Reviews

Timbuk2 Review

About Timbuk2

Timbuk2 Review

Everything is meaningless, we lack an objective purpose, and we waste energy dragging our problems through the streets. Life is bleak and heavy. It can be hard waking up in the morning knowing we have the weight of the world bearing down on our shoulders.

Isn’t it fantastic that then Timbuk2 makes bags strong enough to carry all of humanity’s woes? Their durable products may not lessen your existential doubts but they can certainly make them easier to bear!

Nearly 67k Instagram followers support Timbuk2 on that platform, demonstrating that even the deepest of sorrows aren’t as deep as some of the brand’s best backpacks.

Discover whether you can package your turmoil away in this company’s bags by reading my Timbuk2 review. You’ll learn about the brand’s history, their design ethos, their products, if their items are built for you, and how much you’d have to dish out to get them for yourself!

Overview of Timbuk2

Timbuk2 Review

Everybody is about chasing the bag these days, but Timbuk2 has been about that since 1989. Company founder Rob Honeycutt was a San Fransico bike messenger at the time. Even then, he realized that functionality was the most important part of a bag. 

So he took what he loved about his bike messenger bag (its ease-of-use and mobility) and developed his own product line. However, ambition doesn’t end, it grows.

Timbuk2 has grown to match Honeycutt’s vision to provide sustainable and fluid items to the world. That’s why the brand provides repairs on all their products through their lifetime warranty. They also support their fanbase’s DIY aspirations by publishing repairing instructions on their website. 

If a Timbuk2 bag is too tarnished then they send it to The Renewal Project. There, the bags are either given new life through an intense repair process or they’re converted into their raw materials, meaning they can be used in future Timbuk2 products. 

There’s more to unpack about the brand (as you’ll find out in my Timbuk2 review), but let’s get to the juiciest details. Here are some of the company’s most charming traits:

Highlights

Timbuk2 Review
  • Offers an intelligently designed line of bags, backpacks, and more
  • Use pre and post-consumer materials to make most of their products
  • Customized bags options
  • Lifetime warranty covers their items
  • Free US shipping on orders over $50

Timbuk2 manufactures backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags, luggage, messenger bags, apparel, and accessories galore. Let’s go over the best of the best, shall we?

Timbuk2 Backpacks Review

This section of my Timbuk2 review will unravel what they’ve got to offer you. Cue their best-selling bags.

Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 Review

Timbuk2 says that this backpack is built to help you conquer the day-to-day tasks inherent to the alpha grindset. It does this by keeping your laptop (and anything else you put in the bag) safe from any environmental threats.

Rainy weather? Fret not, the Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 is made with water-resistant material. Thirsty? This backpack has two side water bottle pockets. Sweaty? The straps and backside are padded with mesh. That’ll help you stay cool.

The Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 can hold laptops up to 17” and much more. Its black design is simple, sleek, and timely.

Carry your laptop with ease for $99.

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe Review

People always say quality is more desireable than quantity, but those people fail to recognize that you can have both. Case in point, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe. 

This backpack is designed to hold massive loads without crippling under the weight. I’m talking 28L of loads, ladies and gentlemen. It has soft padding on its straps and can be attached to a wheelie device through its luggage passthrough. 

Let’s touch on its quality. This backpack is made from recycled nylon. That nylon is tough enough to hold firm regardless of external conditions while still having a modern, on-the-go look.

Strap up with the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for $139.

Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack Review 

You’re probably asking what a muttmover is. You might think it’s a sexual innuendo. In this Timbuk2 review, I must inform you that although this item is not a scandalous faux-pas it can still get you as excited as one. 

That’s because the Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack is the brand’s doggie backpack. This bag can hold up to 20lbs and was built to hold your little puppy. 

That makes this item a great consideration if you want to take your little fella out for a walk but the weather is too cold for their paws. The backpack is made with an easy-to-clean internal liner

Plus, it has plenty of pockets on the outside where you can store your phone, wallet, and plastic bags (for when your puppy has to hit the restroom).

Deepen your bond with man’s best friend with the $139 Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller Review

Let’s graduate from the schoolyard days of backpacks and knapsacks and into more mature territory. Let’s start rolling with the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller.

The problem with many suitcases is that they’re either too light that they’re flimsy, or they’re so heavy that you can’t move them. The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller has neither of these problems.

This piece of luggage is snappy, mobile, and reliable. It features a clamshell design that is both highly effective at keeping your items safe and catches the eye. Despite only weighing 7lbs, t can hold up to 42L worth of items. And that’s just the small size!

Make your day-to-day travels effortless with the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller in the small, medium, large, and extra-large varieties. Here are their associated costs:

  1. Small – $229
  2. Medium – $249
  3. Large – $279
  4. Extra Large – $299

Timbuk2 Player Duffel Bag Review

Duffel bags are like Street Fighter’s Ryu and Ken: they have all the tools to handle most situations, they’re easy to understand, and they’re just plain cool.

The coolest of the bunch may be the Timbuk2 Player Duffel Bag. You can sling it over your shoulder or carry it by hand by detaching its shoulder straps. The handles are made from easy-to-grip nylon while the rest of the bag is made from recycled nylon and polyester.

This duffel bag meets most airlines’ carry-on requirements too. You can pack just about everything you’d need for a flight without having to store the Timbuk2 Player Duffel Bag in cargo. 

Strut your style with this duffel bag for $99.

Timbuk2 Jet Set Pouch Crossbody Bag Review

Crossbody bags have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. It’d be easy to snatch up any fanny pack and drape it across your chest. However, the Timbuk2 Jet Set Pouch Crossbody Bag may make you reconsider that strategy.

This crossbody bag is a leather pouch that you can also carry as a clutch. But what catches my eye is its charming design.

Phoebe Dahl helped design the Timbuk2 Jet Set Pouch Crossbody Bag, giving it a timeless flair. It’s available in black, yellow, and maroon, with each color looking as smooth as low-fat almond milk.

You can grab the fashionable accessory for $91. However, it seems it’s not available through the brand’s US website at this time. I guess this is one way you could add some exclusivity to your wardrobe! 

Who Is Timbuk2 For? 

Timbuk2 Review

Timbuk2 bags are for people who are constantly in motion. These items provide customers with the freedom to take whatever they need wherever they go. Commuters, travel bloggers, and coffee shop poetry writers can all benefit from a Timbuk2 bag. 

Timbuk2 Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Timbuk2 Review

I know how telling a good customer review can be. Honest consumer feedback is necessary because it allows other customers to know what they’re getting into by purchasing an item. 

So if you were skimming through this Timbuk2 review because you think you know everything about the company, I implore you to slow down and give this section a close read.

I won’t delay you any longer. Here are the average scores from Timbuk2’s best-selling products on their website:

  • Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller: 4.5/5 stars from more than 290 ratings
  • Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe: 4.5/5 stars from more than 100 ratings
  • Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0: 4.5/5 stars from more than 30 ratings
  • Timbuk2 Jet Set Pouch Crossbody Bag: 4.5/5 stars from more than 25 ratings
  • Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack: 4.5/5 stars from more than 20 ratings
  • Timbuk2 Player Duffel Bag: 4.5/5 stars from 3 ratings

Those are some consistently high scores. Customer testimonials were fairly consistent too in regards to what they loved most about the bags.

Many fans shared stories about how their Timbuk2 backpacks and bags got them through excursions both near and far. One pleased customer wrote a bit of their story in the review section of the Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0:

So I purchased this product in China during a trip in which I needed something versatile. This bag was that and more. It has traveled with me to 6 additional countries and 10 American states. Looks like it did on day one. No holes. Amazing quality.

That review shows that the product was durable and dependable. While doing my research for this Timbuk2 review, I found that those qualities were frequently mentioned in other product reviews.

Their backs were great for everyday purposes too. This satisfied fan called the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack DeluxePerfection in a bag.” They also added this telling insight:

Since I’ve been going back to campus I’ve used it for bike commuting and it sits really nicely on my back and has enough room for my pretty big laptop (17 inch screen), several books, and my lunch, among other things. The portion that zips down is really convenient for loading if the bag is going to be especially full that day.

This customer review highlights Timbuk2’s great lifetime warranty policy: 

I have had my Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller for almost 3 years now and I cannot recommend it enough. She has passed the test of thousands of hours of travel, and honestly still looks fantastic. I have had to replace the wheels a couple times now, understandably, but with Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty, it was such a breeze.

The company did receive some blowback on TrustPilot due to their less than optimal customer service. However, that seemed to be the only thing customers complained about the brand. 

Plus, they also pleased Amazon buyers. The Timbuk2 Convertible Backpack Tote held a 4.4/5 stars average score from over 11 customer reviews and the Timbuk2 Tuck Pack garnered a 4.4/5 stars score as well, this time from more than 450 customer ratings.

I’ll conclude this section of my Timbuk2 review by summarizing what customers loved about the brand’s bags. Fans adored how ergonomic, durable, and long-lasting each product was.

Actually, I lied. I’ll conclude this segment with this heartwarming review of the Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack

This has been the perfect dog backpack for my 13lb Shichon. I first started using it when he was recovering from being neutered and unable to go for walks. Now, we use it for longer walks and hikes and travel. Our dog absolutely loves it. Last night, I wanted to go for a walk, but our little guy was too tired. I put the backpack down and he was so excited, he jumped right into it!”

Is Timbuk2 Worth It?

Timbuk2 Review

Judging by the number of global travelers who looked to Timbuk2’s offerings to travel with them, you can bet that these bags are at least worth investigating.

Even if you’re not a cartographer you may still find some use in Timbuk2’s everyday line of backpacks, duffel bags, and laptop cases.

Timbuk2 Promotions & Discounts 

Timbuk2 Review

You can save 5% on your first order through the Timbuk2 website by signing up for their email newsletter.

If you’re looking for more savings then be sure to check out Timbuk2’s “For Sale” product page on their website. During the time of this Timbuk2 review, I found that some items were on sale for up to 40%! You can’t return any of these discounted products though.

Where to Buy Timbuk2

Timbuk2 Review

Here are all the best avenues where you can purchase Timbuk2 items:

  • Through the company’s website, timbuk2.com
  • At any of their retail locations
  • Brick-and-mortar sports stores 
  • Through online markets like Amazon

FAQ

Timbuk2 Review

Who owns Timbuk2?

Timbuk2’s parent company is VMG Equity Partners.

Where are Timbuk2 bags made?

Timbuk2 bags are made in factories located in Vietnam and Indonesia. The company has a small group of employees whose role is to ensure these factories adhere to their standards of ethical practices.

Does Timbuk2 ship internationally?

Writing this Timbuk2 review, I found that the company does ship to most countries across the world. 

What is Timbuk2’s Shipping Policy?

Let’s start with the most gracious component of Timbuk2’s shipping policy. They offer free shipping on all products over $50 to destinations within the continental United States. 

They have multiple shipping options for US customers. Economy shipping takes between 4 to 7 days and costs $8 if the order is less than $50. Orders that use ground shipping should arrive in 3 to 5 business days and their shipping fee starts at $10.

American buyers looking for faster options can also use UPS 3 Business Day shipping for $18, UPS 2 Business Day shipping for $23, or UPS Next Day Shipping for $28.

Orders sent for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico take 2 to 3 business days to reach their destination after leaving the shipping facility. Shipping can cost anywhere from $10 to $25 depending on the order’s total cost. 

Let’s look into the brand’s international shipping costs. Standard shipping to Canada begins at $35 while express shipping starts at $75. Both options take 3 to 5 business days to arrive.

All other countries can pick between international expedited shipping for $55 or international express shipping for $75. The former will arrive within 5 to 8 business days while the latter delivers items in 3 to 5 business days

What is Timbuk2’s Return Policy?

Besides their lifetime warranty, Timbuk2 also provides customers with 30 days to return most products. This is for most items excluding the discounted items and custom-designed bags. 

Returned products must be in brand new or unused conditions and cannot have been damaged in any way. The brand charges a flat $9 shipping fee on all returns. 

How to Contact Timbuk2

Timbuk2 Review

I’ll end my Timbuk2 review by giving you a few avenues to rendezvous with the company. 

  • Call them at 1(800) 865-2513
  • Text them at  (415) 909-3399
  • Fill out an email form on the Contact Us page of their website
  • Email them at [email protected]

Their customer service team operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm PT during the workweek.


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