Timbik2 Blogger *wool*

Timbuk2 Blogger *Wool*
Overall Rating: 9/10
Acquired January 2008

Overview:

I recently bought a MacBook, and my new work (HP) laptop is almost identical in dimensions. In other words, I needed a bag I could use to commute to the office and safely transport and protect either of my laptops. This led me to the Timbuk2 Blogger (‘07) bag. When I came across a limited edition version made with wool instead of the usual nylon, I was sold. The Blogger is a variation on the classic messenger bag: it is oriented so the laptop (and any books, notepads, etc) ride vertically in the bag.

The Upside:

While the standard nylon materials that Timbuk2 uses are top-notch, the wool on this version of the Blogger really gives the bag an extra touch of class and refinement. I imagine the same could be said for the other limited-edition materials that Timbuk2 offers.

The build quality and hardware are fantastic. The strap is comfortable, quickly adjustable, and the bag itself is very lightweight. One of my favorite design elements is the sliding shoulder pad. At first, I thought this might be a source of annoyance, requiring me to constantly adjust the pad. instead, it has proved to be an ingenious way to allow you to swing the bag from behind you to in front of you (for access or security) while allowing the shoulder pad to remain where it should be: on your shoulder.

I also love the corduroy-lined laptop sleeve. On the Blogger, the sleeve is fixed to the back of the bag, and there's a wide Velcro strap that secures a padded corduroy "door" at the top. Since the laptop is almost always vertical, you almost don't need this, but it enables the bag to protect your laptop from all sides.

The Downside:

I have very few complaints about this bag. Because your satisfaction with this bag will depend largely on your personal needs, I should phrase my criticisms as "considerations" of your needs versus mine.

The bag's capacity is relatively limited. If you need more space than about the volume of two more laptops, you may need a different bag. Of course, you can always use the space in the laptop sleeve during the times you're mot transporting your laptop. (I do this a lot.)

The nylon version of this bag has a rubber base, which is great to protect the bag from dirty, wet floors. The wool version just has a wool base. This had made me a LOT more reluctant to put my bag on the ground.

The only real complaint I have about the bag is the lack of external stretch pockets. If I want to carry a bottle of water, or stow a wet umbrella, I need to put those items inside the bag. This is not always ideal, especially if you’re toting other items that you may not want to get wet. UPDATE: The new version of the Blogger bag has added two of these pockets, so it looks like Timbuk2 is on the case.

Specifications:

• Vertical shoulder bag featuring ballistic nylon exterior, classic Timbuk2 three-panel design and a built-in padded laptop compartment (fits 15" laptop)
• Wool exterior
• Exterior zip pocket with secured organizer pockets, ticket pass holder, cell phone pocket and key ring tether
• Main compartment with MP3 pocket
• Built in padded laptop compartment
• Padded handle
• Quick-adjust cam shoulder strap
• Laptop Fit Summary: Fits Apple 12" and 15" PowerBooks, and standard PC laptops with dimensions up to 15.5" x 10.75" x 1.5"
• Volume: 793 cu. in. (13 L)
• Weight: 2.35 lb. (1.07 kg)
• Dimensions: 11.75"w x 15"h x 7"d (29.85 x 38.10 x 17.78 cm)

The Verdict:

I’ve been carrying this bag every day for 2 months now, and it’s been a pleasure. It does everything I need it to do, and it’s a joy to handle the wool material. It lies flat and close to my body, and its vertical design makes it narrower than I am wide. These are great attributes when commuting on a crowded subway.

If you can get your hands on one of these bags, I highly recommend it.