In early September I started looking for a messenger bag for college. A few weeks earlier I happen to catch an episode of Tekzilla on Revision3 and a viewer happen to write-in and ask about a good place online to buy great messenger bags. They mentioned the Timbuk2 company out of San Fransico, CA and how they’ve been creating great bags for a while now. Since I needed a new bag and price really didn’t matter all that much, I checked out the  Timbuk2 website – timbuk2.com. I knew that I needed a bag that could handle carrying both a 15.4″ laptop and several textbooks. Those requirements led me to the Timbuk2 Commuter 2.0 laptop messenger bag.

The Specs & Features

TSA compliant external laptop compartment unzips and lays flat for going through security without removing your laptop
I haven’t had a chance to use this yet, but come this summer when traveling time is here, this will for sure be a frustration saver.

Plush corduroy-lined computer compartment
Since I’m always using my laptop everywhere on campus, I’m constantly taking my laptop out of the bag. The laptop compartment makes it extremely easy to get access to the computer without even taking the messenger bag off of your side.

Luggage pass through for your wheelie companion

Waterproof TPU front flap
I am always walking from building to building while walking to and from my different classes and the weather as not always been great. If the bag did not have such a great from cover, I’m 100% positive that my papers would’ve become soaked. On a side note, the front flap has two strips of velcro and two clips to keep it shut. The velcro useful, but the majority of the time, my bag is full enough to were the cover will not stretch fare enough over the top, so only the straps are used.

Internal organizer panel and red key fob
The key fob is a nylon ribbon attacked to a clip that allows you to hide your keys inside a pocket on the outside of the bag. It has worked great and has helped me keep myself from loosing my keys. Also, since I have a “keyless car” (meaning I have a key dongle instead of a physical key to put in the car (LOVE MY NEW ALTIMA!)), I can just leave the keys in the bag pocket and I never have to worry about where my keys are placed. The internal organizer panel is great because it gives you a specific spot to place your pens, highlighters, mp3 player, cell phone, etc. I personally keep 3 pens, 1 pencil, 4 highlighters, sticky notes and a Gerber multi-tool in my panel.

Links

My Bag (unloaded w/ descriptions)

Timbuk2 Commuter 2.0 Messenger Bag

Tekzilla – Episode 94: Messenger Bags, Dorm Fridge PC, Is RIAA In Your Torrents…