Customer Reviews Timbuk2 Especial Stash Messenger Medium

test

While the bag is stylish and well-made, it's not very functional. I took it on its first trip for a week in Denver. The first issue is the padding on the shoulder strap IS NOT adjustable and is place so close to the bag, causing the bag to hang at an awkward position. The handle on top of the bag is similar - placed off center causing the bag to collapse, making it difficult to carry. The bag is "squishy " meaning it loses its shape and has no stability. Do not store anything of value in the open pockets just under the flap as they can easily fall out when the bag is set down. I also found that the fabric takes on marks and dirt easily. With all of these cons, I cannot recommend this as a value given its expensive price.

I was very excited about migrating from a backpack to this messenger bag but it's fallen short on almost all expectations. Unlike the Timbuk2 suitcase I own, this bag is poorly designed for daily business use. The most frustrating design flaw is the shoulder strap. The pad is fixed to one end of the strap and the strap lock doesn't hold so your continuously adjusting the length. Also, the magnet flap straps work well but the magnet buckles easily break. Once broken, it's painful to get the replacements (order#, description of failure, pictures of failure, etc.) and the replacements require you to cut and re-attach the straps (ouch!!!). Last, the overall space is limited. It's probably as good as you can get with this form factor but I find it difficult to organize and contain everything need business trips (laptop, brochures, notebook, business cards, pens, pencils, cables, chargers, headset, ipad, & small projector). Because it only has the one outside pocket, it ends up feeling like everything else isn't well organized and all internal pockets being mid-located, the bag easily starts bulging.

Using it for study abroad! My Surface Pro 11 fits perfectly in the zippered pouch. I like how weatherproof it is but I wonder how secure the clips will be for carrying it around town.

This is great some grocery fits very well, great for EDC, fully weather proof. and stays in place with the cross sternum strap. It means that any errands will be done working.

I love the magnetic buckles in place of the hook & loop. I have a large, classic messenger bag that I consider my "go bag" or "bug out bag", but this is my new express go back when I don't need the size of my classic messenger. I love the weather-resistance and how it's just ready to go. I just need to remember which shoulder works best with it.

Perfect size for daily urban commute. Cleverly designed. Well made with quality materials.

I always dreamed of a backpack that could be my life's co-pilot. Not just any bag, but one that could carry my sketchbooks, my ideas, and the inevitable chaos of being an illustrator. Enter my first Timbuk2 messenger, bought in New Mexico. It was my companion for yearsso many years that if it were a person, it'd be old enough to vote by now. But then came the gut punch: a theft in Mexico City. And honestly, I don't know what hurt morelosing my laptop, everything it held, or the bag itself. It was like losing a piece of my soul (okay, dramatic, but you get it). I tried replacing it with other brands, but let's be real: when you're 6'3", not just any backpack fits the bill. Today, justice has been served. This Jet Black beauty arrived, and wowthis isn't just a bag; it's an absolute masterpiece with straps. Perfect in size, quality, and style. I can already see it traveling with me, packed with adventures and sketches, as the co-pilot I always dreamed of. When they asked me for a review, it was a no-brainer: Timbuk2, thank you for this spaceship with room for my crayons.

Purchased after I retired my beloved circa 2014 timbuk2 Alchemist. This one offers the same enormous volume, but is much less awkward. After a few weeks of use, I appreciate all of the enhancements, like the flap pocket and the simplified outer pockets. The magnetic brackets for closing are incredibly secure and feel like magic. I was skeptical about the new strap design but pretty quickly realized its charms. A great bag that I expect to last me just as long a my Alchemist.

Best messenger bag you can buy. It takes a bit to customize to your preference, but if you put in the time to dial it in you will be rewarded with an awesome messenger bag you'll love.

This is a pretty unique bag with features that I had to get used to. The magnetic buckles were initially more challenging to disconnect but now are very convenient. Connecting the buckles is much easier than any other system I have seen and holds secure. They also can be tightened for security and bag compression. The shoulder strap is also unique. The padding is positioned for the bag to sit higher up on my back when the strap is tight, then the bag is accessed by rotating the strap off of the padding or extending the strap to access the bag. The strap lengthens and retracts easily, based off of the same principles of a high quality rifle sling and has a magnetic storage for the small extension strap. I have left the under arm support strap on for now. I am not certain that it needs it but is a nice option. The overall quality and finish of the bag is great. I am expecting it to last a long time. I have the bag loaded heavily (20-30lbs) and it is comfortable to wear and seems to be able to handle the weight without extra wear. The medium bag is a good balance of having large amounts of storage room and not being too bulky.

Im extremelly pleased with my new especial bag (L). It provides plenty of room for daily commute, nice and convenient pockets, and waterproof and easy to clean material. The strap system, once figured out, is super easy to adjust. The bag feels very stable with the extra side strap. It makes a confortable bike ride to work. I would certainly buy it again.

I use this as my work bag. I love all the compartments. I like that there's no velcro on the flap. I don't mind the fixed shoulder pad that multiple people have commented negatively about.

I absolutely love this bag and am looking forward to traveling with it this summer. It will hold everything I need as a carry on bag for my flights. The material and workmanship is excellent and it is the perfect size for a 5' 11" person. I will definitely buy for TIMBUK2 products in the future.

Excellent quality and very durable. Bag has all the bells and whistles I was looking for.

I've been a huge fan of Timbuk2 for years now. While my classic messenger has been a durable and daily favorite, I wanted a bag that would sit higher on my back in a more centralized fashion so I could board to class or ride my bike. Enter the Especial Stash. Love the look and feel of this bag! The mag lock clips and lack of velcro make for easy and quiet opening. The bag (medium) is comfortable and perfectly sized for my needs.

Just what I was looking for in a carry on bag! The closures are secure and sturdy, and interior is large. Super pleased.

This is not the first time I have bought a bag from this brand. It is sturdy, has a new style, and the most important thing is that it is easy to carry.

I bought this for a boy in high school and he loves it.

I bought this for my college bound son in rainy Pennsylvania. He loves it and greatly prefers the looks, water resistance and functionality over a back pack. Easily fits his 17 inch laptop.

I absolutely love this bag. It's sleek weather-resistant exterior is perfect for any conditions you might come across. Highly recommend getting one for yourself.

Just traveled 35 hrs flying time from Australia to Guyana with my new Jet Black and so far It's amazing. Love the waterproof material, the straps are super comfortable to wear it when transiting in the airport between flights and it's really easy to pack my electronics away at the security checkpoints.

so much better than expected! Quality and build is topnotch.

I bought the bag for my partner who is a photographer. He loves it and is very picky about his gear. It has all the pockets he needs and can hold both of his computers. It was a great success.

I have challenged myself to bicycle commute every single workday. It is a short 2-mile trip on an e-bike, almost entirely through neighborhood streets. Highly pleasant. The past year has included every type of weather. I have used my Especial Stash Messenger Bag - M / Jet Black for every ride in all weather. I carry a laptop, accessories, lunch, thermos, and usually an additional article of clothing like a carefully folded sport jacket with no problem. The weight of the bag loaded is noticeable when the strap is in its loose "campus bag" mode. The weight largely disappears when you sinch the bag against your back and use the additional strap. I had expected to be challenged by that much additional weight above the bike's center of gravity. In practice, it is no problem at all. there have been some ridiculous downpours on my rides over the past year. The exterior of the Especial stash is up to the challenge. The bag's interior has not seen a drop of water on these rainy days. This is my most appreciated feature of the bag. Very helpful not to worry about your laptop taking on water. Things to note: -- The small version is perfect for my 13" Macbook Pro. I doubt it would fit a larger laptop. -- I sometimes wish I had the larger model of this bag to fit a few more items, but the discipline of living within the smaller form factor is an excellent all-around choice for me. -- This bag can take a beating. It has scraped past doorways, been through all types of weather and been treated unceremoniously. Using some diluted mild cleaner on a rag is all that is needed to keep the bag looking brand new. -- I know the clip bike light strap on the front seems like a branding choice. In practice, it has kept a blinker high on my back and has helped reduce the number of times a driver has failed to recognize me on the roadway. This bag may seem expensive, but if you have any ambition to use it in rainy weather, it is worth buying.