I don't see it as much of a lifestyle. Their logos are very understated and I rarely receive marketing material from them (probably less than once a year). I also have yet to see any kind of sport or activity tie in, other than the ubiquitous use by messengers.

Seems to me, looking at the websites for Timbuk2, ReLoad, and Pac Designs, that ReLoad and Pac make just as much a "life style" statement as Timbuk2, and frankly I'm not sure that that means.

Perhaps one should not carry a bike messenger bag unless one is actually a skinny, tattooed, unbathed, bicycle messenger participating in monthly critical mass protests, smelling of patchoili, sporting a soul patch and listening to an iPod?

Thanks, Tricia

I ended up ordering this bag. I made some modifications to my order afterwards and their people are great. It should arrive next week, so I'll let you know how I like it.

I love the motto on the emails I received: Siquid mantica non capit, domi relinquendum est

Julie

Ha! Don't forget downing PBR and rocking cutoff jean shorts...

No self-respecting bicycle messenger would wear cut-off jeans! Skin tight Lycra, baby.... leaving nothing to the imagination!

Much as I would like a Bailey Works, ReLoad or Pac Designs, no one in my country brings them in due to very low demand and high cost. The stores usually carry Crumpler and Timbuk2, and maybe some Chrome from time to time. That said, the only thing I do not like about the Timbuk2 is the large loop created when I tighten the strap. Sometimes it gets caught in door handles and the like. Other than that the bag works, pretty much no frills and is less often seen than the usual Crumpler varieties.

I cut the excess strap on mine. It's much less stupid looking.

Congrats, Julie! I think you're going to love it.

In another post I mentioned about their organizer pouches. A lot of their bags (including the Imago) have little rings inside specifically to clip things to. With their extenders the clear-front pouches are amazingly handy.

What color combo did you get?

Congrats, Julie! I think you're going to love it.

In another post I mentioned about their organizer pouches. A lot of their bags (including the Imago) have little rings inside specifically to clip things to. With their extenders the clear-front pouches are amazingly handy.

What color combo did you get?

I guess what I was trying to say is that Timbuk2 is the Mont Blanc/Rolex of messenger bags. Not a bad product, but everyone knows Timbuk2= messenger bag.
Plus, not quite fond of the fact that Timbuk 2 is now made in Vietnam when it used to be made in the good old USA.

Speaking of cool bags www.domke.com Their 802/803 satchel makes a great bag.

Not all of their products are made overseas. The custom bags and a few others are still USA.

Which have you seen in that were made in Vietnam? All the ones that I've seen were made in San Francisco. They also have a large factory there, where they make bags.

All of their standard bags are made overseas.

edit: So their custom bags, hemp bags, wool bags, limited edition bags, etc., etc. are made in San Francisco.

Cocoa and Wasabi - it should be here on Wednesday. I'll definitely let you know what I think.

After going trying Crumpler, Timbuk2, Victorinox, and others, I've gravitated toward Ellington Leather bags. No affiliation, and they are really great bags with a wide variety of designs, from utilitarian to fashionista, in leather and nylon and canvas, etc. The two bags I own (In-Flight Tote and the Multi-Tasker) are durable, have LOADS of pockets, secure, and good looking in an understated sort of way.

And did I mention pen slots?

I definitely would recommend checking out their line - they have a nice range of price points, and you can usually find them for good prices at shoebuy.com and sierratradingpost.com (also no affiliation).

Another vote for Tom Bihn. I have an Empire Builder briefcase, perhaps the best-built bag I've ever owned. Made in USA (in Seattle), too, for those of you for whom that's important.

Filson makes very high quality gear. You can find it for about 25% off of list price if you look for it.

This is a very tough bag. The zippers are huge.


This briefcase is absolutely gorgeous, and made of leather that you wouldn't believe. I know people who've been using them for over 20 years. Even at $600, they're a bargain. I haven't had mine very long, but I don't regret a cent that I spent on it.

True. I always custom order a left-handed version (not sure why, as I am right-handed). Takes a little longer (because they make it tot order) and there is less chance of a discount, but if I am going to have the bag for years, it must be optimal. I currently have 3 Timbuk2 bags and none are less than 5 years old.

I'm not sure about the lifestyle remark either. I personally detest the patchouli/bo odor mentioned by an earlier poster. Damned hippies.

I love my LL bean bag! Plenty of room in the main pocket, and some neat little inner pockets.

Here's the model I have. I know its meant to be a diaper bag, but I use it regularly.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...amp;cat4=504158

It got me through Europe!