Timbuk2 Blogger Bag Isn’t Just for Bloggers

I had come from a small blogger event for the launch of the “Blogger,” a bag model that belongs to the Timbuk2 line of bags. Timbuk2’s “core competence” has to do with making very durable messenger bags as the company was built and grown by people who were into the “delivery by bike” (a.k.a. “messengers”) business. There are several reviews of the Timbuk2 Blogger in these popular gadget websites:

Gizmodo reviews the Blogger Bag by Timbuk2

It holds my laptop vertically, so it doesn’t bend against the curve of my hip, and it doesn’t bump into pedestrians when I hustle through crowded sidewalks. The corduroy lined laptop sleeve is built-in, has a velcro fastening strap, and its bottom is positioned slightly off the bottom of the actual bag, to protect your computer from shock.

Ubergizmo’s take on the Blogger

This is a great notebook bag that transports your blogging tool around in safety without getting in the way even during the mad rush hour moments. It would be perfect if Timbuk2 included an external pocket to hold a water bottle. The Blogger notebook bag is available for $80.

ShinyShiny’s “Bag for Bloggin”

Though I bought the bag in anticipation of excessive blogger productivity, I actually ended up most enamored of the key tether inside the bag. The bag’s made of ballistic nylon and, luckily, it has a padded strap. Honestly, all the pockets are great, but it weighs a ton. As a consequence, the Blogger has slowly buy surely become the bag I only use if I’m traveling by airplane. Verdict? Pockets-yea! Spinal damage-noooo!

Though I was enamoured by The Blogger, I was more drawn to two particular models that evening. The first model is called the Data Dump, which, from the picture above seems to hold EVERYTHING – all the gadgets I’ve ever owned into one bag. I can probably fit my MacBook, my DSLR, one lens, a flash, a Nintendo Wii with four remotes (yeah yeah I finally bought three more remotes), two power bricks, a Nintendo DS, and the hard bound edition of Harry Potter 7. It will even fit Hondo. Hondo Vicente fits inside the Data Dump! Gail shares the same opinion as me, as we were both drawn to that particular model that fits all our geeky desires — It’s absolutely nerdy!

The second model I found particularly attractive is the Marina, a bag which I would probably give my girlfriend (if I had one. Sadly I don’t so no bag for her. Heh). This bag was the center of attention among the girls as it is big enough to fit a 15 incher as well as stash a few feminine things as well. Lia says that the Marina’s appeal is universal which means it can be used for school as well as for work.

Now in terms of bag brands, I’ve owned a Samsonite backpack and two Crumpler bags (one messenger style and the other a camera cum laptop bag). It seems that Timbuk2 and Crumpler are a bit head to head in terms of the designs of their contraptions. Both brands have been around for some time. Both brands are created by equally passionate and quirky individuals. Both brands are also a little expensive. Hehe. So it all boils down to form and function, and this is where it gets rather subjective. I honestly can’t say anything about the Timbuk2 line as I don’t own a set, but maybe Gail, Lia and Rico have some first impressions on the messenger bag and two sleeves that they won in the raffle, respectively. 🙂

If you’re interested in Timbuk2 bags, you can purchaae them in the Philippines at Travel Club, Bratpack, Powermac, and soon in a new store at the Bonifacio High Street.