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Timbuk2 people - Commute 2.0 or D-Lux Messenger?

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Original poster
Nov 5, 2009
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So I had this posted in the buying tips and advice section but of course it quickly made its way to purgatory overnight. I figured it'd be more productive to post it here as these bags cater to most of the people who post in this section.

I am looking to get a Timbuk2 messenger bag and am deciding between the two listed. This is a super hard decision as I am ordering online and haven't seen either of these in person.

I like the TSA friendly idea of the commute 2.0 and it seems to have many more pockets, but the inward tilting that the flap does looks a bit odd to me, it dosen't quite look like a messenger all around like I am used to.

I really like the look of the D-Lux (although the stripe kinda bugs me) except for there isn't a handle on the top and I find myself using that often on my current messenger. Also, this bag dosent seem to have as many compartments as the 2.0.

Are they both weatherproof?

Incase you have no idea what bags I am talking about but feel like dropping your two cents, here are some pics:

D-Lux Messenger
D-LuxMessengerRacingStripe.jpg

D-LuxMessengerRacingStripe-1.jpg

D-LuxMessengerRacingStripe-3.jpg


Commute 2.0
Commute2.jpg

Commute2-1.jpg

Commute2-2.jpg


Any insight will help, thanks
 
Well, I've had a Timbuk2 Medium Messenger bag for a couple of years now, and I can recommend it heartily.

The bag can take lots of abuse without breaking a sweat. It's been a protecting home for a 2006 15" MBP, a 2008 13" MBP and now to a brand new 15" MBP, it has a ample space for storage, and it's comfortable to carry even on a bike -- and it looks stylish in it's own nonchalant way, certainly if you compare it to most laptop bags or backpacks.

I wouldn't replace mine for anything else. I've actually used it as luggage for weekend trips - the bag is really that good.

So, without a doubt: the messenger's fantastic.
 
I'm very picky when it comes to cases that I use to carry my laptops in. (yes plural ;))

I have been using TimBuk2 (amongst other brands) for over six years now, and they are really terrific bags. I have the original Timbuk2 Commute and now the Commute 2.0. If you like messenger style bags you will love TimBuk2. I also have other top end messenger bags like Chrome, Crumpler, Manhattan Portege and others.

I would also encourage you to look at the "Build Your Own Bag" option, here is a link:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/bagbuilder

I've had a few of these custom made bags done for my other MacBook Pros and my ThinkPads and they are really nice. The beauty of the custom bags is choice of colors for every part of the bag. You also have other choices like a handle on top etc.

These bags are great for traveling as they are very durable and if something spills on them, they clean up perfectly.
 
t21p said:
Well, I've had a Timbuk2 Medium Messenger bag for a couple of years now, and I can recommend it heartily.

The bag can take lots of abuse without breaking a sweat. It's been a protecting home for a 2006 15" MBP, a 2008 13" MBP and now to a brand new 15" MBP, it has a ample space for storage, and it's comfortable to carry even on a bike -- and it looks stylish in it's own nonchalant way, certainly if you compare it to most laptop bags or backpacks.

I wouldn't replace mine for anything else. I've actually used it as luggage for weekend trips - the bag is really that good.

So, without a doubt: the messenger's fantastic.
Click to expand...

Good to know! Thank you! Did you have a custom one made online or did you order one of the premade colors? Also, is it weatherproof?
 
wirelessmacuser said:
I'm very picky when it comes to cases that I use to carry my laptops in. (yes plural ;))

I have been using TimBuk2 (amongst other brands) for over six years now, and they are really terrific bags. I have the original Timbuk2 Commute and now the Commute 2.0. If you like messenger style bags you will love TimBuk2. I also have other top end messenger bags like Chrome, Crumpler, Manhattan Portege and others.

I would also encourage you to look at the "Build Your Own Bag" option, here is a link:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/bagbuilder

I've had a few of these custom made bags done for my other MacBook Pros and my ThinkPads and they are really nice. The beauty of the custom bags is choice of colors for every part of the bag. You also have other choices like a handle on top etc.

These bags are great for traveling as they are very durable and if something spills on them, they clean up perfectly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. Do you feel that the commute is a bit big and bulk and dosent feel like other messengers? Is this laptop compartment on the bag weatherproof?
 
Funny, I was just looking at these bags the other day. According to the reviews here: http://www.rei.com/product/789263 the commute 2.0 is not completely weatherproof, don't know about the other one.

I went into REI to test out the commute bag and they're awesome. I love all the compartments offered by the commute. I'm a fan of timbuk2 bags so I'm definitely going to pick it up. Plus it hardly rains in the part of CA I'm in so I don't think the fact that it's not completely weatherproof will be a problem.

The best prices I've found are on Amazon. They directly sell all the medium size bags. I'm gonna get the gunmetal/safety cone color. :D
 
i got my wife and a co-worker the D-Lux Messenger bags last week (i get 60% off discounts for working in the outdoor industry). they are very nice and the construction is pretty decent. if i didn't already have a ReLoad messenger bag, i would be all over these....

anyhow, not sure if that helps.... but for what i paid, these are sweet bags!
 
ozreth said:
Good to know! Thank you! Did you have a custom one made online or did you order one of the premade colors? Also, is it weatherproof?
Click to expand...
I had one custom made on the Timbuk2 site, because, as macwirelessuser aready mentioned, you can have it made just as you want. Handle at the top, the colours and fabrics just as you want them, and there are options for interior padding, compartments and everything - it's more fun than the apple store for custom builds :)

I would judge my bag as weatherproof, but not 100%: as with any other messenger-type bag, cycling around in a torrential downpour will probably get something wet. But then, when it's really that bad outside I would try not to be in the rain for too long. And that strategy has kept my hardware dry for quite some time now.
 
t21p said:
I had one custom made on the Timbuk2 site, because, as macwirelessuser aready mentioned, you can have it made just as you want. Handle at the top, the colours and fabrics just as you want them, and there are options for interior padding, compartments and everything - it's more fun than the apple store for custom builds :)

I would judge my bag as weatherproof, but not 100%: as with any other messenger-type bag, cycling around in a torrential downpour will probably get something wet. But then, when it's really that bad outside I would try not to be in the rain for too long. And that strategy has kept my hardware dry for quite some time now.
Click to expand...

So you actually chose the weatherproof panels when you bought it? I like it just how it is but REALLY want the strap, but a custom bag costs a good $50 dollars more, plus 15 dollars per panel for weatherproof : /
 
I have a commute 2.0 and love it. My old gripe is that there is no small storage on the outside of the bag. Id like to be able to quickly throw my keys/iphone into a small zipper pouch maybe on the flap. Other than that awesome bag!!
 
Damn, people seem to love both equally. Hmmmmmmmmmm....I wish they sold them in stores around me. REI does but they have a very slim selection.

You guys should post pictures of some your bags with some stuff in them : )
Im leaning towards the d-lux, just wish it had a strap (without paying 50 bucks for it)
I like the idea of the commute having the laptop compartment on the back....

arrghh.
 
ksmith80209 said:
I'll make it even more difficult - how about the Tom Bihn Ego?
Click to expand...

Nah, not my style. Thanks for trying to bring me closer to the bottom of the barrel though :)

This decision is almost as hard as my current battle with myself on whether or not to sell my current MBP just so I can get a new one with a matte screen even though I am content with the specs.

I've got problems. And not enough money to solve them.
 
ozreth said:
You guys should post pictures of some your bags with some stuff in them : )
Click to expand...
If you want to see what people use their bags for, check the timbuk2 photo pool on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/timbuk2/pool/ - it's crazy what some people lug around during the day.
ozreth said:
So you actually chose the weatherproof panels when you bought it?
Click to expand...
Actually, no:I have one of those 'ballistic nylon' bags, and it's more than weatherproof enough for me.
 
t21p said:
If you want to see what people use their bags for, check the timbuk2 photo pool on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/timbuk2/pool/ - it's crazy what some people lug around during the day.

Actually, no:I have one of those 'ballistic nylon' bags, and it's more than weatherproof enough for me.
Click to expand...

Geez, youre right about the pics haha.

The commute seems like it would be more weather proof if you get rained on because the laptop is zipped up, whereas the dlux the top is open (although covered by the bags flap)

Probably gonna go with the dlux though, just wish the damn thing had a handle, maybe ill find a way to install one myself ha.
 
I'm gonna be the black sheep in the group but when I went to REI I ended up walking away with the Osprey Astro I tried the messenger 2.0 and did not think it was as comfortable, nor as easy to adjust the strap when compared to the Osprey. The only thing that I really was digging on the Timbuk2 was the rubber-like bottom. Is the weatherproofing you all are talking about a service Timbuk2 does?
 
Balaamsdonkey said:
I'm gonna be the black sheep in the group but when I went to REI I ended up walking away with the Osprey Astro I tried the messenger 2.0 and did not think it was as comfortable, nor as easy to adjust the strap when compared to the Osprey. The only thing that I really was digging on the Timbuk2 was the rubber-like bottom. Is the weatherproofing you all are talking about a service Timbuk2 does?
Click to expand...
No, Timbuk2 bags are made out of their specially treated material. It is not done after the bag is assembled. That's one of the reasons I really like them. I often travel to London in winter & Timbuk2 offers complete protection in heavy rain. Also after a few weeks of everyday use they break in nicely. The straps & bag material become more flexible & very comfortable.
 
I'm trying to make the same decision!! I just got a new 13" MBP and want a Timbuk2. I went to look at both of these last night and still can't decide which one to get!! Any other suggestions or thoughts would be great!

Commute 2.0 or D-Lux Stripe/Bondage
 
I'd also like to throw the D-Lux Bondage into the mix....any thoughts? I just can't decide if I like the laptop section on the commute 2.0 even though that is the main selling point.....
 
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