Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag

I've had this bag for a few months now. I needed time to get used to it, but I've now had it long enough to write an intelligent review.I bought this bag as a temporary replacement for my Timbuk2 Claro bag, which was in need of repair. I have since received the Claro bag back from Timbuk2's repair facility, but I have yet to "move" back into it, simply because the Command bag is so much nicer. It has more organizer pockets than the Claro bag does, and it seems to me that more thought and planning went into the Command bag's pockets. They're just better for organizing the things I need to carry with me, which makes it easier to find what I need. I can access more parts of the bag without taking it off. It also seems to be more durably built than the Claro bag.One thing I really like about the Command bag is that the laptop/tablet compartment is in the back, accessible via a separate zipper closure. There is adequate padding to keep your laptop nicely protected, and there's a separate, Velcro-closed pocket in that compartment for your tablet. It has enough room to accommodate a 10-11" tablet. This makes the laptop and tablet more easily accessible than they would be if I had to open the main flap, and I'm also less worried about either one getting marred by the pens and tools I keep in the main compartment. I've been out in the wet weather with this bag, and the weatherproof zipper does a good job of keeping the laptop and tablet dry.The main compartment has a roomy area for large items, and it's large enough to swallow a second 15.6" laptop if I need to bring one back to my home office for repair. I've also been known to stick a few odd items in there when I've had to pick up small items from stores like Best Buy for clients, but the bag is really not large enough to use as a general shopping bag. All around the main compartment are handy storage pockets; a couple larger ones closed off by a zipper and a Velcro patch, respectively, and others that are just handy spots for tools, pens, etc. It's easy to organize your things in this bag.One glaring difference between my Claro bag and this one is the stabilizer strap. The Claro came with a very flimsy connector loop for its stabilizer strap, and the strap quickly broke off and got lost. Timbuk2 fixed this problem on the Command bag; both ends of its stabilizer strap have durable connectors. That's a good thing, as you'll see when you read about my couple of gripes, below.There are several pockets accessible from the outside, without opening the main flap. One is a pocket right inside the flap. I want to say it's about 6" by 6" square. I keep my bicycle lights in there, where I can get at them easily. It would also accommodate most cell phones, although a phablet probably would not fit. There is another pocket under the main flap, but accessible via a zipper on the side of the bag, that runs across the entire front of the bag. It's big enough to accommodate a bike lock, although I prefer to simply carry my bike lock on the bag's carry handle while I'm riding. I've been known to keep a couple of reusable shopping bags in there; I can sling those over my handlebars while riding home, and that's how I handle small shopping trips. Finally, there is a vertical pocket located on the left front side of the bag, and it's shaped suspiciously like a laptop charger. I think Timbuk2 even refers to it as a charger pocket. My charger actually lives in a mesh bag that I keep in the main compartment, but I use this "charger" pocket for some of my lesser-used tools.This is simply how I use my Command bag. What actually sold me on it was a YouTube video from an IT consultant who had run electrical and USB cables through his bag and essentially created a mobile desk out of it! I figured that a bag that versatile couldn't disappoint, and so far, mine hasn't.I have a few minor gripes about this bag, but they're not enough for me to dock it any stars:1. I'm a short man, just 5'4" tall, and I find that the strap can't be adjusted quite short enough for my liking. I'm guessing that shorter men, as well as women under about 5'8" (typical feminine proportions include shorter torsos and longer legs, although, of course, YMMV), will not find this bag comfortable for cycling. However, the work-around, for me, is the stabilizer strap. The main carry strap gets *just* short enough to keep the bag away from my bike's working parts, and I can actually keep it in its shortest position while putting the bag on and taking it off. Once the bag is on my shoulder, and my bike lock is attached to the carry handle, I attach the stabilizer strap, which keeps the bag from swinging into any part of the bike. I still wish the main strap got a little shorter, but this works for me.2. There are two ways to fasten the main flap: a pair of metal clips, and a pair of Velcro strips. I'm not enamored of either, but for various reasons, I've settled on using the metal clips. (They're really supposed to be used interchangeably, with the Velcro strips providing the snuggest closure, and the metal clips providing the quietest, i.e., avoiding the loud tearing sound that Velcro makes when you pull the hooks off of the loops.) The problem with the clips is that while they're generally easy enough to close, the flap has to be at just the right angle to get them open again; otherwise, they get stuck. I find that to open them, I have to take the bag off my shoulder, lay it on a flat surface, get the end of the flap as close to the bag body as possible and slide the clips out of their cordura loops. It's inconvenient to have to put that much thought into opening the bag, but on the other hand, at least I have no worries about it flying open while I'm riding.3. Not enough reflective material. My Claro bag is literally covered with reflective material. The whole bag shines brightly when a headlight beam hits it. My Command bag has just a few reflective highlights. I ride both day and night, and would prefer more reflective material.Those few issues aside, I'm finding my Command bag a lot easier to live with and more pleasant to use than my Claro bag, which is why I'm still using it as my primary bag.

I have always loved leather messenger bags & have been using one for many years now. I love the durability and the rugged look after they age some. I finally decided to replace my ancient leather bag & update to something new that could accommodate my laptop, iPad, chords , cables , etc...Without any doubt I knew I wanted leather so researched leather messenger bags forever until ordering one. A few minutes after opening it & trying it out, I knew it wasn’t large enough to do what I needed so I returned it. I then ordered a larger style that I knew should work. I loved the smell & look of it and it fit my stuff, but didn’t provide a lot of organization & the weight made it a little cumbersome. I decided it really wasn’t practical for me, so decided I needed to try another style. I then researched canvas type bags and kept seeing Timbuk2. I needed a large bag and the Commander seemed to have everything I needed. After thoroughly looking, I decided on it & ordered. I got the large in midway color, bc it was half price & other colors I wanted weren’t available in large. I was reluctant to change to a bag that wasn’t leather, but it was definitely a GREAT decision...I absolutely love this bag! I like a somewhat rugged look but still professional enough for my job & Timbuk2 does all that. The webbing along the front w/ the aluminum hooks give it a somewhat backpacking kind of look. I love the hook & webbing closures, it allows you options to close based on how much you are carrying & how tight you want it closed. I had no issues getting used to the hooks & find it easy to use & one of my favorite features. The padded laptop section on the back side is easily accessed by a zipper & actually fits my laptop w/ the sleeve along with my iPad that goes in the designated pocket. I’ve never had a bag that the padded compartment actually has that much room, to fit a 17” laptop & iPad so easily is so nice. The napoleon pockets are awesome & extremely useful, I didn’t know how much I needed them until using this bag. The larger one is apprx the length of the bag & allows easy access to my wallet, keys or anything else you want to have quick access to without removing the bag. The microfiber type lining in the smaller pocket above is great for phones, glasses, etc... it could be larger but happy w/ that feature. On the same end is a side mesh pocket for a water bottle, etc...The other side has vertical zipped pocket , which is good for cables , chargers, etc... The fact that the top flap is lined to be waterproof is a great feature as well. The main compartment is very large & I can easily fit another laptop, files , books , etc... It also has a separate compartment that has Velcro closure & has many uses. The bag is versatile & makes a great overnight or carryon bag. The shoulder strap is by far the best I’ve had. It’s comfortable & easy to adjust with its impressive design. You simply pull the strap to desired tightness & close the clamp. The additional chest strap is a nice bonus that allows you additional support , similar to a backpack, so the bag doesn’t move & bounce all over the place when running around. The handle is nice to have and doesn’t detract from the traditional messenger bag style. There is a large zippered pocket, pen holders & 2 mid size pockets inside on lining of the back of main compartment. Its a high quality bag & seems very durable & a bag that should last a very long time...& the lifetime warranty backs that up. If I knew how convenient a bag like this was, I would have went away from leather a long time ago. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this bag. It’s not perfect, it doesn’t sit flat & tends to fall over, they could have utilized the flap or backside, where luggage strap pass through is, and added another pocket & a few other things, but it’s by far the best messenger bag I’ve owned!