Timbuk2 is a bag manufacturer from San Francisco, California in the United States. It was founded in 1989 by a bike messenger named Rob Honeycutt. The name Timbuk2 comes from an American rock band called Timbuk3. The logo is meant to look like a bicycle wheel turning.
It makes well-built custom bags in San Francisco and the mass-produced (as in non-customized) bags come from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. At the time of this writing, there are 8 stores open as well, so you can go and try the bags out in person.
Back around 2008 or so, I won a contest for storytelling in podcast form. The prize was a Dell Mini netbook (really small laptop) that came with a custom Timbuk2 bag made especially for the netbook. This was my first introduction to TB2 and for more than a decade, I’ve purchased far too many of their bags… I’ve genuinely purchased more than 20 since my introduction to them. If you’ve got a problem like I do, you may be interested in the /r/manybaggers subreddit.
I will be up front and say I don’t like most of their designs. Some of them seem too flashy or impractical for me, but there are a solid 30% that really appeal to me in a big way.
I’ll also say their bags are not cheap. If you’re looking for a $20 bag for the weekend, well you may find something on clearance, but TB2 makes some of the highest quality bags I’ve ever seen. You’ll spend at least $50 for most of their product line, I’ve personally spent over $200 for a few of the bags I have. What you’re also paying for is the lifetime warranty.
Timbuk2 bags have a lifetime warranty; we stand behind the legendary quality and craftsmanship of all our products. Our warranty is valid only when an eligible Timbuk2 product is purchased through Timbuk2 directly (via timbuk2.com or one of our brick-and-mortar retail stores) or through an Authorized Reseller.
As I write this, my main two bags I carry with me at home or while traveling are TB2 messenger bags. The only other bag I use is an Under Armour backpack, mostly because I prefer the way UA makes its backpacks… I’ve got very broad shoulders and their backpacks feel more comfortable for my body type.
I genuinely love Timbuk2’s bags and will be a customer for the rest of my life, I have no doubt. Give their site/store a browse and see what they can offer you. If you don’t like the bag, you can return it pretty easily as well.