear freaks out there: ask 'em questions, upload/browse photos, and give your 2¢.

Hi, throw your review on the Product Wall to show your Gear-telligence.
Hi, got a question? Ask on the Product Wall.
Rating for this product: 4

Everything, plus the kitchen sink

By:
July 16, 2010

If you need a bag that has a vast amount of space and it waterproof, I would suggest getting the size large classic messenger bag. When running around down town, I have fit paperbox size boxes in to this, albeit not with the lid closed, but still was able to get around. As for the waterproofness, nothing will get in (although if it is crammed with a lot of things there will be small gaps on the sides by the lid that can allow water in), or out; I had a nalgne bottle leak on the inside soaking the contents, but not one drop escaped to get me wet while riding. Overall a great messenger bag for the price.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 4

Great Bag!

By:
January 4, 2010

I went out on a limb purchasing this "man purse", but it was a good deal and I don't regret it. My wife teases me when I use it but it is perfect! It holds my laptop and anything else I need for long flights and just kickin' it. It has tons of powerfull velcro to hold the flap shut, it will even stay shut with out the clasps!

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

1 Comment Last Comment: April 27, 2010 by:

By:
April 27, 2010

tell her it will last longer and be more useful than any of her purses :P

Flag

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

How big is a XS bag? How much can one fit in it?

How big is a XS bag? How much can one fit in it?

By:
December 17, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Great for a netbook (or the new iPad!). Good for paperwork, awesome for travel, not bad for the gym.

By:
February 2, 2010

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

The exterior dimensions listed work out to about 570 cubic inches, so the interior space is probably around 450 cubic inches (~7 L). In other words it's roughly the size of a medium purse. You could probably fit a pair of sneakers and some clothes in it.

By:
December 18, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Great Bag

By:
December 10, 2009

This is an awesome bag, built like it will last forever. It is more expensive than most, but definitely worth every penny. I have the medium, and has plenty of room for my 13" laptop along with books and binders for class. The flap is seriously watertight, with four velcro strips and two buckles, it keeps out the worst Oregon has to offer. I highly recommend purchasing one of your own

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Timbuk2 = Messenger Bag Gods

By:
April 27, 2010

I have the medium laptop version of this bag, and just ordered a XL and have yet to find one fault in it. The waterproof liner is great, especially when I'm transporting my artwork to class. The ballistic nylon is seem to be exactly the same stuff that I have on some paintball and mtb pants and I put those through a lot more punishment than the bag and no rips yet :D I bike a TON and the cross strap works wonders for stabilizing the bag. Plan on getting some a clickelite insert for the XL for my "sneaky" photojournalist bag.Also the canvas messenger bags, and the custom option for them is a blast. Friend had one and you can even draw on it with pencil, erase it and repeat. Lots of fun for teh art types out there

Oh yes and all you people who wonder if these bags are overpriced...you are paying for quality. I still see original 1992 bags in use.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

I own a Mac Book Pro 17", will this bag hold my laptop in

I own a Mac Book Pro 17", will this bag hold my laptop in the designated puddled area?

By:
September 6, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

This bag will hold your 17"er only in the Large or XL versions. Plenty o' room in either of those, but not enough in the Med. or smaller sizes. Enjoy the ride!!!

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
February 3, 2010

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

No problem, it would fit even if your laptop is in a protective sleeve

By:
January 1, 2010

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

I have a large and a 17" laptop would fit easily

By:
October 24, 2009

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

Classic XL Bag

By:
December 27, 2009

The bag is so big that I can carry my 4 year old in here and my 2 years old, however I didn't want to lift it up with that much weight because I didn't know if I could handle that weight, even though the bag could.

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag Zoom

1 Comment Last Comment: December 27, 2009 by:

By:
December 27, 2009

I bought this bag to simply carry a lot of stuff while riding my bike to work. I can easily get all my stuff in here and don't ever have to worry about running out of room! I love this bag and bought it in two sizes, one for me and one for my wife who uses hers to carry a lot of stuff for work. The bag doesn' have a lot of pockets or compartments for different things, however the one pocket on the inside is large enough to carry magazines and there is a another pocket that can hold a wallet or something else around that size. This bag also has two outter pockets that can hold keys or anything needed quickly while the bag is on. Great Bag for carrying stuff and getting around!

Flag

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Rating for this product: 5

Best Bag Ever

By:
December 1, 2008

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Long Time Friend

By:
November 24, 2008

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

so im a little confused im looking at ordering the large bag,

so im a little confused im looking at ordering the large bag, will it come with the shoulder strap is it just the small and xs that do not come with it?

By:
July 20, 2009

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

All sizes come with the shoulder strap!! Enjoy!

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
February 3, 2010

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Yes, you will get a shoulder strap with the large bag. I ordered a medium sized bag and got a wonderful strap with mine as well. I believe the S and XS sizes will NOT come with one, but the M and L sizes will. Hope you enjoy your bag!

By:
November 14, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 4

Great bag

By: Backcountry.com Employee
June 29, 2011

Still using it 3 years later. I am a fan of this product!

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Love this bag!

By:
January 9, 2010

I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he absolutely loves it! The craftsmanship is top-notch -- the navy on blue is so rich and versatile. We went back and forth on which size to get. Fearing the medium might be too big, we bought this. This one is too small for him to carry anything else if he carries his 14" laptop in its sleeve, but the perfect size for his Kindle, a light jacket, and his various other doodads. We love the brand and are shopping for a wardrobe of these bags. I even want one!

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

What size is good for a 17inch laptop?And does it come with the

What size is good for a 17inch laptop?And does it come with the internal padded laptop sleeve like the Timbuk2 Commute?

By:
January 4, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

The "Classic Messenger" does NOT have a laptop pocket, only the "Laptop Messenger" and "Commute Messenger" have an internal laptop sleeve. You can check them out at:

http://www.backcountry.com/store/TBK0062/Timbuk2-Laptop-Messenger-Bag.html
and
http://www.backcountry.com/store/TBK0063/Timbuk2-Commute-Messenger-Bag.html

Size L, fits most laptops 17" and smaller.

By: Backcountry.com Employee
April 16, 2009

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 4

Great bag

By:
January 12, 2010

Strong and easy to carry. Just the right size to fit what I need.

Highly recommended.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag

By:
December 9, 2008

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.

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

I have a 15 inch lab top which one would be the best size to

I have a 15 inch lab top which one would be the best size to buy?

By:
November 28, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Timbuk2 also sells laptop specific gear. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that BC has it...

By:
April 9, 2009

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

A 15 inch will fit in the medium. If you have a pad that you will be using with the laptop (to protect it a little better) I would go with the large. My wife has a medium and I have a large. I've found that I never have enough room for more than 1 medium size textbook and the laptop with the medium size bag. I almost always grab the large in case I need to stop at the store or stash more stuff.

By:
November 28, 2008

Was this helpful? (1) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 2

Do not trust the photo

By:
November 9, 2008

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.

Was this helpful? (5) (1)

Flag

1 Comment Last Comment: April 27, 2010 by:

By:
April 27, 2010

So you are going to spend money online without looking at the description of the item and just going by the picture? I'm sorry but that is a incredibly stupid reason to write this review.

Flag

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Rating for this product: 5

great stuff

By:
May 25, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Does the small size come with a should pad?

Does the small size come with a should pad?

By:
November 22, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

The tech specs say, "Shoulder Strap: Yes" Tech specs say that...BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED. Call them up and have someone yank it from the store room. SMALLS DO NOT COME WITH STRAPS!

By:
November 27, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Best all around bag you'll ever need

By:
May 6, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 4

Good School Bag

By:
April 7, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Are the pictures ever going to be changed to reflect the true

Are the pictures ever going to be changed to reflect the true item?

By:
November 11, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Correct - these are the same exact pics as Timbuk2's website...Timbuk2 also misadvertises on their website too. If you call them or email them they state that the pics show the bag detail (for all sizes) but the shoulder straps do not come with the X-SMALL or SMALL.

By:
November 27, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

TimBuk2 Small

By:
December 29, 2008

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Sweet bag

By:
November 12, 2008

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

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

whats the volume of the extra large?

whats the volume of the extra large?

By:
August 9, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

The extra large bag has a TPRCV of 20.What is TPRCV you ask?The geniuses at Timbuk2 explain it best:We know you don't have time to buy the wrong size bag. We also know you're imaginative and visually oriented problem solvers living in a three dimensional world where toilet paper is routinely available.Soft, stackable and building block-like, toilet paper rolls can be easily arranged to simulate the internal dimensions of any bag.Working in tandem with our R&D department, our marketing team recently completed an assessment of each bag. We have identified, down to the roll, the maximum capacity for each bag we tested. The resulting TPRCV (Toilet Paper Roll Capacity Value) can be used in a simple, at-home comparison of corresponding stacks of TPR, helping you make an informed decision about what size bag best suits your purposes.You will need a flat, level surface, a maximum of twenty-one toilet paper rolls (TPRs), your imagination, and your design and rendering skills.For best results, use two-ply.

By:
August 9, 2008

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 5

Timbuk2 X-Small

By:
January 4, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 4

Bike Bag

By: Backcountry.com Employee
May 19, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Flag

Rating for this product: 3

Heads up, ladies!

By:
February 11, 2009

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.

Was this helpful? (0) (1)

Flag

1 Comment Last Comment: April 27, 2010 by:

By:
April 27, 2010

use the cross strap also...but I think that would also result in mammary crushing :/

Flag

Was this helpful? (0) (0)

Change me.

Out of Stock

Item: TBK0057

2008 Model No Longer Available

But don't stress, we have the latest model in stock.

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Research other out-of-stock versions:

Everything, plus the kitchen sink

4 star rating

By: Ronnie Ray-Gun July 16, 2010

If you need a bag that has a vast amount of space and it waterproof, I would suggest getting the size large classic messenger bag. When running around more...

Great Bag!

4 star rating

By: Matthew Rocchio January 4, 2010

I went out on a limb purchasing this "man purse", but it was a good deal and I don't regret it. My wife teases me when I use it but it is more...

Add this to my Wish List  
This product has been added to XX List
Material:
Ballistics nylon, Matrix 
Bag Dimensions:
[XS] 12.8 x 5.25 x 8.5in (32.4 x 21.6 x 13.3cm); [S]14.5 x 9.75 x 5.25in (36.8 x 24.75 x 13.3cm); [M] 18.75 x 10.5 x 7.75in (47.6 x 26.7 x 20cm); [L] 22.5 x 12.5 x 8.5in (57 x 32 x 21.6cm); [XL] 26.25 x 14 x 9in (66.7 x 35.5 x 23cm) 
Shoulder Strap:
Yes 
Access Types:
Top 
Pockets:
[External] 1 front; [Internal] 3 organizer 
Weight:
[XS] 1lb (450g); [S] 1lb 13oz (820g); [M] 2lb 1oz (950g); [L] 2lb 5oz (1040g); [XL]3lb 1oz (1430g) 
Recommended Use:
Commuting, travel, school 
Manufacturer Warranty:
Lifetime 
Country of Origin:
China