Timbuk2 Scheme Convertible Briefcase Backpack

I am a big fan of Timbuk2 bags. I own 3-4 of them now. I should have purchased this one along time ago. I have a couple messenger bags and the Authority backpack which it states is 28 liters but is too small to be 28 liters but the quality of Timbuk2 bags is superb. I've the years I have taken those other bags on many trips and used as a daily and they look almost brand new still. This bag is no exception to that quality. This bag is the pefect size for both a daily and a travel companion to a suitcase of even travel backpack. The YKK zippers are well made and zip nicely. The material is durable and the handles will hold anything you out in it. I love that this is both a backpack and a messenger style bag with and shoulder strap. You have plenty of adjustment on the strap so you can carry it on one shoulder or sling it over cross body. There are so many pockets for organization and the main compartment has plenty of room for books and a tablet and even could get a change of clothes in there. The padded laptop sleeve has plenty of padding to keep my laptop safe. One feature I really like that I havent seen on other bags is in addition to the stowable backpack straps you have the luggage handle passthrough. The difference is that the passthrough has a zipper on each side so when you are not traveling you could store items in that compartment. I wish it had a water bottle holder , which is ok for my daily commute. When I travel i will just use a carabiner on the webbing loops on the front. The webbing loops on it are well constructed and made well and will definately hold a water bottle handing from it. I will be a repeat buyer of this bag for many years to come. Read more

This might be the most perfect bag for work. It fits both my laptops, headphone, notebook, water bottle (note: no external holder but plenty of room inside), snacks, cables, et al! I use it mostly in “messenger bag” mode (I reused one of my old Timbuk2 straps since the one it comes with is a little thin) and “briefcases mode, and it has backpack straps too. Bonus: it has a luggage pass through, which makes it even more amazing! Get it! You won’t be disappointed! Read more

The Good: -Well made -Stylish -Convertible -Comfortable -Holds all my electronics The Bad: -Little large to be considered personal item The Bottom Line: I really wanted to love this bag since it’s stylish and functional. The only issue was I was already carrying a backpack and this was a bit large for a personal item. Overal I would recommend this for an everyday bag but it is a little large for traveling if you’re going to use it as a personal item. Read more

Great bag, works perfectly for my commute to NYC from NJ. Sometimes you get tired of just having a backpack and want to look a little professional with a briefcase, and sometimes you want to give your shoulder a break and have a backpack — endless possibilities! All seriousness, nice bag, lots of pockets, very comfortable. Lots of areas for clips (should you want them). Would recommend and buy again. Read more

Great backpack Read more

Finally had to replace my older Timbuk2 messenger bag, which held up very well over 10 years or so. Did a fair bit of research, wanted to try to avoid buckle closures and get something more versatile, and thought this would fit well. The bag itself seems very nice after about a week of usage. However, knocking off stars for how embarrassingly awful the shoulder strap is. Coming from my last Timbuk2 bag, I was expecting something sturdy and that would feel like a quality product. Instead, the shoulder strap feels so thin and cheap. The loose ends are constantly pulling free from these terrible rubber band loops they put on there. Just such a disappointment. If you are planning to primarily use this as a briefcase or a backpack, it is likely fine. But if you want to use the shoulder strap much, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Read more

I wear my guitar as a backpack, so this backpack transforms into a sling bag, which is so helpful when I travel. Read more

There was a noticeable build quality difference from the messenger bag I purchased 7 years ago($50 medium). Zippers are more frail and pull cords are stringy and not hardy. The compartments are convenient but Timbuk 2 typically is OBSESSIVE about how they construct these packs. It's very convenient as it converts from a briefcase/messenger bag to a backpack but honestly it fails at both. Don't get me wrong, it's serviceable but there is no way this survives the abuse and longevity of my previous pack. The shoulder strap is thinner and not as padded making it less comfortable if you're an airport/travel person. Backpack straps are serviceable but underwhelming, though it is modestly comfortable to wear as a backpack minus the lack of padding and poor straps. Also, oddly, the "black" comes through as more dark blue. Read more