Is an extra-large Timbuk2 Messenger practical?

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I really do want a Timbuk2 bag, but the only place in Toronto that sells them is Mountain Equipment Co-Op and their selection is slim.

The site is having a sale right now and I can get an extra large ballistic nylon messenger for only $45. Shipping to Canada is $30. An extra-large messenger for $75 US, sans tax! A large laptop commute bag at MEC would run me $100 plus tax and I'd only have one colour option really (plain black). Plus MEC is a bit hard to get to for me.

But is extra-large too large? I've looked at the dimensions and it seems enormous but I was wondering if anyone's had one or handled one and can tell me truly how big it is.

I want to be able to carry my Macbook, two textbooks (say an inch thick or so), a binder/notebooks and a water bottle + pens/pencils, wallet, keys, phone, etc.

This seems like a lot of stuff that my current bag, which I guess is like a medium Timbuk2 size, cannot really handle.

So should I go for the large or the extra large? The extra large is over 2 feet long at the top... I feel like it'll look ridiculous on me if I'm just carrying a bit of stuff, or it'll just look plain ridiculous. I'm on the average to slim size and only have a 33 inch waist. A two foot bag would eclipse me and then some... but is it all that bad?

Thanks!

 

[dotdotdot]

I just got a timbuk2 commuter messenger bag for school, with a 15" laptop compartment in it. The bag is incredible, it holds all my books and feels sturdy enough to take the load, which is quite a lot. It looks pretty small but is HIGHLY expandable. I have all my notebooks for all of my classes and one textbook and calculator and some pens in there and can easily fit a book, iPod, phone, and more in there. It was $100 and well worth it.

The store I got it from had that and I believe it was a large but may have been extra large. I thought it was HUGE. I was going to buy it when I saw it online because I wanted to eliminate the need for a locker and carry all my stuff with me everywhere. I walked into the store, saw the two, and didn't even have a second thought or a single regret about not getting it. And the commute messenger allows me to eliminate my locker anyway.

But I mean that's just my opinion. It's a VERY spacious bag. You may like that though, or may not think it's too big. $75 is a great price too. It's your call.

 

[spikespike]

I just switched from a timbuk2 to a Chrome. I have to say I like the Chrome better due to better padding and support. Plus the buckle is hawt.

Anyway, I would go for the large. It doesnt sound like you need to fit all that much in the bag, certainly not stuff thats extra bulky. I have a medium chrome bag and it fits my entire work outfit, a book, and lunch.