I have been a big fan of Timbuk2 for a few years. I feel like their products are made very well, and their prices aren''t that outrageous. I had been using the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag for about a year and a half. I loved it a lot...until my back started to ache on a daily basis. My entire lower back would crack back into place every night when I got home and took my bag off. Finally, I had enough, and just decided to see what kind of backpacks Timbuk2 had on Amazon. I chose this one because the top flap actually has the waterproof TPU lining, just like the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag. That was a major selling point for me. I loved having a waterproof bag, even though it wrecked my spine. This backpack can really hold a lot. I put 4 or 5 1"-1.5" binders in, snacks, my tablet, charger, water bottle, and other miscellaneous items, and it holds them with ease. The padding for your back is really comfortable, too (feels kind of like memory foam). Some other notable features: sternum strap, solid metal bottle opener on the strap, a nice swing around feature to quickly access laptop or tablet, and velcro on the flap (which I chose to silence with Timbuk2''s silencers). I have been using this daily for about 2 weeks now, and my back is actually starting to come back to normal. I know lots of people who have wrecked their posture with messenger bags, and I had refused to believe it...but now I believe it. I don''t ever want to go back to a messenger.
I traded in trusty my Timbuk2 messenger bag for a Swig backpack and am quite happy with the purchase.
My 15" Macbook Pro fits snugly into the laptop compartment; there isn''t room for anything bigger. The side zipper is a nice option, but with the 15" computer, the zipper frequently catches on the openings for the ports. The CD slot needs to face the zipper or certain destruction of the zipper teeth will eventually occur. After all, the Macbook is aluminum, zipper is plastic; poor outcome is only a matter of time.
However, I prefer to not use the side pocket anyway since I''ll frequently need things other than the computer. And as others have mentioned, it is a scary thought to leave the side pocket zipper open and risk the computer falling out. It is a nice feature, but it is a hassle for larger notebooks
The computer compartment is well padded and will protect its contents. Of course, that is within reason; it will do fine with the bumps of life, but if you plan on wearing it on your back while you play hockey, I''m sure that won''t go so well.
The Swig comes with a a front clasp to hold the straps across your chest. A nice feature, but even nicer is the fact that you can unhook them and drop them into one of the pockets. For daily use, they seem to get into the way.
If all you want is to cart around your laptop and maybe a few daily essentials, this is the bag to get. No need to jump up to a bigger product line. College students with lots of books might want to consider something a little bigger, but for most people this is a sturdy, attractive and durable bag.
Finally, who doesn''t like a handy bottle opener? The Swig has a cutesy bottle opener on the strap. I don''t know if that''s a nod to hard studying and even harder drinking (soda, of course) students, or the reality that urban life often calls for cold one with retro metal bottle caps. I haven''t tried mine out yet, but it looks like it will deal well with any type of bottle.
If you''ve used other Timbuk2 products, you won''t be disappointed. If you''re new to the product line; yeah, they''re a bit pricy but they last forever. My messenger bag is 5 years old and still has a lot of miles in it. I on the other hand, don''t and opted for something a lot lighter and a lot less capability for lugging around garbage I never use.
Five stars. Get one, you know you want it.
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I bought this bag as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. I had purchased a timbuk2 messenger bag in the past for him. Unfortunately, because he carries a lot the strap was causing him chest and shoulder pains. Since I knew timbuk2 has amazing quality bags I went on the search for a normal back pack that still had a messenger bag look.
If I had ordered this bag direct from timbuk2 I would have paid a lot more than I did on Amazon. I am thankful for this!
The bag is incredible. No matter how full it is it still feels light. It really is water proof and keeps my boyfriends electronics dry, even in crazy New England weather.
I''m jealous! I want one now!
Read Best Reviews of Timbuk2 Swig Laptop Backpack Here
The backpack distributes the weight very evenly however, if you are 6 feet tall or taller the (size small) backpack is too small. It is impossible to place a water bottle or anything that you need ready access to in the side compartment. Most reviewers said that they liked the fact that the backpack had a bottle opener but never used it. The reason they never used it is that one has to take the back pack off in order for it to be of any use. Defeats the purpose and makes it a silly gimmick, which admittedly, it is. If you are anywhere close to 6 foot tall steer clear of this bag. The capacity is sufficient for a laptop your charger and one book, any more and the small backpack cannot handle it. Happy shopping.
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I bought this to carry my laptop and other stuff on a short (~2 mile) daily bicycle commute. One requirement that I had is that the bag be water-resistant, as it often rains during my commute, and I don''t want my laptop and other electronics getting wet. I looked up many reviews online, and tried Timbuk2''s classic messenger bag. However, I found messenger bags to be uncomfortable, since a single strap holds all the weight of the bag. I switched back to a more familiar (to me) backpack style with this bag.
This bag does not have a waist strap, which was a little unusual for me, since I''m used to hiking packs. However, for a backpack meant for commuting, this is a plus. It''ll only get in the way...how many people do you see walking around town wearing the waist strap on their backpack? It does come with a removable sternum strap, to keep it in place while riding. I tried this at first, but I don''t wear it any more...the pack is very secure even without the sternum strap.
The laptop compartment is nice, and the main compartment will swallow a fair amount of gear. I regularly carry: 13" laptop with ac adapter, rain jacket, small bike repair kit (for flat tires), wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, water bottle, and my lunch. The flap that covers the main compartment (and the smaller front pocket) is waterproof, and has protected my gear during a few rain showers. The protection from the rain is better in this pack versus Timbuk2''s classic messenger (the messenger''s top flap would expose a gap that rain could get in through).
Here''s what I like:
* Weather and rain resistant
* About the right size for a daily commute
* Separate padded laptop compartment with side access (don''t forget to zip it up again, or your computer may fall out)
* Side access to front pocket
* Front pocket has organizer pockets
* Very comfortable to wear
* Place to clip a light when bicycling at night
Dislikes are all very minor:
* Velcro on laptop compartment can contact the front of the pack if you leave the strap unfastened, and can start to "fuzz up" some of the material.
* No key lanyard like on other Timbuk2 packs. I fashioned my own that fits in this pack, though.
It cracked in 3 spots right away.. Now it doesn''t stay closed very well and the locking mechanism opens sometimes.
