Timbuk2 Stark Messenger Bag

Nice bag. snaps a little challenging. Read more

The good: Bag is well made, very study, love the look. The flap hooks are pretty creative one-way hooks; like you can insert the tab into the bracket directly, but in order to open it you need to give the flap a slide downward tug. Pockets under the flap have their own flaps with magnetic closures. Volume is pretty good for the form factor. The bad: it's annoying that this doesn't have a water bottle pouch. There is a duckback pouch on the bottom that can probably hold a bottle sideways, but you might be risking leaks. The strap...the way it's threaded through the anchors will not hold in place, and you need to get clever with how this is held in place. Finally, the pad could have used one more elastic holder at the end to keep it centered over the shoulder. I have no idea why it would have been manufactured this way. Read more

I love this bag even more than its previous version. My old Stark was starting to show it’s age and I wanted a new bag so I went to Timbuk2 to get a replacement. As someone who works in tech, it’s perfect for my needs—truly my Goldilocks bag. I use it year-round for work and occasionally for travel when I need to carry my laptop and other essentials. It comfortably fits both my 16” MacBook Pro and 15” MacBook Air when needed. The large magnetic flap is a huge plus to me over the traditional straps and clips on other Timbuk2 bags. I also appreciate the two smaller internal pockets with magnetic flaps which are great for small items you need quick access to, like my AirPods (which can all be opened and closed all with one hand and without looking). The interior pockets provide just enough room for my work phone, badge, and a few pens or markers. The handle is now better placed on the bag. I so still wish the handle was also suitcase friendly. The strap is very adjustable and so is the shoulder padding. One interesting feature is the incognito storage space at the bottom that now has padding, is perfect for stashing an optional weather-resistant bag, an AirTag, or other small items. There’s also a new zippered pocket on the front flap, which I’m sure I’ll find a use for soon. The front material has been upgraded and is much more scratch-resistant, helping the bag stay looking great over time. I love this bag so much that I’m considering buying a backup in case Timbuk2 ever discontinues the Stark. Highly recommended! Read more

Strap does not stay on. Strap material extremely slippery as well. Read more

This brand always produced the highest of quality bags. This was to replace a 20 year old bag. Dis it wear out? No, i just wanted a change & bigger size. Read more

I've been a fan of Timbuk2 bags for the longest time, so I was certainly excited to get this messenger to address my commuting concerns. You get a generously spacious bag made with excellent materials. Along the main flap of the bag is a large zippered pocket for a dedicated quick-access space. Inside the bag is an assortment of super handy magnetized pockets, as well a handy key tether and another discreet zippered access. The main compartment of the bag is very spacious and expands to accommodate an incredible amount of personal items aside from a laptop and/or tablet. An additional divider inside the main compartment also provides a sturdy velcro strap for securing items in place. Pens can also be stored in this handy divider, along with other smaller accessories. The bag already is fairly water resistant, but especially cool about the design of this bag is the inclusion of a dedicated pocket underneath for storing the included rain cover. I definitely enjoyed the cool techy aesthetic of the bag, with its sleek shape and handy reflective surface on part of the exterior, but I did find that the strap was far less handy than I would have preferred. The design has been updated from a previous release, but I still find that it tends to promote an angled sling across the bag more than an under-the-arm carry. The strap is also fairly finicky, offering a somewhat decent range of adjustment but an awkward looseness as the bag itself moves. Luckily, the bag strap can be adjusted or removed altogether if you so choose, as it does have a dedicated grab handle. Overall, I think the design of the bag is super stylish. It offers plenty of pockets and organization as well as a weather-resistant design and super thoughtful pocket for an included rain-cover. However, it does have a couple of mild issues regarding the strap and the awkward magnetic lock of the main compartment. If you can learn to live with these issues, I think you certainly will get a great bag at a relatively competitive value. Read more

This bag has the solid build quality and thoughtful design you’d expect from Timbuk2. The materials feel tough and premium, the stitching is clean, and overall it gives off that “this will last for years” kind of confidence. One standout feature: the magnetic pockets. They’re smooth to open and snap shut securely—super handy and just fun to use. It’s clear someone thought through the user experience here. The bag is spacious—plenty of room for a laptop, books, and extras. For some, that’s perfect. For me, it’s honestly a bit much. The bag has a lot of structure and the material adds bulk, so even half full, it still feels pretty thick. It took me back to carrying an oversized school bag, which isn’t really what I’m going for these days. That’s not a flaw, just something to keep in mind when choosing your size. Overall, it’s sturdy, functional, and well-made—exactly what you’d hope for at this price. If the size works for you, you’ll probably love it. Read more

Seemed great until I went to use it.. The closure system is very poorly thought out as you have to line it up and slide the hooks in. It is bulky and heavy, which wouldn’t be as bad if it converted into a backpack. If you want sore shoulders then get it. Read more