Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Forge Tote

As it appeared that most of the reviews were from those who had received the bag for free, I thought I'd write a review. Overall, the bag is as expected from Timbuk2, well made and functional. It is a roll-top, which is probably more fluff than it's worth, but it's not a big deal, and the retaining straps work well. There is plenty of space inside for a pair of (my giant) shoes and a change of clothes, as well as fitting papers and a laptop. As a backpack, it's not the best. The shape of the bag makes it an inefficient backpack with poor weight distribution - either the straps are too short, placing it awkwardly high (yes, I know about upper weight distro., this distributes it badly and it looks silly), or the straps are too long, making them drag on the ground if used as a tote. The backpack straps are good quality, but, like the tote bag handles, rather flimsy. I expected more. Not particularly comfortable as a backpack, and I find myself putting the tote bag handles over one shoulder rather than using the backpack straps. It's more stable that way. The backpack straps are not removable, and you can't tuck them away. I'll likely remove them with scissors, leaving me wondering why I simply didn't buy a tote bag. The color is fine, with a random pink element on the zipper I could do without. The pockets are overall good. The side pockets, which I assume for water bottles, sunglasses, etc., aren't the best, as they don't really extend to the bottom of the bag, leaving bottles easily leveraged out. A same-color retainer strap or place to put a carabiner (like the element used to place a bike light on their messenger bags) would have been subtle and useful. The laptop access pocket is nice, as is the hidden pocket on the back. The front pockets framing the main front pocket are fairly useless, except maybe for pens, while the front main pockets are good. As a bonus, it fits well in the CitiBike front rack. Overall, like all Timbuk2 bags, it's a good, solid bag

It’s ok. I love the tote-as-backpack style, the security of the rollup top with buckles, the back pocket that enables quick laptop access, and the front and side pockets. However, the small side pocket meant for a cell phone is too small for my iPhone 7 Plus. Also, the backpack carry straps are quite thin - they dug into my shoulders, causing strain. I bought padded strap attachments on Amazon to mitigate this. Lower quality than I’m used to from Timbuk2. I wish I’d bought the Lululemon version, which is much higher quality.

I struggled between choosing 2 or 3 stars for this bag. At the end of the day it works as a backpack so I went with 3 stars. Grudgingly. It absolutely does not work well as a tote. The drop length on the tote straps on my bag is 8 1/2 inches. Compare that with the strap lengths you have on other totes you use before buying this one. Every other strap on this bag is adjustable. It's a bit mind-boggling that they didn't think to make the tote straps adjustable as well. I will use this bag as a backpack and keep my eye out for a better solution in the future. I wanted to love this bag but just can't. I also reached out to Timbuk2 customer service with questions and they never replied to me.

I love this bag! It rides well on my back when riding my bike and being able to use it as an open top tote works nicely. Since I only carry an iPad, keyboard, and journal in the inside pocket, I'm planning to Velcro closed the top so that the pocket lays flat against the back rather than flopping loosely. The side pocket works perfect for access to the pocket and it can still be opened from the inside if need be.

It is a perfect bag. I love the style, the color, and more than anything the 2 modes: - tote bag/gymback - computer bagpack

This beautiful bag Im wearing for all type of purposes and l really love it

comfortable and cute! Im used to taking a tote to work everyday and needed a new one so this was the perfect purchase! Love that it's multi-purpose!

The Timbuk2 Forge Tote combines the best aspects of a tote bag, with the handsfree convenience of a backpack. I love the shape, design and the well-thought out pocket placement. There's a nice pocket for a laptop or tablet - and one that fits a large smartphone. The flap that covers the top seemed a bit cumbersome at first, yet it prevents one of the most concerning aspects of wearing a backpack - it would not be easy for anyone to access it without the wearer realizing it. I love the depth and the colors. The two water bottle pockets will snugly hold my big hydration bottles. I also like having two - as I use one for my sunglass case. The one change I would make to the tote/backpack is to add padding to the straps - the totebag strap AND the backpack straps could benefit from additional cushioning - yet what is on the backpack straps is probably enough for most users.

Simple yet genius design. Nice hybrid tote backpack. I was surprised that it really stayed on my shoulder well when carrying as a tote, although I doubt I would carry it that way for any length of time. When I used it as a backpack, the padded straps and padded laptop compartment made for a comfy fit. Slimmer than a typical backpack and fit my 13" MacBook Pro perfectly. I love the easy to wipe down fabric. Spilled some coffee on the morning commute which wiped right off. Great for commuting on metro as it doesn't bulk up so less bumping into fellow commuters on a busy train. Slim profile even when packed.. Holds a good bit of gear for a workday. Was able to keep my water bottle on one side and an umbrella on the other side. Super versatile bag. Good zippers. No snagging. Wide mouth opening allows for cramming plenty of stuff for a weekend away although I primarily use the nifty side zipper to grab my laptop. Hard to see online but there are some nice organization pockets inside as well for pens as well as some other useful pockets on the outside. It's a gem!

Nice bag and love the color. I like how it is versatile. I can use it as a tote or a back pack. It is great that I can put my coffee thermos in one outside pocket and my water bottle in the other. I do wish it had more pockets on the inside.

Received this bag just in time for vacation - Used it as my hand carry on my trip to California - it was the perfect size for under the seat and it held all my necessities for my trip. Once on vacation, I used it as a beach bag/tote. And now that I'm back home, I'm not using it everyday for my classes - it's a good size for carrying the books and supplies I need and it even has a section for holding my laptop or tablet. I was very pleased with this bag, it even came in my favorite color - blue. The only thing I didn't like was that the tote straps were not adjustable, so it was a bit uncomfortable holding it as a tote bag. But I do like how you can carry it as a tote/shoulder bag or as a backpack. Would definitely recommend this to others to purchase.

This thing is awesome!! As usual with Timbuk2 it's built tough and will last you a really long time. These bags can take a beating!

I've been using this tote on a daily basis for about a week and a half doing everything with it from regular errands to day trips out. What I like about the bag is how versatile it is with plenty of pockets and the ability to carry it by the handles on top or toss it onto your back with the backpack straps. Having a roll down top opening really helps with being able to fit a ton of stuff into the bag without having to try and force everything down into it to close the top. The side zipper is very nice if you need to grab something out of the main compartment. There are two front pockets that I really like, the zippered pocket is perfect for my phone and the other is nice just to drop your sunglasses down into. the bag does have two side pockets that don't have any stretch to them and are a little too small to fit a water bottle, that's the only problem I have been able to find with the bag. There is a small zip pocket on the side of the bag that's about 4"X4" that I still have not found a use for, cash or credit cards maybe? Getting into quality with this tote, it's a very sturdy bag, the canvas is pretty thick without being to stiff to flex around. The zippers are the big toothed plastic type that I've never had a problem with, so that will be nice not having to worry about them becoming miss aligned or come off track. The buckles are very high quality, I've given a few really good tugs on them while they were snapped closed and they have no give to them. The stiches are very strong and well reinforced on the straps and closures I would recommend this bag to anyone that needs a medium sized high quality tote. Great for errands, trips to the beach even at the office it would fit right in. Although I haven't travelled with the bag yet I feel like it would be a fantastic carry on. With another Baby on the way I'm looking forward to ditching the diaper bag and using this for baby and I especially being able to strap it to my back and forget about

This bag is amazing... It's big enough to hold my 17 inch laptop. I love the dual form factor, I can use it as a tote, or run around with it as a backpack (which is great for traveling.) We use this bag all the time on weekends, for heading out to pool parties... it has so many pockets for everything and it's so big you can stuff it with bluetooth speaker, a bottle of wine, 2 towels and swimsuits. I think I have finally found the perfect bag I have been looking for (I have like 6 different messenger bags looking for the perfect one.)

This bag is great. I love that I have the option to use it either as a tote or as a backpack. There is literally a pocket for everything, you wouldn't believe how much the bag can hold. I've been using the bag as a work bag, but it would also be great for travel/camping. Highly recommend!

Great material that is very well sewn together, strong double stitching and very fashionable. I love how many pockets there are and I love the option of wearing it as a backpack or as a tote. I think if you shorten the tote handles then it could also look like a brief case. So much room, I was able to fit a PS4 all the cords and remotes in it, awesome roominess. Very comfortable straps as well, no digging into my hands or shoulders. Overall a great well designed and we'll built product, I can see this being my new favorite bag. Happy to see the durability in this bag, I don't have to worry about it ripping and snagging like some others do. I think I'll get a lot of use from it and I'll have it for a long while.

This backpack is the absolute best, I take the bag to work daily and this is now a staple in my daily life. It can fit so much in it. I also love the amount of pockets. I feel safe that nothing will fall out as I'm waking around. The days that I bring my tablet to work I have it in the back pocket to stay protected.

I adore everything about the Timbuk2 Forge Tote bag! First of all it's sturdy. The fabric feels similar to a canvas type material. Next it's adjustable in 2 very cool ways. It can either be used folded down as a shoulder bag or expanded out to its full capacity size to transport larger and heavier items as well. What I love is that it also converts quickly to a backpack because it has two straps! More good things about this tote bag are that it has pockets, pockets galore! They're of various sizes and styles. I have used my bag twice so far and haven't needed my purse at all...YAY! All of your stuff fits in it! It's perfect for when you're on the go, carrying various items and needing a sturdy yet lightweight bag. I highly recommend it for both personal and business use.

I use it for work everyday, carrying a laptop, lunch, and iPad in the bag. I walk 20 minutes each way to and from work. It has been a great bag to use, with an awesome side zipper for easy access. The straps are comfy, as I wear it like a backpack most often.

I use this bag everyday for school and running errands. It's so versatile.

The forge tote, is the best tote I have ever used. I able to store my 12 inch laptop, books, lunch, water bottle, chargers, and my ipad. I even was able to use it as an overnight night bag as well. The tote is very sturdy and lightweight. It also has padding to to protect your laptop. The cool thing about the forge tote is that you can use it as a backpack as well. I have used this bag for travel, business, school, and even as a lunch bag.

I love this bag. I use it for work and walk there every day. It car store a lot and has an easy access zipper as well. I am very very happy with this bag.

I needed a solid, large backpack that could be easily accessed on the back of my manual wheelchair. This one *just* fits. A touch wider and it would rub the tires. It's sturdy, I can reach back and grab things, and it holds a ton while still having room for extras if I do some shopping. only downside is that it only fits very small water bottles.

I use it for my s al l laptop,a book and my personal utilities. It's lightweight and stylish. I love it!!

I really like this bag. I've been using it as a backpack mostly because when its full its a little too bulky to be a tote, but I love the option. The inner pockets are great, I use the laptop pocket for all my essentials that I need to get to without opening the top. Water resistant (it seems anyway) and sturdy so far.