Timbuk2 Classic M or L for commuting?

Surprisingly, I cannot find the info I am looking for in a search here or elsewhere. I may suck at writing what I need and maybe that's why but here's the scoop..

I have a Kata backpack that I use as my main camera bag and a Crumpler Barney Rustle with Naneu Pro insert that I use as a shoulder bag or without the insert daily as my laptop/work bag. Thing is, I commute to work in the nicer months by bike and have found that the Crumpler is just too small to really work well. Here's the question...I am going to by a Timbuk2 Classic and don't know if I should get a medium or large. I know the dimensions are listed but I want some real world experience and advice. It would typically carry a 15" laptop, change of clothes w/ shoes and lots of little odds and ends. Occasionally, it would see work as a camera bag as well w/ my insert and I'd need it to hold at least one pro body, 70-200, 85, 17-40, two flashes, remote triggers and lots of little odds and ends. Anyone have experience with the Timbuk2 sizing? Would the large just be crazy big compared to my Crumpler (as in too big)?

If you want to carry a laptop, change of clothes, shoes and any sort of camera gear than I would go for the large. The medium is fine for my 50D with the 24-105 attached, a raincoat and a 750ml water bottle but much more than that and I'd go to the large.

Pilot Dane wrote in post #10314315
If you want to carry a laptop, change of clothes, shoes and any sort of camera gear than I would go for the large. The medium is fine for my 50D with the 24-105 attached, a raincoat and a 750ml water bottle but much more than that and I'd go to the large.

Exactly the kinda feedback I was hoping for. Thanks very much.

I have a medium and I use it for school.
I can get about 3, 1.5" binders full of stuff in there along with a medium sized book.

Its always better to have more room then not enough thought, so if you're worried just go large.

I love Timbuk2 bags. Worth every penny. Used mine for about 6 months now, still looks like I bought it last week.

Ordered up a large today. The new ones come with the internal laptop pocket so it should serve all my needs well. Once I have the bag, I'll drop the laptop and inserts inside and provide a better review of the large size in case anyone else has the same dilemma. Thanks again for the help!

Viva-photography wrote in post #10314429
I love Timbuk2 bags. Worth every penny. Used mine for about 6 months now, still looks like I bought it last week.

I saw someone at LAX who still had an original (ie 92') and it didn't look like it was about to die any time soon even though it was well worn/ traveled. Speaks to the quality

namasste wrote in post #10321717
Ordered up a large today. The new ones come with the internal laptop pocket so it should serve all my needs well. Once I have the bag, I'll drop the laptop and inserts inside and provide a better review of the large size in case anyone else has the same dilemma. Thanks again for the help!

good move, the medium is a great size for day stuff (going to work, school, out for a ride) but the large is def better for a little more room. OR you could say F it, and go with the XL

The brown and yellow is a medium

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NorCalNomad wrote in post #10322847
I saw someone at LAX who still had an original (ie 92') and it didn't look like it was about to die any time soon even though it was well worn/ traveled. Speaks to the quality

good move, the medium is a great size for day stuff (going to work, school, out for a ride) but the large is def better for a little more room. OR you could say F it, and go with the XL

The brown and yellow is a medium

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wow! I could fit two cases of Kalik in there!!!!

just clicked on a personalized color of Timbuk2 classic M size bag...
from the dimensions, it should hold my 17" lappy as well as all my camera gear in protective padding inserts...

best selection of materials ive seen to date...

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10324357
just clicked on a personalized color of Timbuk2 classic M size bag...
from the dimensions, it should hold my 17" lappy as well as all my camera gear in protective padding inserts...

best selection of materials ive seen to date...

post some shots of it all together back here once it arrives. it will be great to show the comparison between the large I bought and the medium you did.

namasste wrote in post #10324735
post some shots of it all together back here once it arrives. it will be great to show the comparison between the large I bought and the medium you did.

Sure will!

love to do a review of it as soon as i get it...

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10324746
Sure will!

love to do a review of it as soon as i get it...

drop me a pm and we can do a bipartisan review of the large and medium...

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10324357
just clicked on a personalized color of Timbuk2 classic M size bag...
from the dimensions, it should hold my 17" lappy as well as all my camera gear in protective padding inserts...

best selection of materials ive seen to date...

if you are talking about fitting your laptop into the laptop sleeve they put in there you need a large for a 17" comp

NorCalNomad wrote in post #10325846
if you are talking about fitting your laptop into the laptop sleeve they put in there you need a large for a 17" comp

my laptop:
Width: 15.4"/393mm
Depth: 11.0"/280.5mm
Height: 1.35"/34.5mm(F), 1.5"/38.5mm(B)

hmm... according to the customizer size selection page...

for medium bags, laptop sizes 16.1" x 11.1"
it may be a very tight squeeze...

i hope it fits... lol...
but honestly, my laptop goes from my home/office then to my hotel and stays there... i've selected a timbuk2 because it can collapse and i can pack it in my checked luggage... then use it as my day bag when i get to my destination...

I can post shots of a size M timbuk2 bag if anyone needs it.
http://www.timbuk2.com …Jbr8eSfkaICFQu0​sgodZngcjg
^Its a Classic Messenger.

*Quick Update*

My large 2010 Classic Messenger arrived today and first impressions are that I am thrilled I got the large and the bag is fantastic. Pockets everywhere, build seems very durable, and size is just awesome. It would easily accommodate a 17" laptop and some extra stuff in the sleeve area and still house my camera gear with insert and some stuff in the main bag compartment. Without the insert, I could easily commute with a laptop, and a towel, sweatshirt, jeans, shoes, t-shirt and a bunch of small stuff. Frankly, unless I was hiking or travelling for more than a ew days, this bag would make a great travel bag as its that big internally. The cool part is that it doesn't look huge on the outside. Stoked buyer so far and I'll be using it to hold my Crumpler BR on the commute home so I'll know more about comfort then. I'll get together with Kinghong to do a better review alongside the medium once he has his.