My normal walking bag for my work trips has been my Tumi laptop bag... the bag in itself is heavy... well made... but heavy...
now that i've made the decision to travel with a decent amount of photo gear, i've opted to buy the Lowepro ProRoller x100 (review in my sig) and to buy a collapsible bag to use to walk around and work in showrooms/factories and whatnot...
i've heard of Timbuk2... it seems that they're right on track with some trends such as the Freitag bags and the likes... basic materials, simple construction and durable.
i've first seen Timbuk2 bags when i visited my local outdoor shop... i was impressed with the build of their stock items and so i've decided on going online and customizing a bag.
My Criteria:
1) well build... because i'm sure you guys are getting to know... i'm a pain in the a$$ about quality/build/make/design... QC being my occupational hazard...
2) design... cool looking bag... nothing too out there...
3) efficient... how can i say this... a bag that works and serves it's purpose well...
4) hold my 7D+lens and 2 other lenses and an option to tag on a tripod for when i feel crazy...
5) inconspicuous... as i've mentioned in the past... you can see a camera bag a mile away... being a "seasoned" traveler, victim of pickpockets but overall a decent record... i wanted a bag that does not scream "I GOT CAMERA IN HERE!!!"
6) LOUD colors... reason? simple... if i see someone taking my bag, how easy is it to spot someone with a white and lime green bag in the day?
so... without further delay... my review.
Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger (M) starting at $150 before options...
and boy, are there options in colors...
their method is simple... i'm not sure how they do it so quickly... i suspect they have stock of materials and even portions pre-made such as the inner pockets, laptop sleeves and whatnot... and it's a matter of assembling the bags.
it is a very simple design in the bag... and that is their merit...
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Materials:
shell fabric is a ballistic nylon with ample PU or PVC coating... the fabric in itself is waterpoof... the bag is not... there is no sealing done on the stitches around the bag and so i would not soak the bag... but who would?
the bag does offer some protection in the rain with their oversized flap... but then there is no sure way to prevent the rain from getting in from under the flaps when the rain is added with high winds.
shoulder strap webbing is a very nice quality... over 2" in width spreads the weight... some may not like the rigidity of the webbing... but it is very nice and works well with the buckles...
1" adjustment webbings otoh, is a bit disappointing. they are very flimsy and while it does hold the flaps and does it's purpose, it does not pair nicely with the buckles...
take for example the ladderlock buckle in the bottom that is used to collapse and compress the bottom section of the bag... a simple lift will undo the settings and hence limiting the "locking" ability below... a slightly heavier grade of webbing would have worked better with the buckles.
also, there is webbings galore on this bag... and that i do not like much...
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i was never a fan of too much dangling parts on the bag... i must find a way to tuck those in... maybe i'll find some velcro straps to sew on it.
buckles are nice and seems good cast and durable... i've read a post about a duraflex buckle breaking on a camera strap... that was puzzling... but the buckles used here are used properly and the webbing takes the load... the buckles is used properly, to adjust, not to bear the direct weight.
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i did notice that they've used a korean vendor of Duraflex.. .they have many vendors to facilitate the manufacturing countries around the world... no issues there... i've used them before, i've had no issues with them in the past.
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lining of the bag is... well, the backside of the shell fabric... lol? ok, they did put another layer of pvc coated fabric inside... it is rubbery textured... hence i'm getting a bit worried about my selection of colors... this bag will stain nicely... lol...
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pocket lining and construction is a nylon oxford fabric... simple... easy pockets... no bells and whistles... holds the gear and does it well... and there are many pockets
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laptop compartment is a simple 2 layer pocket construction that is lined with a molded padding material in red...
it offers the bare minimum in protecting the laptop...
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the cushion bubbles are about 1/8" high... there is some padding that has been compressed in the flat areas too... but i don't mind... i did not get this bag to carry my laptop around... i wanted another slot divider as i've noticed that this bag is just that... a fabric sewn together to hold things inside... nothing structural...
before going onto my next post and continuation of the review, let me take this opportunity to say this...
THIS BAG IS NOT A STRUCTURED BAG!!!
this does not add or take away on the quality of the bag.. it's just how it is designed...
why is this important?
well, most bags that are designated "camera bag" or "computer bag" are structured in that they have rigid materials that is used and designed to protect the equipment.
the only thing that will protect the contents in this bag, is the shell fabric and the little cushion that is used on the laptop compartment... so know what you're buying...
i've purchased this bag because it is a nice looking bag as well as it being flat packable... and i mean FLAT...
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flatter if you weigh it down... but you get the idea.
...continued...
